This One Is For DK

We all know Hockey East games in late February/early March are some of the most important games of the season due to Hockey East standings and major pairwise implications. A pair of wins this weekend for Vermont would pretty much cement them a spot in the NCAA tournament and by the way they played last night, they certainly deserve to be in that tournament. But for BC, this wasn't an ordinary late February Hockey East game. No, they were playing for something greater than Hockey East and pairwise points, they were playing for perhaps their most loyal fan who peacefully passed away Friday morning. To honor Dick Kelley, the Eagles had a black sticker on the back of their helmets with the letters "DK" written on them.

As for the game, I thought Vermont came out really hard. They dominated the first ten minutes of the first period and if it wasn't for some key saves from Thatcher Demko early on, UVM could have built up a substantial lead. The Catamounts actually did take a 1-0 lead halfway through the first period when BC lost a clean faceoff in their own end and UVM captain HT Lenz fired one by Demko. After the UVM goal however, I liked the way BC responded. They pressured UVM in their own end, generated some quality scoring chances, kept UVM away from the grade A areas, and were eventually rewarded when Austin Cangelosi pounced on a rebound with about seven minutes to go in the period. It wasn't a great period as the first half of it the guys looked half asleep but once they got going and had a few quality chances on net, they turned the momentum around.

The second period was undoubtedly BC's best of the game. The Eagles were rewarded with a power play late in the first and Johnny G capitalized with his 26th goal of the season, extending his point streak to 25 games. I thought the most disappointing part of the period was BC's inability to extend their lead with a couple more power plays midway through the stanza. The first unit moved it around quiet well like always but the second unit was just a little bit too predictable, too stationary.  Vermont had a huge 5 on 3 for well over a minute with about six minutes left to go in the period. They had one or two really good chances but the puck took a couple lucky bounces and hopped over their forward's sticks in front of the net. Credit to Pat Brown, Bill Arnold, Johnny G, Isaac Macleod, and Steve Santini, they were the five guys that were out there for the majority of the kill. The most important thing about killing a lengthy five on three is the momentum it gives your team. BC has always made it look easy but killing penalties is really tough. You need guys that are willing to sacrifice their bodies, a goalie that makes big saves, and a little puck luck. BC got that last night. For the second time in five days, Pat Brown scored the game winning goal off a beautiful tip with just ten seconds to go in the second period. A huge dagger in the heart of Catamount country.

I thought the third period was a well played twenty minutes of hockey. Neither team had a power play and they scored goals within thirty seven seconds of each other. UVM scored two minutes into the period but Ryan Fitzgerald made a nifty pass to Brown, who put it home to give BC back the two goal lead. BC really did a great job of shutting down Vermont's first line of McCarthy, Bradley, and Puskarich all night, especially in the third period. McCarthy, a former BC commit, is by far and away their biggest threat and for pretty much the whole night, he was kept out of the prime scoring areas. Give a lot of credit to BC's defense, besides the second Vermont goal, they played great all night.

When it's all said and done, the bottom line is that the Eagles are just two points away from clinching a Hockey East regular season title. They have a tremendous opportunity to win another trophy tonight in what is sure to be another hostile environment. Let's see if the streak continues.

Why BC won- 

1. Thatcher Demko made some huge saves, especially in the first period.

2. Pat Brown's line had it's second consecutive big game.

3. The return of Ian McCoshen makes BC's defense a heck of a lot deeper. I would like to see them put Linell back to forward and Savage back on D, however.

4. The PK

Negatives- 

1. Couple of bad breakdowns. The faceoff goal wasn't pretty, I think it's the first time a team has scored off a draw vs BC this season. Also, the UVM second goal was not good. Two guys got beat badly.

Player(s) of the game- Demko and Brown

Go Eagles !

Rest in Peace, Dick Kelley

I remember sitting in the bleachers of Conte Forum the day after Christmas in December 2011. The Eagles hit the ice for the start of their first practice after the Holidays. Like usual, the rink was completely empty. As practice was winding down and I was getting ready to hit the road, two men approached me and called me by name asking if I was indeed the writer of the "BC Hockey Blog". I nodded my head nervously and whispered "yes, I am". Shortly after shaking hands and introducing ourselves, I learned that these men were the Sports Information Directors at Boston College. One of them was Tim Clark, a guy that has helped me tremendously with my progressions as a media member as much as anyone. The other was Dick Kelley. I recall sitting in those bleachers with Tim and Dick for close to 45 minutes, talking all things BC Hockey and BC athletics. After the conversation concluded, we said our goodbyes and moved on. I went back home, telling my parents of the encounter and my dad quickly raised his eyes and told me about how he knew Dick Kelley from his days at BC. He then proceeded to tell me of the disease Mr. Kelley had been victimized by. I was crushed but I immediately searched Dick Kelley's name on the internet and saw stories of hundreds of former/current BC athletes talking about how Dick Kelley made an impact on their lives. Although we only met on one occasion, the conversation I had with Dick Kelley will remain with me throughout my life.

I certainly didn't know Dick Kelley as well as many others did at BC but just by meeting with him, talking with him, and reading about him, I could tell that this man embodied everything that was right not just with Boston College, but with the world. He was a man that loved the people whom were close to him, loved the student athletes he worked with, and perhaps most of all, he loved Boston College.

