Weekend With The Catamounts

This weekend, BU hosts Vermont in the final home series of the calendar year at Agganis. Last year, Vermont was a scrappy, better than average team that made it through the octofinals in the Hockey East playoffs and beat Boston College at the Heights in the quarterfinals, before falling to Lowell at the Garden.

From the Vault
BU celebrates Jake Eichel's game winner in overtime last year
at Gutterson Field House.
(Photo by Matt Dresens)

This year, the Cat's are not faring so well. They are 3-9-2 (2-4-2, HE) on the year and are coming off three straight loses, including being swept at Maine. Those two wins for Maine were their first of the year. UVM did shutout Minnesota 3-0 in Minnesota and the Gophers were, at the time, ranked ninth in the nation. They have since fallen out of the rankings and have just four wins on the season. As for other action in Hockey East, the Catamounts were swept by Lowell in early November, at home nevertheless.

Scouting the Catamounts 
Mario Puskarich has a commanding lead on the points race up in Burlington. In 14 games played, the junior has five goals and seven assists for twelve points, nearly double anyone else on the roster. Former Terrier Alexx Privitera and his brother Jarrid are second and third, respectively. Alexx has two goals and five assists and Jarrid is tied with Puskarich with a team leading five goals.

In net, Mike Santaduida is the only goalie to take the crease for UVM. He holds a .908 save percentage and a 2.72 goals against average. In three career games played against BU, he is 1-1-0 with a no-decision mixed in there, as well.

The Last Time They Met...
was in January in a two game set up in Burlington. BU doubled up the Cats 4-2 in game one, behind two-point games form Robbie Baillargeon, Brandon Fortunato and Evan Rodrigues. The following night, Rodrigues tied the game 1-1 with just 3:18 left. Jack Eichel won the game in overtime off a deflection from a Rodrigues shot from the point.

BU Notes
- Matt Grzelcyk is unlikely to play this weekend as he is still recovering from a left knee injury suffered in the second Michigan game.

- Sean Maguire will get the start in net tonight, with (presumably) Connor LaCouvee in goal on Saturday.

Common Opponents
Northeastern:

BU 5, NU 4 (November 6)
BU 4, @ NU 1 (November 7)

UVM 3, @ NU 2 (October 29)
UVM 3, NU 3 (October 30)

Connecticut:

BU 3, UConn 2 (October 24)
BU 2, @ UConn 5 (October 27)

UVM 3, UConn 2 (November 13)