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Coach Schafer’s Notes for 1/17/2023

@ #6 Boston University 4, #15 CORNELL 3 … Box Score | Recap

We trailed for only three seconds during the entire game but those were the most important three seconds! We seemed to have control but if you look at the video, there were ups and downs for both teams. The loss made for a very quiet bus trip home knowing we let one get away.

In the third period, BU tied the game at 3-3 on a power-play goal with 8:10 remaining and we couldn’t capitalize on our power-play with less than 4 minutes left. Then with 17 seconds left, the Terriers came down the ice, circled the zone, fired the puck at Sophomore goaltender Ian Shane’s stick side and found the back of the net with only 3 seconds left on the clock. It was so disappointing because we missed a great opportunity in our offensive zone and turned it over.

Back to the beginning, after killing a Boston power play just 30 seconds into the game, we took the lead, 1-0, at the 17:13 mark. Senior forward Ben Berard scored with assists to junior forward Gabriel Seger and senior defenseman Sam Malinski.

In the second period, BU was awarded a disputed goal on a shot from the point we thought was scored with a BU player in the crease. It was basically consistent with most of the calls all night. We responded with a goal by Gabe Seger eight minutes later to make it 2-1 with assists to freshman forward Nick DeSantis and Malinski. We killed off two 5-on-3 penalties in the second period that was huge by the penalty-kill guys who got the job done. With twenty seconds remaining in the second period, we failed to clear the zone and BU scored with nine seconds remaining. It was frustrating because of the great job done by the penalty killers. We tried to make a play instead of just clearing the puck and the home team took advantage to tie 2-2.

At the 8:20 mark of the third period, Malinski gave us our third lead of the game with a blast from just below the blue line but BU tied the game three minutes later on another power play.

Ian Shane made 36 saves for the night and the BU goaltender stopped 28 shots. We were 1-for-3 and they were 1-for-7 on power plays.

It is disappointing to lose a game when we seemed to be in control. Action was back and forth and this game identified some strengths and areas that need work. It would be easy to look at how the game was called for an excuse. But, we have to look at how we can improve the play of four or five more guys and be more disciplined in our systems to win on the road against a team ranked 6th in the national polls. While we have improved, this game will teach us to be more consistent in our habits and show more urgency as the game progresses. But, also to be patient, let the game come naturally and not force play in the big moments.

Obviously, it won’t get easier this weekend when we host #1 Quinnipiac (18-1-3) on Friday night. The Bobcats are riding an 8-game win-streak. We hope our team rises to the challenge and we expect the Lynah Faithful will be in full flight. On Saturday night we play Princeton, a team not to be overlooked, but it’s Quinnipiac first.

Thanks for your support this season and we’ll back at you again next week.

Mike Schafer