Rest In Peace Dick Kelley.

Previewing the Vermont Catamounts

It's not too often you have an opportunity to win a pair of trophies in a matter of six days but that's what the Eagles have in front of them this weekend as they travel up to Burlington for a weekend series with the Vermont Catamounts. With two victories, BC would clinch their second Hockey East regular season title in three years. Tomorrow night will be the first meeting between BC and UVM this season. The Eagles were 4-0-1 vs the Cats last season which included a tie and victory at Gutterson Field House.

Although the last two seasons have been a bit of a rough go for Kevin Sneddon's crew, they have righted the ship these past couple of months. Last weekend was perhaps their best of the season as they swept the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Leading the way for UVM is former BC commit Chris McCarthy who currently has fourteen goals and seventeen assist on the season, good for 27th in the country in scoring. Supporting McCarthy have been freshman Mario Puskarich and junior Jacob Fallon. McCarthy centers UVM's top line with Puskarich and fellow freshman Brendan Bradley, the trio combined for eleven points last weekend vs UNH. On defense, the Catamounts are led Michael Palliotta (19 points) and senior Nick Bruneteau (12 points).

If you remember anything about last year's trip to the Gut, you'd know that they were two brutally physical games in which BC was extremely beat up after. I think the biggest difference between last years UVM team and this years is that they've got a lot of guys that can skate. McCarthy, Fallon, Puskarich, and Bradley are all players that have good feet and create a lot of good chances in the offensive end. While solid on offense, the strength of UVM's team throughout the year has been their defense. They're currently third in Hockey East and seventh in the nation in goals allowed per game (2.22) but of course, they've got to go against the best offense in college hockey and no one has yet to stop the big three so if they can stop BC, then give them all the credit in the world.

When it's all said and done, the only thing winning a Beanpot championship can do for this team is give them even more confidence heading into a pair of games where they can clinch yet another trophy. Winning championships is one the toughest things to do in sports but winning championships in another team's barn makes it that much tougher. There is no way UVM is going to let BC come into their rink and walk out with a Hockey East regular season championship. Heck, if those guys get a pair of wins they will be pretty much set for the NCAA tournament so we know they're going to play their absolute best hockey. It's going to be a high octane, physical, down to wire hockey game tomorrow night and based off what we've seen from the Eagles all season, they should be able to get the job done.

Scouting Vermont- 

Pairwise rank- 12th (15-9-3)

Best win- @ Maine

Worst loss- @ Boston University

Leading scorers- Chris McCarthy (14-17-31), Mario Puskarich (13-13-26), Jake Fallon (4-14-18)

Team offense- 2.89 goals per game (28th)

Team defense- 2.22 goals allowed per game (7th)

Power play- 14 % (48th)

Penalty kill- 87.5 % (4th)

Keys for the Eagles- 

1. Stop McCarthy's line. That has to be the number one priority going into this weekend. If McCarthy is stopped, I don't think UVM has a chance. I'd expect the Fitzgerald-Brown-Cangelosi line out there vs him but they could also put out the big three.

2. Need a goal or two from third or fourth lines. Expect Linell to move back up to forward with McCoshen back.

3. Less odd man rushes for the opponent. I thought Northeastern generated way to many 3 on 2's, 4 on 3's, and even a couple 2 on 1's and breakaways. We can't be relying on Demko to make every save.

Notes- 

1. Boston College is 21-6-3 vs UVM since they joined Hockey East in 2006.

2. BC is 4-5-3 in their last twelve games @ Gutterson Field House.

3. BC is 33-12-5 all time vs UVM.

Go Eagles !

McCoshen Returns From Injury

Ian McCoshen practiced this week for the first time since being injured on January 31st @ Providence College. Assuming all goes well from now until Friday night, he will play @ Vermont this weekend.

Go Eagles.

A New Era of Beanpot Dominance

In the Beanpot, Times change. The uniforms change. The players change. The coaches change. The fans change. The food changes. The atmosphere changes. But for a long time, no one ever thought there would a be change in the fact that Boston University won the Beanpot every single solitary year. No one. Then it did. It changed. 

For the fifth consecutive February, the Boston College Eagles returned to Chestnut Hill with the Beanpot trophy in hand after handing the Northeastern Huskies yet another devastating loss in that tournament that has given their program horrors for as long as it had existed. Before I start with the remainder of the post, I'd like to take the time and congratulate NU on a great tournament and a great season up to this point. I wasn't really a believer even after they took us to OT in October but I left last night with a totally different mindset about that Northeastern team, their coaching staff, and their program as a whole. They're a tremendous hockey team with some exceptional players, especially goaltender Clay Witt who played the best game an opposing netminder has played vs BC in a long time. Obviously, it has to be tough for them but they will get their turn. Jim Madigan has them going in the right direction and it's only a matter of time until they get their turn. 

But, how bout this team ? How about this Boston College Hockey team ? Over the course of the past five seasons, BC has become a victim of their own success and thus, have forced some to ponder whether the format of the greatest tournament in the world should change. Why does this tournament mean so much to this program, it's fans, and it's alums ? Because for so many years, so many sensational BC teams, ones that probably had even more talent then this club has, have failed to win that coveted trophy. I mean, the teams we had in the late 80's, late 90's and early 2000's were among some of the best in program history yet they always lost to BU in the Beanpot and it stung, a lot. People on the outside will continue to say it's a meaningless tournament that doesn't mean all that much but judging by the celebrations, pictures, and quotes, I'd say the guys are pretty darn happy to have that trophy sitting in the locker room this afternoon. 

