GLENDALE, Ariz. – For a Boston University team that at one point in the season didn’t think it could score goals, it certainly seems to have found its stride.
Paced by a hat trick by Bobo Carpenter, two goals by Brady Tkachuk and goals from all four lines, the Terriers shut out host Arizona State, 8-0, in front of 3,118 at Gila River Arena to open its two-game series. The series will move back to ASU’s regular home rink, Oceanside Arena on Saturday night.
Boston University was successful on Friday at striking while the iron was hot. Leading 1-0 late in the period despite being outplayed by the Sun Devils, BU struck three times in a 1 minute, 48 second span to close the first period deflating the hosts and virtually sealing the game’s fate early.
“We were averaging about 2.2 goals a game after 10 games and people were asking what’s going on,” said BU coach David Quinn. “We knew we were going to score goals. But it’s either feast of famine.
“But I think we’re starting to feel a little bit of momentum and that ‘it’ factor. Once the puck starts going in, all of a sudden it’s a snowball effect.”
That ability to score in bunches was what knocked down the Sun Devils. Coach Greg Powers acknowledged the fact he liked his team’s open to the game. But a five-minute major one of ASU’s best players, Johnny Walker, which knocked him from the game early, an ensuing power play goal and then the ability to not escape the first down 1-0 were damaging factors on Friday.
“It was 1-0 with two-and-a-half minutes left,” said Powers about the end of the first. They got a couple of tough ones, so it was unfortunate. I thought we played a good first period minus a minute and a half and a really bad penalty.”
One storyline on Friday was Tkachuk. The BU freshman had the opportunity to play in Gila River Arena, the building his dad once played and where his name sits in the rafters. Brady Tkachuk finished the night with two goals but also plenty some enjoyable memories.
“I was on the bench before the game and I looked up [and saw his name],” said the younger Tkachuk. “I was here a couple of years ago for his retirement [of his jersey] so it’s nice to be back here.”
Quinn seemingly enjoyed the nostalgic moment for the young Tkachuk. But more importantly, he enjoyed seeing the puck continue to pop in the net for his rookie forward.
“I think Brady has seven goals on the year and I think they’ve all come in the last 10 games,” said Quinn. “He was snake bit. He needed a hug after every game. He had plenty of chances and he wasn’t getting rewarded.
“Now it’s jumping in the net for him.”
While the puck was hoping in the net at one end of the ice, BU goaltender Jake Oettinger looked strong, particularly early in the game when ASU was heaving outshooting the Terriers. He finished the night with 23 saves for his seventh career shutout.
Friday’s game was originally schedule to be at ASU’s typical home arena, Oceanside, but was moved by the administration due to the demand for tickets. On Saturday, Gila River is occupied and thus the game will be played back in Tempe where both Powers and Quinn said emphatically there will be a very different atmosphere.
Asked what he would tell his team to avoid them taking Arizona State for granted on Saturday after the lopsided win, Quinn was sarcastically serious.
“I’ll tell them what our record is and I’ll tell them where we are in the PairWise,” said Quinn. “And I’ll refer to some of the games in the past where we have a little bit of a dip [after a win.]
“We’re going to be tested tomorrow night and I think they’re smart enough to know that. I’ll you around 9:30 tomorrow if they actually are smart enough to know that. We’re going to be in a dog fight tomorrow.”
