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BU 2021-22: Albie's Great Adventure

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I know it's only an exhibition and the first real competition in a while, but that's kinda disappointing, no? Lack of face off wins hurt them in a few games last season.
 
Scarlet said:
I know it's only an exhibition and the first real competition in a while, but that's kinda disappointing, no? Lack of face off wins hurt them in a few games last season.
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As a team last year they were 43% from the dot. Same players taking faceoffs this year (plus Brown) so I don't expect to see that much improvement. Can't remember a game last year where BU won more faceoffs.
 
In his post-exhibition interview with Scott Weighart, O’Connell is pretty candid about what needs improvement moving into the season, while also addressing many of the individual assets he has on the roster.

Like Scarlet, I’ve been critical of BU’s consistently low faceoff numbers, but do believe we should see better results than last year. Brown is a plus. Skoog’s win percentage was down last season after a .502 as a freshman. He was +2 on Saturday. Stevens had a team-best .536 last season. Judging from Albie’s comments in the interview, he’s looking to get Stevens into the line-up on a regular basis. Let’s see what happens vs. UConn.
 
Scarlet said:
Starting October 15, proof of vaccination required to go to games at Agganis, per BU Athletics twitter.
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Yup - they just sent an email too.

Proof of vax or negative test within 72 hours.
Masks are still required per the city of Boston mandate unless actively eating or drinking.
 
Leonidas said:
Rogie21 said:
In his post-exhibition interview with Scott Weighart, O’Connell is pretty candid about what needs improvement moving into the season, while also addressing many of the individual assets he has on the roster.

Loved the "a few good men" reference. Was that '98?
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1996-1997 was the “few good men” season. BU began the year with just 20 forwards and defensemen. I don’t recall why. Mike Grier and Chris O’Sullivan had turned pro after their junior seasons but that had been expected. John Hynes ruptured a disc in his neck after playing just one game and Brendan Walsh was suspended or dismissed after 27 games. Tommi Degerman was a mid-season addition right out of the Norwegian military and played the final 17 games.

Bernie’s call, “a few good men are going to Milwaukee,” followed Chris Drury’s overtime game-winner in the NCAA regional final in Worcester. BU had led Denver, 3-2, but the Pioneers tied it on an extra-attacker goal. Two Terrier goals were scored by Albie O’Connell, who was named to the Regional All-Tourney team. This was the TV call of the goal, not Bernie’s. Will add if located. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wVFSgfMAIw
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How does one leave Chris Drury ALL ALONE in front of the net? In OT? In a game to decide who goes to the Frozen Four??? Yeesh.
 
Scarlet said:
How does one leave Chris Drury ALL ALONE in front of the net? In OT? In a game to decide who goes to the Frozen Four??? Yeesh.
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3-on-3 was such a rarity back then - it was 3 on 3 because of actual penalties. I think they just didn't have enough experience with it to cover everyone effectively.
 
CHN’s spot-on preview of BU (Inside Hockey East: Team Previews) contends the team has potential Frozen Four talent, but is “playing with fire” by being consistently outshot. Last season BU was outshot in 12 of 16 games (including by a combined 33 shots in the sweep of UMass). The other four games included 2 wins against Vermont and 1 against Merrimack. Average shots/game were 33.5 for opponents and 26.375 for BU (overtimes not factored in).

The reasons for the disparity are no secret. Not overcoming a heavy forecheck. Losing 50/50s and weak face off numbers, especially in the D-zone—all of which prevent BU unleashing one of its best assets: team speed. Albie is well aware and addressed some of this in his media call. Now we’ll see if/how the team responds and executes.
 
defkit said:
I'll be there!!!! First RS game in Harford for me.
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So, based on shots of the crowd there doesn’t seem to be any mask mandate there. So glad I did not go. Also, glad I didn’t go based on how awful the first 10 minutes of the game is.
 
Scarlet said:
So, based on shots of the crowd there doesn’t seem to be any mask mandate there. So glad I did not go. Also, glad I didn’t go based on how awful the first 10 minutes of the game is.
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You could have still worn yours
 
I could have, but if they don’t give a crap about the safety of their customers, I’m not going to chance it.
 
I am assuming they are requiring proof of vaccination or negative test. A mask mandate is not needed but whatever...
 
Rogie21 said:
CHN’s spot-on preview of BU (Inside Hockey East: Team Previews) contends the team has potential Frozen Four talent, but is “playing with fire” by being consistently outshot. Last season BU was outshot in 12 of 16 games (including by a combined 33 shots in the sweep of UMass). The other four games included 2 wins against Vermont and 1 against Merrimack. Average shots/game were 33.5 for opponents and 26.375 for BU (overtimes not factored in).

The reasons for the disparity are no secret. Not overcoming a heavy forecheck. Losing 50/50s and weak face off numbers, especially in the D-zone—all of which prevent BU unleashing one of its best assets: team speed. Albie is well aware and addressed some of this in his media call. Now we’ll see if/how the team responds and executes.
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I just don't see a loaded team at forward or at D. Goalie, yes we're stacked. We're going to have to stay out of the penalty box, have excellent goaltending and win a lot of 3-2 games. Is it possible? Yes. But, I just don't think we're that good. Final 8 would be over-achieving in my view at this point. I haven't seen many guys improve under this coaching staff, so I think they are what they are and it won't be enough to scare people.
 
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