Weekend With The Warriors

BU enters it's first weekend as the #1 ranked team in the nation since the 2009 season. The Terriers look to continue to remain undefeated and pick up some valuable points in the Hockey East standings against Warriors of Merrimack College. The two will square off in the only home and home series  of the weekend in Hockey East.  Friday's game is at BU's Agganis Arena and Saturday's contest up in North Andover at Merrimack's Lawler Rink.

I will be at both games so there will be "game photos" from each of the two games.

Merrimack has shown some potential in a few games this season, but has also has looked like the Merrimack teams that most people are used to, in others games. The Mack is coming off a 2-0 loss to surprisingly competitive Providence, last Friday night. To start the season, the Warriors tied Niagara  4-4 then the next weekend waxed UConn 7-1. The first loss came from Boston College, but the next night, Merrimack was able to cut down the then #1 ranked Eagles. Currently Merrimack sits in 7th in the Hockey East standings with three points, tied with Northeastern.

This is not the typical Merrimack team that will either finish last or very close to last in the conference standings. This 2011 Warrior squad could likely finish in the top four and claim home ice in the first round of the playoffs.

What To Watch For

• Stephane De Costa, Merrimack forward. Leads the team in goals, (3) points, (8) and assists (5). This kid has speed and vey good puck control, along with a lazer beam for a shot. The Terriers last season did a great job of controlling him and will have to do the same this weekend to say undefeated. He was named the National Rookie of the year last season. 
• Joe Cucci, Merrimack forward. Is econd on the team in points with 6 (2g, 4a). He is a senior with speed and strength. Last season BU did not take him as seriously as the needed to and he killed them. 
• Joe Cannata, Merrimack goalie. Holds an impressive .936 save% along with a 2.21 goals against average. Cannata was named Hockey East goalie of the month of October.

The Last Time They Met...

was in March in the first round of the Hockey East playoffs. BU won game one in comeback fashion. The next night the Mack upended the Terriers in overtime 3-2. In the third and final game of the series, BU won 3-0 and moved on to the Hockey East semi finals, where they were bounced by Maine 5-2.

Lawler Rink gets a face lift

The Lawler Renovation project is currently adding chair back seating, an end zone student section and an overall modernized look to the lobby and arena.  Joining Merrimack as a marketing partner offers a multitude of benefits as we look to build on the momentum gained in 2009-10. -Merrimack Athletics.com

In Other News

Brandon Yip stayed hot for the Avalanche, as he scored his 5th goal of the season Tuesday night on the power play. 

BU is currently in third place in the Pair Wise Rankings. The PWR is the formula that determines the team in the NCAA tournament.

Ticket Info for Saturday (at Merrimack) 
This game could very well be sold out so to get tickets click here.