Mike asked about the possibilities of BU moving Chris O'Sullivan back
to defense and the impact it will have on Mike Grier. Here's my
thoughts:
 
As an individual player, there is no question. O'Sullivan should play
defense, which he did from time to time last year in penalty-killing
and four-on-four situations. BU returns four proven defensemen, plus
Jeff Kealty who never adjusted to the collegiate level last year. So if
Kealty or freshman Dan Ronan isn't ready to go, Coach Jack Parker has a
decision to make.
 
BU has been at its best in recent years when defense comes first, so I
would not be surprised to see Parker strengthen the blue line corps at
the expense of the attack. Remember, BU lacks a second proven goalie so
either Noble will have to play every night or the freshman Michel
Larocque will need a confident defense in front of him.
 
Mike Grier does not need Chris O'Sullivan playing the opposite wing.
What he needs is a center who can get him the puck the way Steve
Thornton did last year and defensemen who can use his bulk as a screen,
which O'Sullivan will do wonderfully. Hopefully Mike Sylvia can be that
center.
 
This BU team will likely struggle, particularly with Parker and some of
his players committed to the World Junior Tournament, to be held in
Boston over Christmas. In the past, that has meant that Parker will be
juggling his line combinations. Expect this to happen a few times this
year (as opposed to the last two years where Parker really had few
excuses to change except for the Providence game last year). But
however things shake out, I expect this team to be ready to defend its
"Triple Crown" of Beanpot, Hockey East, and National titles.
 
Nine days to Midnight Madness!
 
Patrick Abegg
 
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