BU Hockey Weekend Preview: 10/14 and 10/15 Edition

After thrashing UNH for their first win of the year last Saturday, your BU Terriers look to continue their solid play against two quality opponents over the weekend.  While only one of the games counts for league standings, you better believe they'll both be good tilts. Without further ado, here's what to expect/look for this weekend.

Friday, October 14: BU at PC


While PC has long been a cellar dweller in Hockey East, the tides may be turning down in Providence as the Nate Leaman era begins for the friars.  Leaman, you may remember, was formerly the coach at Union College, leading Union to an ECAC regular season title and an NCAA tournament appearance this past season.  He takes over for the lowly Tim Army, who leaves behind the bitter taste of 6 miserable seasons, as well as his generally untalented son.  


PC graduated their top 4 leading scorers from last year, and will be looking to junior Tim Schaller (5g, 14a last season) to lead their scoring.  On the defensive side, Senior goalie Alex Beaudry will again get the majority of the work for the Friars in net.  He posted a respectable .902 save percentage and a 3.27 gaa in 31 games last season.  He will most likely be spelled by backup and fellow senior Justin Gates, who appeared in 8 games for the Friars last season and posted a .888 save % as well as a 3.24 gaa.


For whatever reason, the Friars always seems to play BU tough. They've won the season series against us a few times in the past handful of years, and should again be a tough test on Friday.  If you can't make it down to Schneider Arena on Friday, NESN will be broadcasting the game. So tune in!


Saturday, October 15: UDenver at BU


For the first time since 2009, BU and the University of Denver will meet Saturday night at Agganis.  BU is 3-2 against Denver in their last five meetings, and 6-4 in their last ten.  Denver, currently ranked third in the country, kicks off the regular season on Friday night at BC, and takes the green line a few miles down the road for Saturday.


The Pioneers return a boat load of talent from last year's roster, including many of their top scorers.  Drew Shore (23g, 23a), Jason Zucker (23g, 22a), and Luke Salazar (17g, 11a) look to lead the forwards in the scoring department after all posting solid seasons last year.  On the defensive side, David Makowski (6g, 24a) will anchor the blue line for the Pioneers.  In net, junior Adam Murray will be the #1 goaltender for Denver until Sam Brittain (.921, 2.28 last season) returns from suspension.

Denver looks to be a real tough test for this Terrier team.  While it doesn't count in the Hockey East standings, it gives the rest of us an early look at how good this year's Terrier squad really could be.

WEEKEND PREDICTION


Friday: BU 4 PC 1
Saturday: BU 4 UD 3