I think one pretty cool part of writing this blog has been the ability to gain a bit of an inside look at some of the players and how they perform away from the Hockey East arenas. This team is a full of a lot of hard workers, in fact, all of them work hard in their own forms but I have to tell you, there are two guys in the four years I've been writing this thing that are always the first guys on the ice and the last ones off it, each and every practice. One of them was Chris Kreider. The other is Patrick Brown. At the end of each Thursday practice, all the centers go to center ice to work on face offs and they work on it for a while, sometimes close to half an hour or forty five minutes and don't get me wrong, each guy puts a lot of work into it and they go real hard. But, there is always one guy that is the last one remaining and looks for whomever else is on the ice to help him with his face 00off work. That would be Pat Brown. I'm surprised he doesn't have a broken back, he's taken so many face offs. In 2012, a National Championship year, Pat played in just 13 games and saw his spot taken by a few up and coming freshmen. For a lot of people, that would be the end of the line. But not Patrick Brown. He stayed at it and what do ya know he was named captain by his teammates this past spring. You don't get elected captain for the amount of goals you score or points you rack up, you get it because of your leadership qualities, your like ability amongst your teammates, and your work ethic. There is not one person on this team that deserved to score that goal (link), in that situation. In this program, you've got to find a way to play at a high level for the biggest games. Pat Brown played his best game of his career on one of the biggest stages he has ever been on. 

As for the game itself, I'm still in the state of shock at how well each goaltender play. Like I said, Clay Witt was tremendous but Thatcher Demko was just a tad better. It's literally like having a brick wall in front of the net. He stops everything he squares up to. I thought BC struggled at times in their own end, I mean the turnover on the Northeastern goal was really bad but once Brown scored with five minutes left, I think NU had maybe one great scoring chance. The first two periods were probably a little bit too up tempo for BC's liking because a lot of the guys on the blue line sometimes struggle with breaking the puck out and generating a rush but once the pace went down just a notch, BC kept NU out of the prime scoring areas and allowed their forwards to get the puck below the Huskie blue line and either start a cycle or generate some quality shots on net. Obviously the first line was tremendous like they always are but the second line of Austin Cangelosi, Brown, and Ryan Fitzgerald played it's best game in a month. Besides the Wisconsin game, this was Cangelosi's best game of the season. He was all over the place, especially in the third period and on the penalty kill. 

During a TV commercial with about ten minutes left in the game, a point where Northeastern was starting to create some havoc for BC in their own end, Coach York huddled the team together for about forty five seconds and told them something that must have really got them going because from that point on, BC looked calm and collected. I mean, I was sitting up in the stands sweating bullets and shaking like a rattlesnake, I can only imagine what was going through their minds before Coach York called them over. You can talk about the goal, or the penalty kills, or the saves as the momentum swinger all you want but to me, when I saw Coach call the team in and give them a big fist pump, I knew it was game, set, match. 

Heck of a win, heck of a team, heck of a tournament. Now, we try and win a Hockey East regular season title this weekend @ Vermont. 

Why BC Won- 

1. Thatcer Demko played his best game of the year. Yes, better than the Providence game. 

2. The first line. They could probably go over and play in Sochi right now. Seriously. 

3. The second line. In my opinion, it was by far their best game since being put together in early December. 

Negatives- 

There is room for improvement, especially in the turnover category. 

MVP- Kevin Hayes

Next Up- @ Vermont for two this weekend. 

GO EAGLES !!

Previewing the Beanpot Championship

It's not everyday when you wake up and you've got a chance to do something that no one, for as long as college hockey is played in this city, will ever forget. It's not everyday where you've got a chance to change the course and outlook on the sport's most popular regional tournament. It's not everyday where you have a chance to win five straight Beanpot championships. But tomorrow night, nineteen guys will take the ice with an opportunity of a lifetime in front of them. Every news station, website, blog, twitter account, etc has been talking about how much the Beanpot means to Northeastern because they haven't won it since 1988. Well, it means everything to this school as well. I don't care if we haven't won the thing in forty years or we are the four time defending champions, tomorrow night is an opportunity for each and every guy wearing maroon and gold to make history. 

Of course, I don't need to sit here and lecture you about the circumstances surrounding tomorrow night's game. Northeastern is going to play their absolute hearts out for a full 60 minutes. Whether it's the fact they haven't won the Beanpot in 26 years, the fact their underdogs, or the fact that a lot of them were not recruited by BC, that team has a lot to be motivated about so we know they are going to play their best hockey. From a pure talent perspective, this is without a doubt the best team Jim Madigan has had since his arrival on Huntington Ave in the summer of 2011. Up front, they're quick, skilled, and can score a lot of goals. We all know about Kevin Roy and what he did in last year's tournament but his supporting cast is much improved thanks to a star recruiting class headed by former Dubuque Fighting Saints Mike Szmatula and John Stevens. 

