No. 6 women’s hockey looks to get back on track versus UConn

Following a tough week, the No. 6 Boston University women’s ice hockey team will look to rebound during a home-and-home series this weekend against the University of Connecticut.

The Terriers (6-3-1, 3-2 Hockey East) will open up the series in Storrs, Connecticut, Saturday before returning to the friendly confines of Walter Brown Arena Sunday.

Fresh off a 6-3 loss at the hands of crosstown rival Northeastern University on Tuesday, BU will have the chance to get back on track against a struggling Huskies (3-5-5, 0-1-2 Hockey East) squad.

Heading into the weekend, UConn has won just one of its last seven matchups, which have included four ties and two losses.

The Huskies are led by a talented senior duo. Forwards Sarah MacDonnell and Emily Snodgrass have accounted for 26 percent of UConn’s total offense this season. MacDonnell, a former member of Canada’s U18 team, leads her squad with nine points this year on four goals and five assists. Meanwhile, her linemate Snodgrass leads the team in goals with six, one of which was a game-winner.

“Anytime you’ve got people who are veterans and who have confidence, you have to be aware when they’re on the ice,” said BU coach Brian Durocher. “I don’t think you are ever playing in fear of somebody’s ability, but you certainly respect it. You make sure you’re not taking chances or doing things in the danger zone.”

Having given up 10 goals in their last two contests, the Terriers will need to step up defensively to beat the Huskies. In sophomore goaltender Victoria Hanson’s return to the ice against Northeastern, she was roughed up for five goals on just 28 shot attempts. Defenders such as seniors Shannon Doyle and Shannon Stoneburgh will have to do a better job of protecting whichever netminder starts for BU this weekend.

Between the pipes, the Huskies have been the beneficiaries of strong play from freshman Annie Belanger. The Sherbrooke, Quebec native has started four games this season and has a 1.68 goals against average and a .941 save percentage.

While goal-scoring remains a strong suit of this Terrier team, their offensive efficiency has fallen recently. Having maintained shooting percentages above .250 for most of the season, junior forward Rebecca Russo and freshman forward Rebecca Leslie have seen their marks dip to .240 and .222, respectively.

“The other night, we created plenty of good opportunities, but we really only had one go in,” Durocher said. “Of the ‘Grade A’ opportunities, we went zero for six. That’ll be our task to maybe concentrate a little longer on getting the puck off its edge. Hopefully, we’ll generate the same odd opportunities.

“Anytime you get in front of a good goaltender, you’ve got to make sure that you’re getting the outside shots, you’re putting pressure on her with screens, tips and deflections.”

Although they have sputtered in recent games, the Terriers will look to regain their consistency versus another struggling conference foe.

“It’s a new team, so it’s the first time we’ll get to look at them this year,” Durocher said. “Their team plays solid defensive hockey with a good goaltender and let offense happen when it does. But we know we’ll be in for a battle against a team that will play us close. We’d like to start the weekend in good fashion and have some momentum coming home.”