Weekend With The River Hawks

This weekend, BU looks to get things back on track as they face Lowell in a critical two game home in home series. Tonight's game will be at Agganis, while Saturday night's tilt will be up in Lowell. The series has huge Hockey East playoff implications. Currently, BU sits in fifth, one slot out of a first round bye with 21 points. Lowell is in third with 24 points. Providence, who is as of right now the holder of the final first round bye is just two points ahead of BU. The Friars play UConn twice this weekend. 

From The Vault
BU celebrates after winning the 2015 Hockey East
 Championship game vs Lowell.
(Photo by Matt Dresens) 

SB Nation College Hockey has a nice breakdown of each team's current standing and upcoming strength of schedule and that can be viewed HERE.

Last season, BU dropped UML in all three meetings including the Hockey East Championship game by a score of 5-3.  

This weekend also has massive PairWise implications. Lowell, despite their 17-6-3 record which is 7th best in the nation, would currently only be a four seed in the NCAA tournament. Their strength of schedule is the reason. The River Hawks have the 37th hardest schedule in the county. BU on the other hand is in 8th in the PWR because have the 7th toughest schedule. 

Lowell lost just once in their 15 games before they were surprisingly swept by UConn in first weekend of December. Since then, they have pretty much held serve in the league, beating UMass, New Hampshire, and Providence. Last weekend they only picked up one point in two games, tying Northeastern and falling to UNH. Quality wins for Lowell include Notre Dame, @ Minnesota Duluth and Providence. 

Scouting the River Hawks 
Sophomore CJ Smith is the the overall leader in points on the River Hawks. In 28 games played, he has amassed 13 goals, 17 assists for 30 points. Right behind him are both Adam Chapie (27 pts) and Joe Gambardella (26 pts). After those three, there is a significant drop off in offensive production. Other Players to watch include: Dylan Zink, Michael Kapla and Jake Kamrass.

In goal, Kevin Boyle has a 16-6-5 record in 27 appearances and has posted a .935 save percentage to go along with a 1.74 goals against average.  

Out Of Conference Common Opponents 

None

BU Notes

- Expect the same lineup as the Beanpot.

- I will unfortunately not be at Saturday's game at Tsongas. I will be making the unenviable drive back up to Orono to play at the Alfond in my own games. Lucky me…