Boston University is no stranger to overcoming adversity, and the Terriers would love nothing better than making sure of that. The Terriers have dealt with off-ice distractions all year -- two players were charged with sexual assault and one of their better forwards left the team midseason to play Juniors in Canada -- but they haven’t let them affect their on-ice play. BU made it all the way to the Hockey East semifinals before falling to Maine.
NCAA Hockey Tournament 2012: Boston University Hasn’t Let Off-Ice Issues Distract On-Ice Play
BU, like first-round opponent Minnesota, does not rely on one player or line to score, but they're led by junior forwards Alex Chiasson (Dallas Stars) and Wade Megan (Florida Panthers). Chiasson has really stepped up lately, scoring six points in the last four games while Matt Nieto (San Jose Sharks) scored twice against Maine.
In addition, senior goalie Kieran Millan (Colorado Avalanche) has played his best season since winning a national title with the Terriers in 2009. Having a hot goaltender is very important in a single-elimination tournament and Millan has the experience of shining in one.
Boston University hasn’t had the same consistency during the second half that they enjoyed in the first-half, and it’s tough to know how BU will respond on the road after losing to Maine in Boston. They do have the advantage of knowing that Minnesota has struggled against Hockey East teams this season.
Regardless of what happens, this No. 8 vs No. 9 overall match-up between Minnesota and the Terriers will be one of the better games to watch in the opening weekend of the NCAA hockey tournament.
For more on the road to the Frozen Four in Tampa, stick with our 2012 NCAA hockey tournament StoryStream.
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