On Fri, 9 Jan 1998 22:37:38 -0500 Rich Shelley wrote:
 
> BC beats BU, 4-2, in what has become
> somewhat of a rarity -- a very well played
> all-hockey, no-BS Hockey East contest
> (and, even rarer, a well-officiated game).
 
Give BC credit.  They wanted this game a lot more than BU did, and the
Terriers paid the price.
 
The game started much like the prior matchup at Kelly Rink, with BU being
assessed a penalty for violation of hockey protocol.  Whereas the Eagles
were penalized last time for coming onto the ice too late, on Friday BU
was penalized for coming out too early.  This penalty seems awfully
silly.  The rules committee needs to review it, and then junk it.  Note
that in both circumstances the penalty cost neither team a goal.
 
After killing the penalty, BU scored two goals on their first two shots.
It looked like it would be a laugher.  Jerry York immediately called a
time-out, and then BU ...went ... to ... sleep.  This game showed BU's
weaknesses:
 
   * Too many penalties
   * Failure to capitalize on the power play
   * Inability to win face-offs
   * Loss of concentration over 60 minutes
 
BU will have to think long and hard after this one.  They could have taken
this one home early.  But BC never gave up and earned it.  If BU wants to
be there in March, they need to remember that every night the opponent
sees itself as David against Goliath.  Sure, BU wasn't going to win every
regular season game against BC forever, but last night the attitude caught
up with them.  Tonight they have their first meeting of the year against
Providence, a team playing very well whose clutch and grab style will
match very well against a team who skated poorly at times last night.
 
For every dark cloud, etc.  With Albie O'Connell's injury, BU was forced
to move reserve defenseman Keith Emery to the fourth line.  He responded
with a goal.  This kid looks to be a great find for a fourth line
forward.  Bobby Hanson made two great plays in his own end while playing
without his stick.  And the freshmen get more experience every night.
 
> The season series ends at 1-1-1, and sets up the possibility for one
> hell of a Beanpot final.
 
That is, if both teams win their first round game.  They are on a
collision course, though.  BU plays Northeastern, and BC plays Harvard.
This year's Beanpot is up for grabs.  Not only that, but the Hockey East
regular season title is wide open.  BU vs. BC head to head is 1-1-1.  BU
vs. UNH head to head is 1-1-1.  And BC vs. UNH head to head is 2-0-0 with
one game remaining.  All three teams have games remaining with Providence,
UMass-Lowell, and Northeastern.  It's going to be a great stretch run.
 
--
Edward N. Moller
Controller
Mount Ida College
Newton Centre, MA  02159-3323
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Tel:  (617) 928-4515
Fax:  (617) 928-4706
 
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