The Boston University women’s hockey team will face intra-city rival No. 9 Northeastern University this weekend for a home and home series. The Terriers (11-8-11, 7-6-4-2 Hockey East), who sit in fifth place in the Hockey East standings, are only three points behind the Huskies (16-7-5, 8-5-4-3), who are tied for second.
“There are two weeks left, and it is move-time for everybody,” said BU coach Brian Durocher. “I like our chances where we stand, as far as holding ground somewhere in the two to five spot, ultimately we would love to get up to No. 2 spot and have a bye.”
BU has already faced Northeastern twice this season with similar results. On Jan. 26, the Terriers skated to a 2-2 tie, before the Huskies won the shootout, 2-0, at Matthews Arena. Last week, the Terriers closed a four-goal deficit before falling again in a shootout by the same score during the first round of the Beanpot at the Bright Hockey Center.
Northeastern’s strength lies in its defense and goaltending. The Huskies lead HE in defense, giving up only 1.54 goals per game. Junior Leah Sulyma has been a rock in net for the Huskies, since sophomore goalie Florence Schelling left Northeastern to prepare with the Swiss National Team for the Olympics. In eight starts, Sulyma is 5-2-1 with a 1.73 goals against average and a .95 save percentage.
“When you’re playing against a good goaltender you obviously got to get traffic in front of her,” Durocher said. “You’ve got not to be afraid to shoot the puck from funny angles. That will generate rebounds, generate second opportunities. If we do that there is a chance we can score goals. As long as we don’t try to get too cute, too pretty or take a whole bunch of shots, but no one is getting in front of the goaltender and screening, we will see if we can squeeze a couple by her.”
Durocher stated that strong defense is key when playing a team that is not known for scoring a lot of goals, but wins with defense.
“Our job is to make sure we play a good defensive game and aren’t afraid to win 1-0 or 2-1,” he said.
In the past two games, senior goalie Melissa Haber and freshman Alissa Fromkin have shared time in net. Now with the season coming to an end, coach Durocher trusts that his senior can help carry this team into the HE Tournament.
“Melissa Haber has had a very good career and season,” Durocher said. “We’ve got a senior who is experienced, who has been down this road before and I think that it is her opportunity to certainly see if she can carry us.”
