Cole Hutson was all over the scoresheet in Boston University’s first-round victory over Ohio State, Thursday.
The 18-year-old defender was the highest-scoring player on either team, notching four points (1g, 3a) in the 8-3 win. The victory moves Boston University to the second round of the NCAA Tournament where they’ll play Cornell on Saturday.
Hutson’s most impressive highlight came with the Terriers already well ahead 7-3 with 30 seconds remaining in regulation and on a 5-on-3 penalty kill. With Ohio State’s goaltender Logan Terness also pulled for an extra attacker, the Buckeyes had a 6-on-3 advantage.
Despite being three men down, Hutson was still undeterred to pressure a puck carrier. The Washington Capitals prospect then stole the puck, made a spin move, dodged another defender at center ice, and fired into the yawning cage.
Hutson’s first point in the game was a slick power-play assist to his brother Quinn Hutson 17:19 into the second period, tying the game 2-2. After making a full circle around the offensive zone, Cole played a quick give-and-go with Quinn, who fired a shot past the blocker of goaltender Logan Terness.
Hutson collected his first shorthanded point in the game 5:25 into the third period, filtering the puck up ice for Jack Hughes and Ryan Greene to finish on a 2-on-1 rush. He also grabbed an assist on Cole Eiserman’s bank shot goal 2:42 later.
Per BU Hockey Stats, Hutson’s four-point game was a first for a Terriers defenseman in an NCAA Tournament game since Matt Gilroy vs Ohio State in 2009. He is also the first Hutson to ever score a shorthanded goal in BU’s history. Lane Hutson, star Montreal Canadiens defender, never scored one in his two years with the program.
Hutson now has 44 points (13g, 31a) in 36 games this season. He leads all freshmen in scoring, five points ahead of second place. He’ll play again on Saturday as BU takes on Cornell for an opportunity to play in this year’s Frozen Four.
Fellow Caps prospect Brent Johnson was a minus-3 in the loss for Ohio State and recorded two shots on goal. Johnson’s senior season is done, and the Capitals now have until August 15 to decide if they want to sign him to an entry-level contract.