Although they were the first two Hockey East games of the season, I think both clubs can take a lot out of the series BC ended up sweeping in early October. First of all, we saw that Northeastern can really capitalize on their scoring chances mainly because of their young skill up front, although they do not generate a lot of shots on goal. So far this season, the Huskies rank 9th in Hockey East in terms of shots on goal with 842, averaging 30.07 shots per game. Boston College is 5th in Hockey East, averaging 32.18 shots per game. The biggest issue for NU has been the amount of shots they're allowing. On Friday night vs Massachusetts, the Huskies allowed a whopping 48 shots. That performance was preceded by performances in which they allowed 27 and 33 shots to Harvard and Notre Dame, respectively. The main point of all these numbers is that BC should have a lot of opportunities to get the puck to the net. Supposedly, Northeastern goalie Clay Witt is a potential Hobey Baker candidate and is the main reason for the teams success this season but our offense is a different monster. I'll tell you what, there is no way NU can allow the Eagles to garner more than 38 shots and expect to win the hockey game. 

Over the course of this winning streak, the single component that is separating the Eagles from their opponents is their ability to limit opportunities in the prime scoring areas. With the exception of a few breakdowns last week vs Boston University, the Eagles have cut down on their opponents' chances between the dots and their odd man rushes. BC's coverages in the defensive zone have vastly improved since the Maine and Holy Cross games, both of which were full of horrible defensive breakdowns and blown coverages. If guys stick to the system in place, keep the black jerseys away from the slot area, and don't allow too many odd man rushes, the Beanpot could very well be making it's way down Commonwealth Ave once again. 

When it's all said and done, tomorrow night will be another one of those hockey games that we all remember for a long time. Sure, remembering games for a long time is fine but over time you forget the games that you lost in the Beanpot. You never forget the games in which you won a Beanpot championship. It's the biggest event in college sports and each and every guy that takes the ice tomorrow with the words "Boston College" etched on their jerseys will have an opportunity to do something no BC team has ever done, 

Win a fifth straight Beanpot. 

Scouting Northeastern- 

Pairwise rank- 12th (16-9-3) 

Best win- @ UMass Lowell 

Worst loss- vs UMass 

Leading scorers- Kevin Roy (15-18-33), Michael Szmatula (11-20-31), Braden Pimm (16-11-27) 

Team defense- 2.50 goals allowed per game (19th)

Team offense- 3.25 goals scored per game (12th) 

Power play- 18 % (33rd) 

Penalty kill- 83 % (25th) 

Shots on goal margin per game- -5.39 (49th) 

Keys for BC- 

1. Test this goalie. See if he really is what they say he is. 

2. Be extremely aggressive in the early going. All the pressure in the world is on Northeastern. They haven't won the tournament since 1988 and they're going to have the whole building on their side. A bad start can really deflate a young team. 

3. Attack these defensemen. Northeastern is kind of like BU in the sense they have a very fragile defensive core although the Huskies have some very skilled forwards, unlike the Terriers. Get puck deep, force them to be uncomfortable in their own end, and capitalize on turnovers. 

Notes- 

1. BC is 33-9 all time in the Beanpot vs NU, 3-1 in the finals. 

2. 7:30 PM on NESN. 

Injury report- 

1. Ian McCoshen is OUT 

Go Eagles !

Running Away With It

Adam Gilmour celebrates his power play goal. Photo from The Heights.

For the fifteen plus years I've been paying really close attention to college hockey, particularly Hockey East, I can't ever recall a league race being pretty much decided with a month left in the season. Of course, some epic collapse could take place but around this time of year, that doesn't really happen in Chestnut Hill. Anyways, the #1 Boston College Eagles totally obliterated last place Merrimack tonight by a score of 6-1 in front of 5772 spectators @ Kelley Rink, extending their unbeaten streak to 14 games while prolonging Merrimack's winless drought at Conte Forum to 17 years. We'll do some analyzing but there really isn't much to say about this game except it was one really good hockey team vs a team that struggles mightily just to get a quality scoring chance. You can talk about hard work, coaching, and conditioning all you want but the bottom line is if your talent level is four or five notches above your opponents, you shouldn't ever lose a game.

The first period didn't have much rhythm to it, at all. Merrimack was awarded a power play under a minute into the game but they gave G and Bill Arnold a 2 on 1 and you can guess what took place during that sequence. With just under six minutes left in the period, Arnold tallied his second of the night on a goal that was assisted by G and Kevin Hayes. 

I thought BC was average in the first, not great but not as bad as they were in the first period vs BU. The second period was also really boring and infested with whistles but the Eagles did a great job of transitioning from the defensive end and creating odd man rushes through the middle of the ice. Don't get me wrong, I don't think Merrimack is a terrible hockey team but they really aren't good when they have to come from behind. Once BC jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a Pat Brown goal, the Warriors started sending in a really hard forecheck but BC countered it real well with their speed. There really isn't much to say about the rest of the game except for the fact BC dominated in every facet. 

