NEXT STOP: TAMPA BAY !

For the 10th time since 1998, the Boston College Eagles will be going back to the Frozen Four thanks to  a beautiful 4-0 win over the defending champion, Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. The Eagles had goals from Pat Mullane, Bill Arnold, Pat Wey, and Johnny Gaudreau. After a tough first period in which the Eagles weren't able to take advantage of a couple of power plays, the team came out flying in the second and were rewarded with Pat Mullane's rebound goal just four minutes into the stanza. Just a minute and a half after the Mullane goal, Steven Whitney made a fantastic play behind the Duluth net as he picked off a pass and threw it out front to Bill Arnold who put the puck by UMD goalie Kenny Reiter to make it 2-0. Towards the end of the period, Isaac Macleod got screwed on a bad high sticking call but the Eagles killed off the huge power play for the Bulldogs. I thought this was the key moment of the game by far. UMD was trying really hard to come back and they desperately needed a goal, but the PK, along with Parker Milner (like always) made some fantastic plays to preserve the two goal lead going into the third. I thought BC did a great job in the third as they didn't give Duluth too much 5 on 5 and even when the Bulldogs had a lengthy 5 on 3, the Eagles killed it off, effectively ending any chance UMD had at repeating as National Champions. Yes, a lot of guys played great tonight but Parker Milner was the best player on the ice once again for the Eagles. I would say this is the second best game I have ever seen him play (Beanpot #1) I mean UMD was coming at him really hard as the game wore on but he was there to make a stop every single time. To think that he was benched after the second BU game and is now the main reason this team is going to the Frozen Four, is simply amazing. Give the kid all the credit in the world, he works hard and is now being awarded for his amazing efforts. Another player I think deserves all the credit in the world is Tommy Cross. Is he the best player on the team ? Probably not. Is he the best leader I have seen around BC in along time ? Certainly. Coach York is quick to point out how down the team was after being swept up in Orono but he also points to Tommy's leadership (Especially on that bus ride back from Orono) as a key component to why BC is going to Tampa. If you had told me after the Maine series that we would be going to the Frozen Four, I wouldn't have believed you one bit. But after all, Jerry York is our head coach.

Why BC won 

1. Parker Milner was outstanding. It was one of those performances I will never forget because it was that special.

2. The PK is awesome. It has gotten to a point where I am convinced not one power play in the country can score on this unit. Awesome night by guys like Almeida, Arnold, Kreider, Mullane, Linell, and Whitney on the PK.

3. Chris Kreider is back. As I said, in order for this team to win a championship, #19 needs to be playing his best. This weekend, he was at the top of his game.

Problems

1. We're going to Florida. Nothing wrong with that !

Player of the Game- I'll go with Parker Milner. I thought Bill Arnold and Pat Mullane were great as well.

Notes 

1. BC is now 43-38 all time in the NCAA tournament and is 30-9 under Coach York.

2. BC's winning streak is now at 17.

3. BC has now won 8 straight games at the DCU Center.

4.Last night was Parker Milner's 40th career win.

5. BC will play Minnesota in the first round of the Frozen Four on April 5th at 8:00.