The Boston University men’s hockey team picked up four much-needed points in the Hockey East standings this weekend, climbing to second in the quest for the home-ice advantage in the postseason.
The No. 2 Terriers (16-5-1, 9-5-1 HE) beat Merrimack College, 4-1, at Lawler Arena on Friday before taking down No. 14 Boston College, 5-2, at Agganis Arena the next night.
Friday’s matchup with the Warriors (5-12-3, 2-10-2) ‘-‘- a game thoroughly dominated by a faster and stronger Terriers squad ‘-‘- was marred by a series of hits from behind that left several BU players injured and BU coach Jack Parker fuming in the post-game press conference.
‘I thought it was a pretty good hockey game for a while and then things were allowed to happen out there that made a mess out of the game,’ Parker said. ‘Our two guys got cold-cocked on vicious runs by the opposition. No [expletive] need for it whatsoever and yet they got two-minute minors.’
Seniors Chris Higgins and Matt Gilroy each fell victim to hard hits from behind, an offense that is supposed to be punished with a five-minute major and game misconduct. Gilroy’s right shoulder was dislocated, while Higgins was diagnosed with a concussion and required six stitches across his forehead.
In each instance, the Warrior player who committed the penalty was given only a two-minute minor for boarding. Parker had spoken recently about protecting the athletes on the ice, so Friday’s exhibition drew his ire.