I don't care if the opponent is Minnesota or Merrimack, if guys are playing like they were in their own end tonight, this team can win every game from here on out. Sure, Providence, BU, and Merrimack aren't the most explosive offenses out there but BC isn't giving teams anything in the grade A scoring areas. One guy who doesn't get nearly as much publicity because he isn't a flashy skater like some of his teammates is Steven Santini. The issue for the Eagles a season ago was they didn't have any great "defensive defensemen". Santini, along with Ian McCoshen and a much improved Isaac Macleod are a great compliment to the other three guys who are more offensively minded. I'm not sure how these guys will perform against more prolific offenses like Northeastern and Vermont but right now, the unit as a whole is playing it's best hockey of the year. 

In the final analysis, everybody has to be thrilled where this team is at right now. Sure, we've got a big one on Monday night but just let this sink in for a moment. We've got a 9 (!!!) point lead in the deepest league in college hockey with just five league games remaining. Thatcher Demko is playing his best hockey, the offense looks unstoppable once again, the defense is shutting down everything that comes at them, and both special team units are contributing immensely.

Now, let's go win #19.

Why BC Won-

1. BC is just a much better hockey team than Merrimack. If this team shows up and plays they way they're capable of, such as they have been as of late, they are the best team in college hockey and it isn't even close.

2. Merrimack got nothing in the prime scoring areas. Demko was also tremendous once again.

3. The power play. It was the best it has looked since the first Providence game in early January. They were 3 for 4 on the night and now rank 8th in the country. Also, the penalty kill hasn't allowed a goal since January 18th.

Negatives- 

I got nothing.

Player of the game- Bill Arnold

Next Up- I don't need to tell you.

Go Eagles

Previewing the Merrimack College Warriors

What were you doing in 1997 ? I don't really remember the year too well. I mean, I was a really young baby and wasn't quiet the die-hard BC Hockey fan I am now but I can tell you that is the year the Merrimack College Warriors last won @ Kelly Rink. In fact, the Boston College Eagles are 24-0-3 in their past 27 games @ Conte vs Merrimack since that upset on Halloween of 1997. Tomorrow night, the last place Warriors will look to snap that vaunted streak when they go up against the #1 Eagles, a team that has not lost a conference home game in over a year.

Merrimack and BC already played one of their two league contest this season just three weeks ago @ Lawler Arena, a solid 4-1 victory for the good guys. When we look at that particular, the first stat that jumps out to us is that BC held Merrimack to just twenty shots in three periods of play, including a astonishing four attempts in the third period. Overall, BC played a really good road game. They stayed out of the box (MC had just two power plays), capitalized when given a chance on the power play, and got out to an early lead. Merrimack is not the type of team that should be able to score more than three even strength goals, in fact, they've only scored three goals or more two times in Hockey East play. For comparisons sake, BC has scored three or more goals in all but five of their league games.

The key to playing Merrimack is breaking through their really boring neutral zone trap. To put it as simple as possible, they pack four guys in the neutral zone and it's usually the most unentertaining 60 minutes we get to watch all year. The Warriors have actually played some pretty good hockey @ BC over the past couple years. They had a 3-0 lead after a period last season before BC stormed back and won the game. They also scored with under a minute left in January of 2012 to salvage a tie with the Eagles. To be perfectly honest, it would take one heck of a meltdown in order for BC to lose tomorrow. It's the perfect trap game however with the biggest game of the season on Monday, playing the last place team at home on a Friday night might not be the most exciting game for the guys to play in. I think the coolest thing about Hockey East is that any team can beat any other team on any given night. Merrimack is going to play really hard tomorrow, they need the points a heck of a lot more than we do. They're playing for their season, and it's never easy to play a team that is playing for their playoff lives.

I know everyone is probably wondering about Ian McCoshen so here is what we got. He will NOT play tomorrow as he remains sideline with an injury. As of right now, he is questionable to play on Monday night vs Northeastern. Here is the lineup for tomorrow.

Johnny G- Bill Arnold- Kevin Hayes 

Ryan Fitzgerald- Pat Brown- Austin Cangelosi 

Quinn Smith- Mike Sit- Brendan Silk 

Destry Straight- Adam Gilmour- Chris Calnan 

Matheson-Doherty 

Savage-Linell 

Macleod-Santini 

Demko

Keys for BC- 

1. Patience. I know it sounds stupid, really stupid but we've got to be patient vs this trap. There are a lot of times when guys won't be able to get through this unique style of defense but in order to break this is to make Merrimack play a north south game. Make them have to send guys in our zone on the forecheck. How do you do that ? You get out to an early lead.

2. No stupid penalties. Merrimack doesn't score a lot of even strength goals. At all.

3. Have to be ready to play. Those guys don't have another game this week so we know they will be licking their chops for two points. Hopefully we aren't looking towards some game on Monday.

Scouting Merrimack -

Pairwise- 45th (7-15-3)

Best win- Quinnipiac

Worst loss- vs UMass

Leading scorers- Mike Collins (8-11-19), Brian Christie (4-7-11), Chris Leblanc (5-5-10)

Team defense- 2.76 goals allowed per game (37th)

Team offense- 1.92 goals scored per game (55th)

Power play- 14 % (44th)

Penalty kill- 84 % (17th)

Notes- 

1. Under Coach York, Boston College is 12-3-2 between Beanpot Monday's. Last loss was 2001 vs PC

2. The last time BC won 20 of it's first 27 games was 2001, they have already done that this season.

3. Minnesota lost tonight so BC's 13 game unbeaten streak is now the longest in the country. BC is also #1 in the pairwise

Halfway There

Fitz celebrates his goal. Photo from Dave Arnold.

