Eagles move within one game of another National Championship.

So much for a classic college hockey game between two of the greatest programs in the history of the sport. The Boston College Eagles defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers by a 6-1 margin last night. BC had goals from Paul Carey (2), Steve Whitney, Kevin Hayes, Chris Kreider, and Brian Dumoulin. All that has to be said about this game is that BC just humiliated a team that some thought had a viable chance in this game. This was the best game I have seen a Boston College hockey team play since the 2006 Northeast regionals final versus Parker and his Terriers. The Gophers actually came out looking ready to play but Parker Milner stuffed any chances UM had in the early going. Once the Eagles had their first "Grade A" chance of the game, they took advantage of it. Barry Almeida made a fantastic pass to Steve Whitney for the games first goal. Really, this was the story of the night. BC was able to capitalize on their grade A scoring chances and the Gophers were not. After only being up a goal through one period, BC broke the game open in the second. Well, early on, Kevin Hayes recorded a huge power play goal to give the Eagles a nice two goal cushion but UM didn't seem to be letting up. However, the last two minutes of the second stanza were just horrible for Minnesota coach Don Lucia and his club. A bad turnover at the BC blue line led to a 2 on 1 for Destry Straight and Chris Kreider, who soon capitalized on a wide open net after a great pass from Straight. Just a mere 18 seconds later, Paul Carey put the nail in the coffin when he scored with just 16 seconds left in the period. The whole goal happend because of a beautiful pass from Johnny Gaudreau, who was getting hacked while making his way to the net. After a quick Gopher strike in the first minute of the period, Carey once again ended all hope the Gophers had with his 17th goal of the season and 2nd of the game just a minute after the Gopher goal. Brian Dumoulin added a nice power play goal just for kicks at the end of the game.

What are my going to say ? This team is absolutely loaded and I don't care what anyone says. When you have three potential first lines like BC does, it makes it so tough for any opponent, even a team like UM to try to keep up with the Eagles. Anyways, after thinking about it for a while last night, I think I would put Parker Milner's second half of the year up there with some of the great goalie performances ever. I mean he made some huge stops early on in that game that allowed BC to keep it's lead at one going into the second. Just an another amazing performance by Parker, he continues to amaze everyone that is watching him. Milner has been great but the defenseman in front of him have also been outstanding. I thought Tommy Cross and Brian Dumoulin both had one of their better games of the whole season last night (Dumoulin had a goal). The improvement that all six defenseman have shown from the start of this year to this point is mind blowing. With the defense playing like it is right now, I don't see BC losing to Ferris State on Saturday but you never know. Overall, it's great to back in the National Championship and it will be interesting to see if the Bulldogs can give the Eagles a run for their money.

Why BC Won

1. Parker Milner was fantastic. He continues to be amazing, the best goalie in the country without a question.

2. Special Teams. Two power play goals, holding the Gophers to 0/4 on the PP was another reason why BC was able to get it done.

3. BC took advantage of their chances. It's all about execution. BC executed when it needed to and Minnesota didn't.

Problems 

I got nothing.

Player of the Game- I thought Paul Carey was phenomenal last night. So was Milner, as he always is.

Notes 

1. BC will be going for their 5th National Championship on Saturday

2. BC is now 6-4 versus Minnesota in the NCAA tournament.

3. The Eagles will get Ferris State in the finals (They beat Union)

4. This is the first time all postseason in which BC scored two power play goals.

Until Tomorrow,

GO EAGLES