Well, hockey is a funny sport isn't it ? I am a pretty loyal fan and all but I am honestly shocked that this team is where it is right now. Why am I shocked ? Just over a month ago we were getting blown out @ UMass, blew a late lead vs Merrimack, and got swept at Maine. It just amazes me that this team and this coaching staff have found a way to pull off a 7 game winning streak that includes winning the holy Beanpot Championship for a third straight year. The first and most obvious reason BC is flying right now is the play of goaltender Parker Milner. In the mist of this seven game win streak, Parker has just around 1.7 goals against average for the Eagles along with posting some his best performances of the year in the Beanpot and @ Merrimack. Ever since the lines got changed around after being swept @ Maine, the offense has exploded and has registered 4.14 goals a game during the seven game winning streak while holding opponents to just 1.71 goals a game. This BC team is really hot right now and if it stays this way, I have a good feeling that we could be celebrating more championships down the road.
I have a good feeling about this team for a couple reasons. The first being we have a goaltender that is as hot as anyone in the country. When you have good goaltending in this league, you can beat anybody on any night. The reason for the struggles in December/January can't be blamed on the goalies but now that the team seems to have a #1 goaltender that can play well on a nightly basis, watch out. Another reason I have a good feeling is we have the best player in Hockey East. I know, he tends to play some bad games here and there but really, when Chris Kreider wants to take over a hockey game, he can do it. Abbott or Flynn will probably win MVP because of their stats but in terms of who I would want on my team, it would always be #19. I also love the way the special teams is performing at the moment. The power play can definitely improve but it always seems to score when the team really needs a big goal. I really like the move in which the staff put Kreider to the point and moved Carey down low because I think Carey is one of the better cyclers and finishers on this team and Kreider is just a beast wherever he is at. The penalty kill on the other hand, is just flat out amazing. Besides the two power plays goals that BU registered against BC, the PK unit has been outstanding. In the mist of this seven game win streak, the PK has held opponents to 5/30 when on the power play. That is good for about a 87 % kill rate. The PK had maybe it's best weekend of the year vs Merrimack as the team only took three penalties all weekend and didn't give the Warriors anything on the man up.
In the mean time, here is what I think the awards would be for JUST BC so far this season. Take a look...
MVP- This is a tough one between Barry Almeida and Chris Kreider but I have to go With Kreider. In terms of stats, he leads in goals and overall points but like I said, his ability to take over a game is very similar to the likes of Gerbe and Gionta. Almeida has also had a fantastic year.
Rookie of the year- Danny Linell, Brian Billett, and Mike Sit have had good years but come on, you know who it is, Johnny Gaudreau. The ability he has to make plays is just unbelievable. The best rookie in the league, I don't care what anyone says.
Most Improved- This is also a tight race but I am going to go with Isaac Macleod. He didn't play a ton last year but has now become an everyday defenseman for this team. He has also become an exceptional penalty killer, becoming one of the go to guys when the Eagles are a man down.
Unsung Hero- Barry Almeida. Probably the best overall player on this team because he can do it all. When you need a penalty kill, you call on #9, when you have a power play, you call on #9, when your in a late game situation, you call on #9. Definitely the best year Barry has had at BC.
Game of the Year- Not even a contest. Sure the Fenway win and other games have been good but nothing is in the same the galaxy as the Beanpot.
Play of the year- Bill Arnold's OT goal by a mile !
Until Tomorrow Night,
GO EAGLES !
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