Previewing the UMass Minutemen

Well this is one big weekend for the Eagles. It all starts tomorrow with a huge road game at the Mullins Center vs UMass. The Minutemen are undefeated at home and beat the Eagles last time out 4-2 at The Zoo but BC's last lost before that to the Minutemen was way back in 2008. Personally, I think UMass is one of the more underrated teams in Hockey East. I think they have some great forwards in TJ Syner and Connor Sheary. Syner leads all Minutemen in goals, assist, and points and also potted the game clinching goal versus the Eagles in early November. Now it is pretty hard to remember a game from that far back but one thing I remember very clearly was how bad the refs were. They called some of the worst penalties I have ever seen that night and were a good part of the reason UMass won the game. UMass has been very good at home on that big ice surface which is something I think BC struggles on from time to time. This is really a huge game for BC. Losing a season series to UMass would really hurt the pairwise but a win on the road vs a team that has the potential to be good could really help. I look for a great up and down flow with lots of scoring chances created on both ends. One thing that UMass has struggled with as of late is finding a goalie. Kevin Boyle ranks near last in all major categories in terms of goaltending but SO Jeff Teglia got the start vs UVM on Saturday. I expect a hard fought game but I really think BC is going to be ready to go for this one. One thing they cannot do and certainly will not do is overlook this UMass team. NU and Fenway can wait, this team needs to critical points for some confidence.


Players to watch

1. TJ Syner. One of fastest players in the league and has great skill. Leads team in all major scoring categories.

2. Connor Sheary- Another fast player that can really make things happen.

3. Danny Hoobs. In my opinion, the second best player on this team. Like Syner, has great speed.

Keys for the Eagles 

1. Do not overlook this game. All the pomp and circumstance of Fenway can wait. This team needs to win this game, it is a must win

2. Just put the puck in the net. The most surprising thing about this team is their inability to put pucks in the net. Need to start scoring.

3. Guys like Gaudreau, Krieder, and Arnold need to step up. These guys need to start stepping up and making plays. Not enough production the last couple of weeks

4. Play good team defense. There were a lot of turnovers last time out vs these guys and if it happend again BC will lose.

Series Info- BC is 50-11-3 all time vs UMass and 47-10-3 under Coach York.

Prediction- Eagles in a close one. 4-3 BC

Note- Check in for twitter updates @bchockeyblog1. Will let you know who is in goal as soon as I know. I would expect Billett again