Brian Keane (photo by Karen Winger)

Though the result looks similar, last night’s game against BU at Agganis was actually very different than the previous one where they lost 7-3.  Yet a four goal loss was still the result. 

Unlike last game the Minutemen avoided being physically pushed around as much and they were able to generate offense.  In fact for the fourth time this season the team put over 40 shots on net.  But what’s really disturbing is that the team is 1-3 in those game, losing to BU, Bentley, and Providence.  In fact in those games where they’ve put up 40 shots or more they’ve managed just 2 goals three of the times and 1 goal the other.  I honestly have no idea what to make of those numbers.  Do they just so happen to keep running into really hot goaltenders or are they just making them look like they’re standing on their head?  Not being able to finish is a theme that’s beginning to haunt this team a bit.

What also hurt the Minutemen a lot tonight was penalties.  Beyond giving BU 5 power play chances, 2 of which they converted, the timing of the penalties is what really hurt them.  Toward the end of the 2nd just moments after Brian Keane got UMass on the board and helped get some momentum back Martin Nolet goes off for holding.  Mike Marcou’s penalty near the beginning of the third did not help, nor did Matt Irwin picking up a slashing call seconds after Nolet cut it to 2-4 with 10 minutes left.  UMass simply must play smarter and avoid bad penalties at the worst possible moments.

The last problem from this game was faceoffs.  Losing the faceoff battle 35-43 isn’t good but at the same time it isn’t horrible.  However, at least two of BU’s goals came directly off the faceoff.  If you’re going to lose faceoffs, make sure you don’t lose the ones in your own zone.

This is a weird team.  What makes them get up or down for games is beyond me.  Well, I take that back.  I know there is something about playing at Agganis that seems to intimidate the hell out of them.  But they’re going to have to get over it and develop a mental edge if they want to finish off what they’ve started this season.  They need to learn to win tough games on the road.  With so few home games left it’s essential if they want to accomplish anything this season.  We’ll see how they do tonight at the Coffin.  There are zero excuses for not coming away with two points.  Providence is having an awful season and even their one bright spot, Alex Beaudry, got knocked down a notch last night by giving up five 1st period goals and getting the hook.  Let’s hope for a repeat performance tonight.

Fear The Triangle Player of the Game – Brian Keane
Keane has been working pretty hard in the last few weeks, it was good to see him get on the score sheet for his efforts.  With a revolving door to the trainer’s room recently it would be great to have Keane be able to get points on a regular basis while guys like Lecomte and Hobbs are out injured.

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There were some interesting results around the league tonight as Merrimack beat UNH and Northeastern defeated Lowell.  The result is some pretty tight league standings.

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Dick Baker explores a lot of the same subjects I did above in his recap.

The Herald also has a short recap.

Mr. BU has the game story for USCHO.

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Jon Quick will be in Boston tonight to take on the Bruins.  With the way the local team is playing lately he’ll likely have a great chance at a shutout.  Ugh…