Rodrigues Leads BU Comeback As Terriers Top Friars

Tonight, BU picked up two huge points in the Hockey East standings and after a night that saw Boston College and New Hampshire fall, BU stepped into a tie with the Wildcats after defeating Providence.

The win did not come easy and came at a cost. Providence stormed the fort early and took over control of the game in the first. Ross Mauermann finished on a text book set up from teammates Paul de Jersey and Nick Saracino at the 7:52 marker of period one.

With less than five minutes left in the frame, Brandon Tanev converted on a rebound opportunity beating Sean Maguire and giving the Friars a 2-0 lead.

It was not looking go for BU, as they played flat for most of the period. Finally, Evan Rodrigues got the Terriers on the board with 43 seconds left in the stanza. Matt Nieto left a drop pass for Rodrigues in the high circle. From there, Rodrigues beat Providence goalie John Gillies five hole and put the Terriers back in the game.

Rodrigues was not, as the sophomore would tie the game little over five minutes into the second. Matt Grzelcyk Danny O'Regan picked up the assists on the goal that resulted from a scrum in front. I really did not get a good look at the play because I was at the far end of the rink away from the net the goal was scored on. Its very hard to see in that arena due to the obstructed views of the tight confines.

BU played an overall better period in the second, but still could not score on the power play, a theme that would continue for the remainder of the night.

After some good chances on the power play and back and forth play in the third, Sahir Gill put the Terriers up 3-2 at the 7:14 marker. He looked to have picked up the puck in the slot before circling all the way behind the net to the far post for a wrap-a-round that he just did beat Gillies on. It was a strange play, but unlike the previous goal, I had a very good look at this one. When he eventually got behind the net, I knew exactly what he was going to try and do. Then I looked at Gillies and he was still on the left post. Gill cleanly beat him to the inside of the right post on the tuck in. It was Gill's fifth goal of the season.

All was well after Gill's goal until  Evan Rodrigues went down hard in the near corner. He was pushed from behind and on his way into the boards as in an attempt to brace himself jammed his wrist into the wall. He stayed down for a good while before getting up and skating right to the dressing room. He did not return. Coach Parker said after the game that he may have broke his hand. When he got up he did appear move his hand and wrist.

Providence nearly tied the game with Gillies pulled, but could not solve Sean Maguire in the third and BU held on for a huge win.