Apologies to everyone coming for a preview of tonight’s game. I actually wrote one. But then when I published it WordPress reverted to an earlier draft. Then when I tried to fix it, it got wiped. As I’m already at McGuirk Stadium for today’s homecoming football game, my abilities to try to retrieve it are limited.
The Republican, Hampshire Gazette, and BU’s Daily Free Press all have good previews of the game. As does the Fight Mass blog.
Sorry!
Posted by rocks22 on October 16, 2010
https://fearthetriangle.com/2010/10/16/technical-difficulties/
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Fear The Triangle - UMass Hockey Blog 
Jay W.
/ October 16, 2010HERE YA GO:
#10 Boston University Terriers 2-0-0 (0-0-0)
vs
Massachusetts Minutemen 0-2-0 (0-0-0)
Just a few weeks ago when I was writing my Hockey East preview and picking BU fifth I said if the Terriers were able to go out and win the Icebreaker without two of their best players I would throw my predictions out the window. Well they went ahead and did just that, beating Notre Dame and Wisconsin to capture the trophy. It demonstrates that UMass and Jeff Teglia, making his first start in place of the injured Paul Dainton, have quite a challenge ahead of them.
The heroes of last weekend for BU were David Warsofsky, one of the best defensemen in the country, and their captain Joe Pereira. Warsofsy had five points in St Louis with a couple goals. Pereira, known as more of a grinder type forward, suddenly turned goalscoter for the weekend, netting three of them. Of course Joe will be one of the storylines tonight as he takes on younger brother Mike in the matchup. BU also got some impressive performances from their young guys out west, especially Sahir Gill who had five points and Charlie Coyle who added an assist and a goal. Overall this team put up four and five goals against two ranked teams. Certainly with the return of suspended forwards Corey Trivino and Alex Chiasson one would expect the offensive production to continue.
On defense is where BU could be vulnerable. Warsofsky is top notch, but BU will need some of their younger blueliners to step up. Yes the team put up some points in St Louis, but they gave some up too. In fact the way they started out trading goals with Notre Dame I almost thought we’d see double digits. Guys like Max Nicastro will have to be a bigger impact on defense if BU is to be successful tonight and beyond. Especially since they’re playing in front of the serviceable but not spectacular duo of kieran Millan and Grant Rolliheiser.
For UMass I think they have to build off what we saw last weekend. Granted it was a two loss weekend, but the team showed a lot of promise. The team may not be as challenged offensively as we may have thought given what they lost from last year. Though, it’s essential for the team to establish a lead rather than trying to come from behind as they did in the Twin Cities. On offense T.J. Syner showed that he has the ability to take on that goto guy role. Danny Hobbs was very active and will likely switch between an offensive setup guy and someone who is pulling pucks out of the corner. Freshmen Mike Pereira and Conor Sheary showed that they’re ready to contribute right away in their college career.
Defense will certainly determine the outcome of most of the games, including this one against BU. While the defense looked good during some points, for a lot of the time the Minnesota forwards were able to get good position to shoot on Dainton and Teglia. It is essential that young guys like Conor Allen, Adam Phillips, and Colin Shea continue to move on defense and challenge the guys coming into the zones. Especially given the energetic Terrier offense. It’s a lot of pressure but UMass also needs guys like Mike Marcou to play mistake free hockey. This is especially key when you consider that a freshman goaltender will be making his debut. I know some UMass fans are already down on Teglia based on his performance in the exhibition game and the sub time in Minnesota. I see a guy who is very active but as advertised is a bit unorthodox. But overall he seems solid. Solid enough to take on BU and win in a building where UMass has had minimal success? Well that’s a lot to ask. But maybe he’s up to the task.
Of course UMass is still dealing with a lot of injuries. Dainton is definitely out this weekend and perhaps for the home opener. I’m sad to report that Stephen Guzzo will not be able to play this season after being injured in the practice before the first game out in Minnesota. Joel Hanley is still away from the team. In better news Troy Power was at pratice yesterday and looked to be in good shape. UMass will certainly need everyone and anyone that’s healthy to do well this weekend.
Beer The Triangle
Ok, I do have to mention that I will not be in attendance for tonight’s game at Agganis. I have already made the trek west for homecoming and will likely be listening to the radio broadcast of the hockey game following today’s football game. However, for those venturing onto Comm Ave I have to recommend the Sunset Cantina for pregame. The little brother of the legendary Sunset Grill in Brighton still has a great, but smaller, beer list than its counterpart. If they have it I recommend an Avery Reverend. But don’t have too many or you’ll forget the game. For me I’ll be sitting somewhere in “E” lot next to McGuirk drinking the fine beers that are associated with the tailgate I attend. Personally I’m leaning towards something from Smuttynose. Agganis or McGuirk. I hope you can make either for this fine Homecoming weekend.
Δ
Dick Baker talks about the pattern of UMass success against BU early in the season.
Matt Vautour focuses on today’s Pereira matchup.
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rocks22
/ October 16, 2010That’s the nonedited one. But thanks!
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anonoymous
/ October 17, 2010awesome game last night, teglia played unreal after a shaky start. nice to see toot sticking with all 4 lines, team had great energy in final period.
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rocks22
/ October 17, 2010Yeah, sounds like it was a good game. Knowing what I know now I should’ve left football at halftime and hightailed it to Boston.
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