Sunday, October 8, 2017

Boston University spoils Quinnipiac home opener with 3-2 overtime victory

Quinnipiac vs. Boston University (copyright BobcatsHockeyBlog)
In a game that featured numerous scrums and physical play, it was the #2 ranked Boston University Terriers spoiling the home opener for the #14 ranked Bobcats with a 3-2 win in overtime. Despite this just the third ever meeting between the teams, the teams played like they were long time rivals with the amount physicality and chirping between the players. The Terriers came into Hamden as one of the most talented teams in the country with 12 NHL draft picks including 3 first round picks (Fabbro, Oettinger and Bowers). 

Connecticut native Patrick Harper (New Canaan) returned to his home state to fuel the Boston University offense with goals in the second and third periods along with creating the scoring chance for Shane Bowers who won it with 41.1 seconds in overtime. Quinnipiac falls to 0-1-1 on the season after a tie on Friday against Boston College. 

Quinnipiac forward Alex Whelan shook off an early injury to return to the ice and score the Bobcats first goal ripping shot high past Jake Oettinger's stick side 13:49 into the first period. Boston University put good pressure on Quinnipiac freshman goaltender Keith Petruzzelli stood tall in his first start with 11 saves in the opening frame.
Quinnipiac vs. Boston University (copyright BobcatsHockeyBlog)
With Boston University getting an early power play due to a cross check by Kevin McKernan the Terriers capitalized just 13 seconds into the man advantage with Patrick Harper's 3rd goal of the season with Bobo Carpenter and another Connecticut native Chad Krys picking up the assists. Ten minutes later Bo Pieper took a Landon Smith pass high in the slot and put a wrist shot past Oettinger's glove side for the goal. Petruzzelli made another 12 saves in the period for the Bobcats.

Just 53 seconds into the third period it was Patrick Harper again who scored unassisted to even the score at two apiece. In overtime Brady Tkachuk had a chance to win it at the but was stoned by Petruzzelli on what was his best save of the night. Late in overtime Harper skated easily around in the Quinnipiac zone before feeding Shane Bowers whose initial shot was saved for taking the rebound and home the game winner. Quinnipiac falls to 0-3 all time against the Boston University Terriers. Quinnipiac captain Chase Priskie missed the game due to an undisclosed injury. The Bobcats return to action next weekend with a non conference home game with Hockey East foe Vermont at 4:00 pm. 

Jonathan Singer is a 2004 Quinnipiac alum. You can follow him on Twitter @QHockeyBlog.

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