Well, it certainly wasn't pretty but the #2 Boston College Eagles held off archrival Boston University 3-1 Monday night in the first round of the 62nd Beanpot Tournament. The Eagles will face Northeastern in the finals for the second consecutive year next week. First of all, I thought Boston University played a tremendous hockey game and had the puck bounced their way a few times in the third period or Thatcher Demko didn't play out of his mind once again, they could have easily won that game. We can talk about all the if's we want but the bottom line is good teams find a way to win even way they don't bring their A game. In fact, that was probably BC's C/C+ game. The Terriers came to play and did something they haven't done much at all this season, garnering 28 shots on goal.

When I look at the first period, obviously it was great to score a power play goal just four minutes into the game on what was an absolute snipe by Ryan Fitzgerald who played his best game in sometime last night. The Eagles continued to keep the pressure on BU's young defense for the majority of the period and could have taken a two goal lead if it wasn't for an outstanding blocker save on an Adam Gilmour one timer by Matt O'Connor. Once BU got settled in and O'Connor made some big stops, the Terriers really took it to BC as it was anything but a miracle that BC got out of the period with a lead.

Much like the first,  BC came out swinging in the second stanza as Kevin Hayes potted home a highlight reel pass from roommate Bill Arnold to give BC a comfortable 2-0 edge. After this goal however, it was all Terriers, all the time. BU defenseman Doyle Somerby violently shoved Kevin into the boards from behind and was rightfully assessed a five minute major but BC did nothing with the man advantage. Not only did we get nothing on the scoreboard, the shorthanded Terriers had a pair of two on ones that would have resulted in goals if it wasn't for some excellent hustle by Teddy Doherty and a big save from Thatcher Demko. Obviously that kill gave BU a enormous amount of momentum and shortly after the major expired, BU was rewarded a power play with just two and half minutes left in the period. The strength of this BC team has been their ability to protect a lead in the third period so getting that kill late in the second and going into the locker room up a pair of goals was huge.

In the early portions of the third period, BU built on the momentum they gained on their power play late in the second but I thought BC did a good job of staying calm and playing smart hockey. The last time we played these guys, we gave them three power plays in the third period and they nearly came back. I've always thought that having big body guys like Adam Gilmour or Chris Calnan not only helps in the physical part of the game but those guys are very good at keeping the puck away and cycling it behind the opponents goal line, killing chunks of time that would otherwise be spent in the BC end. Every line had long periods of time in which they kept working it down low, prevented BU from gaining any odd man rushes created from the defensive zone, and had some high quality scoring chances that could have put the game away. Obviously things got nerve racking when BU made it a one goal game but BC really didn't have to change much. The majority of BU's scoring chances were coming from the perimeter of the ice and when you've got a goalie like Demko, those types of chances are not going to find nylon very often.

When we look at this game, obviously there are a lot of things that need to improve. Number one, that five minute power play in the second period was not very good. That's the exact same thing that happened at Penn State. We're up a goal or two midway through the hockey game and we've got a prolonged man advantage. Those are the times to put teams away. There is no reason that game should have even been close in the third period last night. I'm not really worried about the five on five offense even though BC has only scored two five on five goals in their past two games (not counting G's empty netter). The fact that this team is finding way to win low-scoring games, the type of game that has been a problem in the past, is encouraging.

Lastly, I read an article today on College Hockey News today about how the Beanpot has lost it's luster and it's really not an important hockey tournament to people outside of the four schools. It's amazing how people suddenly turn so negative when one team, the most hated team in the sport, starts dominating a two day tournament. Seeing how excited Northeastern people are about the opportunity to win a Beanpot next week is what makes this tournament so great. It's my favorite tournament in the whole world and I treasure every second I get to watch the Eagles play in it because it means so much to me and so many other people. It's the best event in the world and I know this team is thrilled about a chance to keep the trophy in Chestnut Hill next Monday.

Why BC Won-

1. Thatcher Demko was sensational once again. Copied and pasted.

2. The penalty kill was tremendous. BU didn't get much in the "grade A" scoring range and when they did, either a stick was there to deflect it or Demko made the stop.

3. Johnny G is really good. Kevin Hayes is really good. Billy Arnold was the best of all three last night.

Negatives- 

1. The five minute power play.

2. Being outplayed for large portions of that game. If we get outplayed like that for a large amount of time vs a very good Northeastern team, the trophy is not going to stay in Kelly Rink.

Player(s) of the game- Demko and Billy Arnold....13 was pretty good as well.

Next Up- Merrimack on Friday night @ home.

GO EAGLES !

Previewing the Boston University Terriers

The four time defending champion Boston College Eagles will kick off their Beanpot title defense tonight vs arch nemesis Boston University and first year head coach David Quinn. This will be the third meeting of the year between BC and BU, the Eagles took home the first two contests, a 5-1 victory in November @ the Jack Parker Rink, and a thrilling 6-4 win three weeks ago at Kelly Rink. Amazingly, since 1993 only BC and BU have taken home the Beanpot title, while Harvard and Northeastern have NEVER met in the finals of this soon to be 62 year old war. If BC were to win it's fifth straight Pot' it would match BU's record of five in a row from 1995-2000.

