Despite finishing the 2009 calendar year on a disappointing note with consecutive losses to the Connecticut Huskies, the Boston University Terriers still proved to be a formidable squad in the Hockey East conference. Overall, the team finished the year ranked tenth overall in the country, posting an 8-6-8 overall record, with a 4-4-3 record in conference play.
One significant reason for the Terriers success this season has been the exceptional play from their underclassmen. In particular, sophomore forward Jenelle Kohanchuk and freshman forward Jill Cardella have instilled toughness, tenacity, and energy into the Terriers front line, which ranks as one of the premier offenses in the league. They are currently the two leading goal scorers on the team, with Kohanchuk scoring twelve goals and Cardella adding on ten. Additionally, both women have been extremely aggressive with the puck, as they have already combined to fire 149 shots on goal.
Furthermore, the dazzling contributions from the underclassmen can be attributed to the impressive play of senior forward Melissa Anderson, who is the unquestioned captain of this team. First, she has already tallied a team-leading 23 points, while orchestrating a Terrier offense that ranks second overall in the Hockey East conference. More notably, her leadership has fostered the growth and development of the other forwards on the team, as she has been very vocal and animated throughout the season. Coach Brian Durocher characterized Melissa Anderson as “a player who makes everyone around her better through her commitment, dedication, and leadership both on and off the ice.”
However, despite the tremendous offense the Terriers have been able to generate this season, they have only been able to salvage a mediocre record this year. The Terriers are currently fifth in the conference and have endured multiple heartbreaking losses. For example, the Terriers have already allowed top-tier teams like the Connecticut Huskies, the UNH Wildcats, and the Ohio State Buckeyes to come back and salvage either a draw or a victory late in regulation.
Therefore, while the Terriers have displayed the potential to become an elite team, they still have some glaring issues and weaknesses. Here are the top five keys for the Terriers in the second half of the season, in order to improve their position in the Hockey East conference :
1. Penalty Kill: Special teams defense has been an Achilles Heel for this team throughout the season, as the Terriers rank dead last in the conference in penalty killing, allowing a goal approximately every five power plays. Far too often, this unit has been unable to control the puck during the opponents’ power plays, which has resulted in numerous scoring opportunities for the opposition.
2. Turnovers: During the latter stages of the year, the Terriers committed several costly turnovers in their own zone and near center ice that led to numerous breakaway opportunities for the opponents. For example, while leading 2-0 in Connecticut, the Terriers committed an inexplicable four turnovers in their own zone in the second period alone that allowed the Huskies to score three goals and eventually come back and defeat the Terriers. On the other hand, the Terriers have been able force several turnovers of their own and capitalize on them, especially during the critical win at Princeton, where junior forward Lauren Cherewyk scored the game-winner off a turnover. Thus, the Terriers need to focus on winning the turnover battle in every game from here on out.
3. Goaltending: Starting senior goalie Melissa Haber has done an adequate job during the first half of the season. She has had a number of sensational games throughout the season, including two shutouts over rival Boston College and Vermont. In addition, she has bailed out the defense a number of times with spectacular saves off quality scoring opportunities. However, despite her successes, she has also been inconsistent at times, as she has allowed too many savable shots to enter the net. This has contributed to her mediocre goaltending, as she has allowed an average of 2.30 goals per game. Over the second half of the season, the Terriers need Melissa Haber to establish consistency and keep the team in every game with solid goaltending.
4. Ability to Overcome Adversity: Too often this season, the Terriers have had an emotional breakdown after allowing a goal, which has resulted in a number of defeats. For instance, the Terriers allowed three goals in a six minute stretch in a loss at Clarkson, three goals in a three minute stretch in a loss at Providence, and two goals in a one minute stretch in a loss at Connecticut. Instead of changing their identity and becoming a passive team after allowing a goal, the Terriers need to maintain their aggression and stick to their game plan once making a mistake.
5. Puck Possession: The strength of the Terriers team lies in the front line, where the Terriers have absolutely terrorized opponents this year. Their most complete efforts this season have come when they have controlled the puck, made crisp passes, and have garnered quality scoring opportunities. For example, in clearly their best win over the season over #3 ranked New Hampshire, the Terriers secured the puck for the majority of the game and ultimately wore down the UNH defense over the course of the game. Controlling the puck will additionally enable the defense to remain sharp at the end of games and ease the pressure on goaltender Melissa Haber.
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