BU Falls To Lowell In Finals, Season Ends

Tonight BU and Lowell battled in what will go down as one of the most memorable Hockey East championship games ever.

The teams skated through the first period, second period, and half way through the third before a goal was scored.

Thank You Jack
(Photo by Matt Dresens) 

Finally, at 11:09 of the third period, Derek Arnold beat Sean Maguire on a wrap-a-round chance, scoring the lone goal of the game.

The goal would hold up and Lowell went on to win their first Hockey East Championship 1-0, the same score BU beat Lowell in the 2009 Final.

Both teams had some really good chances over the course of play, none more obvious than when Lowell hit the post on a break-a-way in the early stages of the third. BU controlled the play in the first, out shooting the Riverhawks 8-6. Lowell looked a bit tight to begin the game and at one point consecutively iced the puck three times. Unfortunately, BU could not take advantage of Lowell's slow start.

Lowell's team photo after the game
(Photo by Matt Dresens)

Sean Maguire again played very well in the BU net, stopping everything but the wrap-a-round. In total, he made 28 saves. Lowell goalie Connor Hellebuyck was named tournament MVP after shutting out the Terriers, stopping all 36 shots he faced. He only allowed three goals in the entire tournament.

More than anything, this game will be remembered for two things. One, it was the first Hockey East Championship Lowell has ever won. Two, it was Jack Parker's last game behind the BU bench ending his 40 year career as the Terriers head coach.