UMass Visits BU

Here we go again, the game in between the Beanpot and it's potential to be a huge trap game. Somehow the team will have to focus on tomorrow's game before looking to far down the road to Monday's Beanpot final vs Boston College. Historically, BU does very well in this game and dating back to 1994, BU is 15-2-0 in the in between game. Their only loses came to Providence in 2004 and Lowell in 2001.

From the Vault
Former Terrier Zach Cohen scores his second goal of the night
against UMass in a game played on January 2nd, 2010.
(Photo by Matt Dresens)

This season for the Minutemen has been a roller coster and come into Friday's game with a 9-12-5 record. UMass has beaten  some quality teams this year, including Boston College at home. The Minuteman also defeated Cornell in the Florida Hockey Classic over the holiday break. UMass is 0-4-0 in their last four games, being swept by Lowell, before Northeastern and Merrimack both won games by a score of 4-3 in back to back games. The Northeastern loss was an overtime defeat.

Earlier this season, UMass and BU played two very closely contested games, both of which went to over time. BU battled back to tie the Minutemen 2-2 on Friday October 28th at the Mullins Center. The next night, back in Boston, BU overcame a 3-0 UMass lead and won 5-4 in overtime on a Matt Nieto power play goal.


Scouting the Minuteman 
To no one's surprise, TJ Syner leads the points race for UMass. In 26 games played, the senior from Springfield Mass has amassed 11 goals to go along with 19 assists for a total of 30 points. Conor Sheary is close behind with 28 points (9 g, 19 a) and brother of former Terrier captain Joe Pereira, Mike Pereira has 23 points (11g 12a).

In The Cage
UMass has three goalies that have seen regular playing time this year. Kevin Boyle is the leader in minutes played with 724. In 13 games played he has a 5-4-4 record. Jeff Teglia has seen action in 8 games so far and holds a 1-5-1 record with an .886 save percentage. Steve Mastalerz has also seen action in 8 games with a 3-3-0 record.