Men's College Hockey Game of the Week: No.13 Boston University vs. No.10 Quinnipiac

Usually, these articles are for the Men’s College Hockey Series of the Week. But, this week, it’s a little bit different. Instead of a series, this week’s top matchup is only one game. In this game, the No.13 Boston University Terriers will face off against the No.10 Quinnipiac Bobcats.

Ever since its series against Michigan State, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Boston University. After being swept by Sparty, the Terriers would split their series against the then No. 11-ranked UConn Huskies, followed by being swept by the then No.12 Maine Blackbears.

But, it hasn’t all been bad for Boston. Heading into its game against Quinnipiac, it is coming off an earned sweep over Merrimack.

Despite struggling in the recent series, Boston University is loaded with offensive talent. Its leading goal scorer, New York Islanders first-round prospect and forward Cole Eiserman, leads the Terriers in goals with six in seven games played.

In the assists category, the talent and production does not slow down. Their assist leader, Washington Capitals second-round prospect, defenseman Cole Hutson, leads the roster with ten assists in 11 games.

Where the Terriers have struggled the most is in net. Sophomore goaltender Mikhail Yegorov has a .888 save percentage in 11 games played. His backup, junior Max Lacroix has posted an .886 save percentage in two appearances.

Unlike Boston University, Quinnipiac has been far more consistent. Currently, the No.10 Bobcats have an overall record of 6-3-2 and an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) record of 1-1-0.

Quinnipiac this season has earned a sweep over Maine, a win over Boston College, and a win over New Hampshire. The Bobcats are coming off of a 4-3 overtime win over Brown.

For the first time this season, we have a tie for team goal leader. Senior forward Jeremy Wilmer and sophomore forward Chris Pelosi both have six goals on the year.

If you thought that there would only be one statistical tie, you would be wrong. Freshman forward Ethan Wyttenbach and freshman forward Markus Vidicek share the team leader in assists with seven this year.

Similar to Boston University, Quinnipiac's goaltending play has been subpar. Junior goaltender Matej Marinov has a .899 save percentage in seven games between the pipes. The other goaltender, junior Dylan Silverstein has a 8.97 save percentage in four games.

While much of the blame for BU can be placed on the play of their goaltenders, they don’t deserve all of it. Particularly against Maine, the Terriers’ defense allowed Maine’s forward to have plenty of open ice and plenty of rebound chances right in front of the net.

If the defense and goal tenders play tighter, then BU can pull off the upset.

For Quinnipiac, it’s the little things, especially in their loss in the Battle of Whitney Avenue against Yale, Quinnipiac, after gaining a 2-0 lead, became lazy on the backcheck, out of position on defense and it struggled to break the puck out of the zone.

All of these instances led to the three goals and the eventual empty-netter Yale needed to secure the 4-2 win.

For Quinnipiac to win, it needs to stay alert throughout the game and not get too confident or comfortable when it has a significant lead.

Puckdrop for this top 15 matchup will be set for 4:00 on Saturday at M&T Bank Arena in Hamden, Connecticut. If you wish to watch at home, the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Max Malec is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mvm7264@psu.edu.