Lowell Preview

Before BU and Harvard battle it out in the Beanpot Final on Monday night, the Terriers will travel to Lowell tonight to take on the River Hawks at Tsongas Center.

Mike Moran scores on former Lowell goalie Boyle in the
second period of a 2-1 overtime win for BU last year.
(Photo By Matt Dresens)

Two weeks ago, BU upended Lowell 4-2 at home after losing two straight to Merrimack the week prior. Bobo Carpenter had a three point night, scoring two goals and adding an assist, while Clayton Keller posted a goal and an assist to get BU back on track and pick up two huge league points.

Since that meeting, both teams are unbeaten. Lowell steamrolled over Northeastern and New Hampshire by scores of 6-4 and 8-2 respectively.

Lowell is currently tied with Notre Dame for fourth in Hockey East with 19 points. Fourth place, as you know, is the cut line for a first round bye in the league playoffs. BU, on the other hand, is still three points behind Boston College for the top spot with 24, but are four points clear of third place Providence.

Thinking that this will be a “trap” game and one that will get overlooked in anticipation of the Beanpot Final? Well, since 2000 BU is 10-3-0 in the game between the first round and the championship, when they advance to the championship game.

Scouting the River Hawks
Joe Gambardella continues to pace the River Hawks scoring. In 29 games played, the senior from Staten Island has 37 points by way of 12 goals and 25 assists. CJ Smith is second with 32 points. Smith is the team leader in goal scored with 16 and has also added 16 assists. Other players to watch include Dylan Zink, Michael Kapla, and Jake Kamrass.

In goal, Tyler Wall is 16-8-1 in 25 games played. The freshman has posted a 2.22 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. Wall allowed three goals on 22 shots when these two teams played earlier in the year.

BU Notes
The Boston Hockey Blog is reporting that Jake Oettinger will be in net. In addition, Nick Roberto will be on the top line and Patrick Curry will be on the third line.