No. 1 Minnesota turned an advantage in special teams and an edge in experience in net into a 5-2 victory over No. 4/6 Boston University.
“It was just an incredible hockey game that fans were able to enjoy,” Minnesota coach Brad Frost said.
Meghan Lorence scored twice for the Gophers (2-0-0), who also got goals from Hannah Brandt, Milica McMillen, and Cara Piazza, all players who also scored in the opener versus Penn State. Lee Stecklein, Rachel Ramsey, and Rachael Bona contributed two-assist games.
“Some nights, the bounces just don’t go your way,” Lorence said. “Fortunately, I think our hard work paid off tonight, and we were fortunate enough to get those bounces.”
Minnesota capitalized on two of their three power-play chances, while the Terriers (1-1-0) were held scoreless in eight tries, including two extended five-on-three advantages.
“I thought our power play all weekend was tremendous,” Frost said.
Freshman Rebecca Leslie knocked in a pair of goals for Boston University, cashing in second-chance opportunities set up by linemates Maddie Elia and Rebecca Russo.
Piazza scored the final goal of the night with three seconds left in the second period, and it stalled a BU rally before it could go any further.
“I think that was a situation where we had people who decided they were going to make a line change, and if the play changes hands real fast and changes directions, you’ve got to stop, hit the brakes, and stay out there,” BU coach Brian Durocher said. “You just can’t keep coming the extra 30 feet to the bench. That probably was the backbreaker.”
For Piazza, it meant more than scoring her first college goal the night before in a game that was already decided.
“The atmosphere was amazing and BU being like the fourth-ranked team in the country, we knew coming in it was a big game,” Piazza said. “Getting a goal in a game like that was just awesome, and any way to help the team, I’m glad to do it.”
BU had a territorial advantage in the first period, but Minnesota had the only goal. Meghan Lorrence deflected a Rachel Ramsey shot through Erin O’Neil 10:29 in. The teams then combined to score four goals in just over five minutes early in the second period to give Minnesota a 4-1 lead.
“You’ve got to grind it out, be a little mentally stronger,” Durocher said. “Going to the net, avoiding penalties, and stopping runs, because good teams like this, they score a goal, you’ve got to button down the hatches twice as hard as most teams, and we didn’t do it tonight.”
O’Neil made 23 saves in her BU debut.
“Put her in a tough situation like this,” Durocher said. “I think it was good for her long term. I think she was excited; I think she looked pretty confident in there. She was a victim of circumstances.”
Minnesota’s goalie made 26 stops to earn the win.
“Amanda Leveille played great tonight as well in the nets for us, and you need that when you’re going to be in the box as much as we were tonight,” Frost said.
“We leave here knowing that we’re a pretty good hockey team, but talent doesn’t win you things,” Durocher said.
