Eagles clinch home ice with win @ Providence

The Boston College Eagles clinched home ice for the second year in a row tonight with a tough 3-0 win @ Providence College. The Eagles were led by goals from seniors Tommy Cross and Paul Carey while Jr Pat Mullane had his fifth goal of the season. While BC hockey is usually known for their high powered offense, it was the play of the defenseman that led BC to an eighth straight victory tonight. Every defenseman really seemed to have a solid game as the Eagles did an outstanding job of limiting Providence's "Grade A" chances and their second chance opportunities. Parker Milner continued his streak of phenomenal play as he out dueled Friar goalie Alex Beaudry for his first career shut out. The fourth line of Quinn Smith-Destry Straight-Danny Linell had one of their best games ever as all three players really stepped up their games in every zone. It's not like the Eagles completely dominated the game from start to finish as the Friars actually outshot BC by a 29-21 margin. The biggest difference in the game however was that BC was able to capitalize on their best chances and the Friars could not really generate any second chance opportunities.

Like I said earlier, I thought that every defenseman really had solid game. I thought BC did a better job of breaking the puck out as the game went on as the Friars really brought some pressure in the BC zone early on. The Steve Whitney- Bill Arnold- Barry Almeida line was really solid tonight as I thought Steve Whitney played one his better games all season. Tommy Cross notched the BC PP goal early in the first which means that the Eagles have now scored at least one power play goal in the last 10 games. The penalty kill was just fabulous as the Eagles held Providence to 0/4 on the PP. I thought the BC power play was ok but there were certainly a couple of times where both units had a hard time getting the puck in the zone and getting set up. Overall, I think it is good for the team to play one of these tough, grind it out style of games. With the team now unbeaten in the last 8 games, I don't see the Friars coming into Conte tomorrow afternoon and beating the red hot Eagles.

Why BC Won

1. Parker Milner made 29 stops. When Parker is playing like he has been, there is not one team in college hockey that can beat BC.

2. Strong Defense. I loved the way BC played in their own zone tonight. Providence had very few grade A chances and struggled to get second hand chances off the BC defense.

3. The Penalty Kill. The Friars had virtually nothing on the PP all night and when they did, Parker Milner was there to prevent any Providence goals.

4. BC's fourth line dominated Providence's. Like I said, the fourth line, led by Destry Straight, was really solid tonight.

Problems 

1. Yes, we had a PP goal but I didn't think the remaining three power plays were all that great. Definitely something that needs to improve for the playoffs.

Notes- BC is now unbeaten in it's last 10 games with the Friars including being unbeaten in 7 of the last 8 meetings at Schneider Arena.

Player of the Game- Parker Milner with the 29 saves.


Next Up- Tomorrow at home vs PC. Game is at 3:30