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| Photo from BC Athletics |
Yesterday, we discussed the importance of special teams and how
BC's penalty killing unit had to step it up a few notches after rough games vs
Lowell and RIT. Not only was the PK improved from the previous games, it was
one of the central reasons why the Eagles were able to record their second
consecutive victory. Overall, I was quiet pleased at the way BC played. We know
this team can't survive with scoring from the senior class and so far, those
guys have proven they can deliver goals at necessary junctures. Unheralded Cam
Spiro recorded his first two goals in over a year and a half while Quinn Smith
hooked up with linemates Danny Linell and Destry Straight for his first tally
of the season.
The only negative for BC was their first
period. They didn't create much offense, they gave up multiple grade A chances,
and could not keep CC off the power play. Two of the penalties were the results
of a poor job keeping the puck down low for a long period of time and forcing
CC into mistakes in their own end. In both the RIT game and the second and
third periods last night, BC proved that they're most effective offensively
when they penetrate with an aggressive forecheck. I didn't think they did a
tremendous job of keeping CC on their heels in the first stanza. Anytime you
give an opponent three power plays in a 20 minute span and keep them off the
board, it's a huge positive. BC did a better job of keeping the puck to outside
and not allowing the Tiger's many scoring chances between the dots but when CC
did get those occasional tight area chances, Thatcher Demko was there to make
the stops. Although he misplayed the puck on CC's goal (perhaps his biggest
weakness is puck handling), he played phenomenal all night long. When he is
playing at that level, I believe he's the best goalie in college hockey.
For the second straight outing, BC's best
period was the middle stanza. They dictated the play in all three ends and were
rewarded with four goals, one of which was on the power play. Perhaps the most
recognizable goal of the evening was Noah Hanifin's first collegiate tally in
front of 20 NHL scouts, four of which were from Winnipeg. It is quite clear to
me after watching three games that he is the best skating defenseman on this
team, perhaps in a tie with Matheson. The most nerve racking portion of the
period was when Teddy Doherty went down with what appeared to be a hand or
wrist injury. Thankfully, he stayed on the bench and played the remaining 30
minutes. BC was given a minute of 5 on 3 time midway through the period and even
though they didn't capitalize on the two man advantage, Ryan Fitzgerald dangled
his way around a couple defenders in Johnny G style towards the end of the
second penalty, giving the Eagles their second PP goal in as many goals. It's
fair to say that Fitz has been without a doubt BC's most prolific forward
through three games, in fact he has a goal in all three games. For some reason,
maybe it's the increased playing time, he looks so much more comfortable with
the puck on his stick and is really starting to create some big time plays at
critical points. If CC gets out of that 5 on 3 only down a goal, they've got a
ton of momentum, thanks to #19, that didn't happen.
Third period was a tad sloppy and included
a couple of bad turnovers but all in all, not a bad effort from the maroon and
gold. The three biggest things they need to improve for tonight’s game vs
UMass, a team that picked up a big win @ NU last night, is staying out of the box
(UMA has a potent power play), avoiding turnovers, as they were lucky not to
fall victim to a couple of really bad defensive lapses, and lastly, I'd like to
see them move the puck better on the power play. Sure, they had a goal last
night but that was a result of some great individual play. There was too much
passing at the blue line and not enough of getting the puck deep and the zone
and creating good chances from the "inside out".
Anyways, solid win but two huge league
points are on the line tonight. Preview later.
Why BC won-
1. Penalty kill was terrific. CC was 0 for
5 on the man up, much better execution from the Eagles.
2. Sanford, Tuch, and Hanifin seem to be
improving each and every game. Noah looks like a pro out there sometimes while
Tuch and Sanford are clearly two of the best forwards on this team at the
moment. They combined for 4 points.
3. Spiro was sensational. I don't know how
this kid didn't get any playing time in his first three seasons but he has
argaubly been BC's best forward besides Fitzgerald.
4. Demko was fantastic.
Negatives-
1. Penalties. Five power plays is too
many.
2. BC turned it over a lot more than they
did vs RIT. Teams like CC don't always capitalize on chances, other opponents
down the road certainly will.
Player of the game- Cam Spiro
Next up- UMass tonight
Go Eagles
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