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Coming into the season, it seemed like the Huskies would be relying heavily on an experienced senior goaltender and a talented group of forwards. The defense, which had lost three of its top four starters, figured to be a work in progress. Through the first five games, that hasn’t been the case.
The senior goalie has already lost his grip on the starting job. The talented forwards are averaging just two goals per game after being shutout twice in the young season. So while the supposed strengths of the team have provided more questions than answers, it’s been the defense that has stepped up and been a huge part of the Huskies’ early season success.
On any given night, the Huskies likely have three new faces in the lineup on defense. And those three are joined by sophomore Ben Oskroba, who saw very limited action last season. The group is led by senior Drew Ellement and sophomore Josh Manson – the only two regular starters from last season. Sophomore Dan Cornell saw action last season, but he has been a healthy scratch most nights. Ellement spent his first three seasons as a steady, yet quiet lower pairing guy. Manson’s freshman season had some high points, but was filled with growing pains. These two guys now find themselves firmly in the spotlight, facing the top lines in Hockey East night in and night out. They have seen the bulk of the minutes and seem to be Coach Madigan’s go-to players in big spots. So far, both players have looked worthy of the minutes as they have been the driving forces behind the success of this defense.
They have had help though. Freshman Dustin Darou has been playing with Ellement on one of the top pairings. Saturday might have been his best game of the season as he showed his ability both in the defensive zone, and as a guy who can move the puck quickly and intelligently. Freshman Colton Saucerman and sophomore transfer Dax Lauwers have been solid as the third pairing. Additionally, both have been major contributors on special teams.
Even Oskroba, who struggled in the nine games he appeared in last year, has looked better this season. His skating has improved and he picked up his first career goal on Friday, ending the night plus-2. The fact that he is not only in the lineup, but getting more ice time as the season goes on, shows how far he has come. Oskroba’s plus-3 rating actually leads the team right now.
After an impressive performance in the season opener against Merrimack, critics were quick to point out that facing a team like BC would be a much bigger test. It was, but this young, inexperienced defensive group passed it with flying colors. In two games against the defending national champions, the Huskies allowed just one even strength goal. They followed that up by letting in just two even strength goals against a University of New Hampshire team that is off to one of the best starts in the country. And much of that series was spent with Bryan Mountain in net, who was understandably rusty after playing just one period in the last two seasons.
Through five games, the Huskies are allowing just two goals per game. That puts them tied for second in Hockey East with Boston College. Only UNH has done better. That is impressive in itself, but when you consider that six of the 10 goals that the Huskies have allowed this season have come when they are shorthanded, its clear the defense has been the best part of the team this year. Unlike UNH and BC, who boast top penalty kill units, the Huskies have been successful despite their penalty kill. In fact, you could argue the defense is the only part of this team pulling its weight.
It’s probably too early to say that. And the defensive numbers would not be what they are without help from the forwards and the goalies (most nights). But for a group that was supposed to be lagging, this defensive corps has shone the brightest so far this season.
This group is not perfect. They must share at least some of the blame for the penalty kill’s struggles. And they have been lucky to avoid being punished for some costly mistakes. But this unit continues to grow with each game and it should only get better. The defense has answered the questions so far. Now it’s time for the rest of the team to do the same.
– Andrew Stukas can be reached at [email protected]
