The Boston University women’s ice hockey team will seek to extend its three-game win streak when it takes on Hockey East rival Boston College in a home-and-home set. BU welcomes BC to Walter Brown Arena on Saturday, and will then travel to Chestnut Hill on Tuesday.
The Terriers (6-4, 4-1 Hockey East) struggled in early games this season, but have seemed to found what works for them as they have outscored their opponents 17-6 in their past three matches.
However, BC (10-0, 4-0 Hockey East) is looking to keep their perfect record intact.
BU coach Brian Durocher said he hopes his team can carry its recent offensive success into the pivotal series.
“[Sophomore goaltender Erin] O’Neil has played consistently, which has helped us,” Durocher said. “We’ve gotten contributions from different lines. The defense has been consistent [too]. They’ve been keeping it simple.”
O’Neil is 4-1 so far this season and her 2.32 goals-against average is good for fourth in the league.
BC’s primary goaltender, sophomore Katie Burt, is in a class all her own. Her 0.89 goals-against average and .958 save percentage earned her Hockey East’s Goaltender of the Month award. She is riding a three-game shutout streak, bringing her total to five on the season, which ranks second in the nation.
Hockey East has also sent honors BU’s way, naming freshman forward Sammy Davis Rookie of the Month. Davis has found net seven times, tying her with teammate junior forward Maddie Elia for the team-lead. Elia netted a hat trick in the Terriers’ most recent win over Yale University.
Sitting second in the league with 14 goals is unstoppable Eagles forward Alex Carpenter. The senior has put 63 shots on goal this season and her nine assists bring her point total to 23, which also ranks second in the league.
Carpenter is one of four Eagles who have scored five or more goals, and 13 have found twine at least once. Durocher said the Terrier defense will have to step up and play exceptionally well to shut down the Eagles. He said his team can’t stop one or two potent players and expect to be safe.
“That team is very deep, not just in the front, but defensively,” Durocher said. “You have to have a solid defensive mindset and understand when it’s time for a one-person forecheck, and when to get the second person involved. Our defensemen will have to be solid and strong in front of the net and make quick smart decisions.”
In last year’s Hockey East Tournament, the Terriers and Eagles met in the crucial championship contest. Though underdogs, Durocher’s side emerged as 4-1 victors, winning its fourth straight conference title in the process. With the win, BU also advanced to its sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament.
“That makes for an interesting dynamic,” Durocher said of last year’s game.
Durocher accurately described the rivalry for not only the players of both teams, but fans from both schools.
“In one word,” he said, “excitement.”
It was painful sitting through the game. BC dominated us in every way possible. It was embarrassing and frustrating hearing the BC students taunt us the entire game.