I say this everyday around this time of year and I'll say it again, the Beanpot is the single most important collegiate athletic tournament in the country. Besides a National Title, there is nothing more satisfactory than seeing the maroon and gold skate around the TD Garden with yet another Beanpot. This is the only day of the year when families, friends, and coworkers barely speak to each other solely because the other went to or supports the opposing school. While walking through the halls today every conversation I took place in or overheard was about the Beanpot and it's importance to the city of Boston. Whether you're a die hard or an average kid who couldn't even name the four schools involved, everyone cares about the Beanpot. It's the greatest sporting event in the world.

As for the game itself, let's go ahead and throw the records, rankings, and stats out the window. It's BC-BU in the Beanpot. It's always a close game and tonight will be no different. Sure, we were fortunate to get a couple of victories vs them earlier this season but BU dominated large portions of that second game and were inches away from getting the game tying goal in the final minute of play. The Terriers have been playing much better hockey as of late as they defeated a strong Vermont team last Friday and held a late lead in Amherst this weekend before faltering late and settling for a tie. There is one huge key for this game. BC is going to outshoot BU by a wide margin, I mean, the Terriers have the worst shot differential in the league by quiet a large margin. If BU goalie Matt O'Connor can stand on his head much like Sean Maguire did two weeks ago, I think  BU has a shot but O'Connor has struggled vs BC over the course of his career as he currently has a 1-3 record vs the maroon and gold.

The biggest thing I want to see out of BC is their play below their own blue line. The Eagles did a good job of avoiding turnovers and odd man rushes vs Providence on Friday night but vs BU two weeks ago, the Terriers had an endless amount of odd man rushes, forced turnovers, and power plays. I would be shocked if BU was still in this game if BC stays as disciplined as they were on Friday and avoids turnovers like they have been doing ever since that second game vs the Terriers. BU is playing with house money so BC has got to expect them to bring their A+ game like they always do in this tournament. Any team, no matter how good or how bad they are, can win a hockey game when given a large amount of power plays. If BU gets their share of man advantages tonight, then they've got a shot.


I know you're all wondering about the lineup so here it is.

G-Arnold-Hayes

Fitzgerald-Brown-Cangelosi

Straight-Gilmour-Calnan

Smith-Sit-Silk

Matheson-Doherty

Santini-Macleod

Savage-Linell

Demko

Keys for BC-

1. I honestly don't think BU can win this game if BC stays out of the box for the most part. Let them take the stupid penalties.

2. BU runs out of gas easily. They had a two goals led in Amherst in the third period on Friday night and blew it. They've done that a lot.

3. Attack, attack, attack. These defensemen are clueless in their own end. They will have no idea what to do if BC forchecks aggressively.

There is no need to scout BU. We know them. They know us.

Notes-

1. 8 PM on NESN.

2. BC is 14-27 all time in the Beanpot vs BU but is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

Go Eagles !!



Injury Report

Here is the first injury report of the year. Of course, BC plays archrival Boston University in the Beanpot tomorrow night.

Ian McCoshen- OUT, undisclosed injury.

Kevin Hayes- Questionable, certainly chance he could play.

Go Eagles.

Banged Up Eagles Slip by Friars

On my way down last night I thought about the injury situation this year's club has had compared to last seasons. After the second game @ Schneider Arena a season ago, there had to be four guys limping around with tape all around their legs. Not to mention Pat Wey was cut by an opposing skate, causing a large amount of blood to come together just outside the locker room. Well, last night wasn't as bad but it was still a pretty dirty hockey game played by the home team. Despite losing Kevin Hayes to a hip injury after the first period and playing multiple guys who were at maybe 50 %, the Boston College Eagles extended their unbeaten streak to 12 games Friday night when they defeated the Providence College Friars, 2-0.

First of all, let's talk about the effort displayed by the Eagles last night. I've seen a lot of hockey teams roll over when they lose perhaps their best player but that didn't happen last night. Initially, Providence carried the play for the first half of the second period but once Brendan Silk potted home his second goal of the season, BC really took the momentum back. BC's energy guys, Silk, Quinn Smith, Chris Calnan, and Mike Sit all played really solid once again. Goals from these guys are just icing on top of the cake but when they're playing at the level they were for the second half of that hockey game, BC is a much deeper hockey team. I said earlier this year and I'll say it again, no guy has improved more from day one last year to now than Brendan Silk. He's really starting to find his role on this team.

With Hayes gone to injury, Austin Cangelosi was asked to step up and play with Johnny G and Bill Arnold. It's never going to be as good as when Hayes is there but I thought Austin filled the hole quiet well. That line played a lot of minutes in the third period but instead of running out of gas and letting PC control the pace, they kept the puck below the Friars' blue line and were rewarded when Johnny G extended his point streak to 21 games by beating a PC defenseman one on one, and firing the puck by Jon Gilles. Only a play G could make. After the goal, Providence stepped up their chipiness but I'm sure the staff was pleased about the way BC didn't give into to their opponent's theatrics. Of the three BC penalties, only one was a "bad" penalty. The other two were taken because the opponent was on an odd man rush, again you never want to take penalties but in those situations, you have to.

