Re: BU season thread volume 3.1 cause board/priceless/tippycanoe deleted ours
I thought the BU in-game adjustments were good. They finally abandoned the "up the wall" breakout strategy and started circumventing the forecheck by making indirect passes to open ice and using their speed. This gave them more opportunities. I thought there were a few times where they held onto the puck a split second too long, trying to make a "better" play rather than just shooting it. When you play the West they don't give you the time and space that we're used to here. I also think Michigan surprised BU by not "sitting on the lead" like a lot of teams do. They just kept coming in waves. In this case, a good offense prevents the opponent from building momentum and BU got caught a couple of times on their heels and couldn't recover.
I for one thought the strategy was working well and was refreshing to see as it prevented mistakes that plagued the team all season. Breaking down the 5 Michigan goals:
1. Crone tried to be cute and execute a one-time touch pass from the half wall instead of clearing it up along the boards. Pass gets intercepted which leads to Michigan setting up in the zone for the first goal. Seemed like Oettinger got screened.
2. Power play shot in the slot. Reminded me of a bunch of Patrice Bergeron goals this season from the "bumper" position. Don't blame Oettinger for that one either.
3. Fluke goal, but as others have pointed out, Oettinger could have been positioned better which could have prevented the goal.
4. Hickey, Hickey, Hickey. Whether he fanned on the pass or it was deflected, that's a dangerous pass with a defender that close. Again, abandoned the up the wall strategy which lead to this goal as well. Can't blame Oettinger on the deflection off Curry's leg.
5. At the game, Farrance was deep in the offensive zone but he had forward coverage at the blue line. That forward (I think Greenway) didn't stay back on D which lead to the odd man rush. Not blaming Greenway as I think at that time BU seemed to be more aggressive trying to tie the game. I didn't notice Tkachuk not rushing to get back and I have no desire to watch the replay again (still too painful). I think Oettinger misplayed the 2 on 1 and was out of position.
The only goal I can't blame Oettinger for is #4. All the others you could argue weren't his fault either, however a big time goalie needs to save some of those in the playoffs.
It's painful because I thought BU carried the play more than Michigan, and I really thought that BU was finally playing smart, disciplined hockey. I think they reverted in terms of the giveaways and I don't think Olsson's penalty was a good one (I don't remember it as being needed to prevent a Michigan opportunity). Cockerill's penalty was a poor call but it didn't lead to a Michigan goal. Michigan showed they had the talent to capitalize on mistakes with a quick strike offense. It hurts because I think BU has a better record if these teams play 10 times (with BU playing smart), but Michigan was better Sunday afternoon.
Will be rooting for Michigan against Notre Dame. My following of BU started with the 96-97 season so I'm not bitter against Michigan and I don't like Notre Dame for how they used Hockey East. Will root for Ohio State to win it all so there is another new recent champion.
