The #8 Boston University Terriers scored three powerplay goals, including a second period game winner by Tom Willander on Friday night to defeat #9 Maine 3-2 in men’s Hockey East play at Agannis Arena in Boston.
Both teams struck early in the first period. Maine scored before most of the fans settled into their seats. Thomas Freel skated down the left wing and in behind the Boston University net, and wrapped it around past goalie Mathieu Caron just 14 seconds into action for a quick 1-0 lead. It didn’t take the Terriers long to equalize, as they did so on the powerplay at 1:55 on a tally by Macklin Celebrini. Josh Nadeau had another good chance for the Black Bears when hit the post behind Caron late in the period. The hosts led in shots on goal 12-10, but it remained tied after 20 minutes.
It was all Boston University in the second period, scoring two goals on the powerplay. Quinn Hutson set up the first one, firing one in front from the right faceoff circle that was tipped home by Ryan Greene at 5:09. Maine took another penalty 47 seconds later for too many men on the ice, and the Terriers converted the eventual game winner on a tally from Willander to make it 3-1 at 7:55. The Black Bears had a good chance with a little less than three minutes left to cut the deficit in half, on a pass from Bradly Nadeau to Lynden Breen. Breen was led down the slot off the Nadeau feed, and tried to go forehand to backhand but was stopped by Caron to keep it a two goal lead.
Maine was able to cut that in half though in the third period. After an unsuccessful abbreviated powerplay of 1:43, the Black Bears would strike with their third extra man advantage of the night when Freel buried a rebound for his second goal of the night with 10:58 remaining. Dylan Peterson nearly extended the lead back to a pair for Boston University a little less than two minutes later, but was stopped on the doorstep by Victor Ostman. The guests had a few more good looks over the final 10:58 as well, but couldn’t find the equalizer even with Ostman pulled for an extra attacker late in suffering their first Hockey East loss.
Along with two goals from Freel, Luke Antonacci, Josh Nadeau, Harrison Scott, and Bradly Nadeau had one assist each. Ostman made 26 saves, as the four game unbeaten streak ended for Maine falling to 6-2-1 overall and 3-1-1 in Hockey East. Caron stopped 29 shots for Boston University, while Greene had one goal and one assist. The Terriers are now 7-3-1 and 4-1-1 in the conference. The teams will finish off the two game series on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Recap by Chris Lessner
Maine forward Thomas Freel battles for a puck behind his own net in a game earlier this season vs RPI at Alfond Arena. Freel had two goals on Friday night, but the #9 Black Bears dropped a close 3-2 decision at #8 Boston University. Photo by Anthony DelMonaco