I think it would be pretty wrong of me to write a recap of this game without mentioning Thatcher Demko. This kid is special. If you think about it, he's had one awful game, the rest have been quality games in which BC was playing a tough opponent. When asked after the game whether or not he thought this was Thatcher's best game, Coach York said he didn't know but he's had a lot of real quality ones. Personally, I thought it was his best game although BC limited Providence to a lot less "grade A" chances than they gave us.

All in all, it's frustrating to play an opponent that is out there purely for the purpose of taking someone's head off but getting two points is really all that matters. As for the injuries, we'll have more on them tomorrow but Hayes is the only real question mark for Monday's game. Two others were banged up and missed practice today but they will play Monday unless something drastic takes place.

Why BC Won-

1. Effort. It was 100% for all 60 minutes. It wasn't a fun game to watch and I'm sure it wasn't a fun game to play in but everyone stayed focused on the task and got it done.

2. Demko was sensational. Best game of the year.

Negatives- 

I got nothing. Injuries I guess.

Player of the game- Thatcher Demko

Next Up- You know who is next.

Go Eagles !

Previewing the Providence College Friars

Tomorrow night, the #2 Boston College Eagles will travel down to newly renovated Schneider Arena for their first and only road game vs Providence College. The Eagles defeated Providence 5-2 on January 10th @ Kelly Rink as they capitalized with two power play goals. Since then, BC obviously hasn't lost while the Friars have been up and down, taking three of four "points" @ Colorado College and splitting a pair of league games with Lowell, winning at home last Friday before getting smoked 6-1 on Saturday @ Tsongas Center.

I'd say that besides the big win vs Maine, BC's victory vs Providence was their best game in two months. Providence isn't the fastest team in the world but they are big and very physical. Last season, we allowed them to be too physical in two of the three matchups, resulting in a loss and a tie. Two weeks ago, they were not as physical and they were not smart. When you play BC, you need three things. First, you need great goaltending and the Friars have that in Jon Gilles. He has struggled as of late but he will be solid tomorrow. Secondly, you have to somehow stop the first line. I don't know if Albert Einstein could figure that one out, let alone the Providence coaching staff. Lastly, you've got to stay out of the box, especially when BC's power play is humming like it has been.

The biggest thing BC has to do tomorrow is make sure this game is played at a high tempo. If Providence slows it down, throws out a few big hits, and Gilles plays well, it will be a good game, if BC uses their speed through the neutral zone like they did in the first matchup, we've got a great chance at taking home a couple points. I don't think it's realistic to think Providence is going to play as poorly as they did in the third period of the first game, especially considering the fact they need the points to stay in the Hockey East regular season conversation and a number one seed in the NCAA tournament.

When I look at both teams' depth chart, I think BC has a substantial advantage, talent wise, on the first two lines. Johnny G, Kevin Hayes, and Billy Arnold were better than normal last time these teams played. BC hadn't yet moved Linell back to forward so we will see how that plays out but so far, he's shown why forward is clearly his natural position. If BC's third and fourth lines can continue to play like they have, especially the fourth line which has been tremendous ever since they got put together vs UNH, I think BC can really impose their will in this game.

Scouting Providence- 

Pairwise rank- 7th (15-6-5)

Best win- @ Vermont (x2)

Worst loss- @ Boston University

Leading scorers- Ross Mauermann (16-15-31), Nick Saracino (5-14-19), Mark Jankowski (9-8-17)

Team offense- 3.27 goals scored per game (13th)

Team defense-2.35 goals allowed per game (14th)

Power play- 13 % (53rd)

Penalty kill- 86% (8th)

Keys for BC- 

1. Dictate the pace. Want it to be a high flying, north south game. Get the first line going early.

2. Providence takes a lot of penalties. If BC capitalizes, this game shouldn't be close.

3. Have to put the game away if given the chance. Last week, BC had a two goal lead in the third period, while on a five minute power play. Penn State almost came back and won the game. Shut the door on these guys early.

Notes- 

1. Boston College hasn't lost @ PC since 2006, going 6-0-3 in that span.

2. BC is 16-1-3 in it's last twenty vs PC.

3. No injuries to report. All systems go.

Go Eagles.

Competition Over ?

With the 62nd addition of the greatest tradition in college sports just around the corner, Coach York made a pretty surprising announcement this afternoon when he stated freshman Thatcher Demko would start in Monday's opening round game vs archrival Boston University. Coach was quoted saying "we went with a straight rotation but now we're going with the hot goalie". Thatcher has started three straight games after Brian Billett struggled vs the Terriers two weeks ago. Say what you want about BC having a great offense and a strong group of defenseman but Thatcher is 7-1-2 in games in which he has started. 

Personally, I think this job is all Demko's and it would take some sort of catastrophe for him to give it up. He's gone to places like Minnesota, UNH, BU, and come out with some real quality victories. Don't forget he is the youngest player in college hockey so, he deserves a lot of credit for what he has accomplished. 

I remember a particular freshman from two years ago that had a pretty solid performance and won MVP, but anyways, that's a story for another day. 

Go Eagles. 

Eagles Finalist For Top 98 Defenseman

Boston College is one of two finalist for Chad Krys, a top 1998 birthdate defenseman. He currently plays for the New Jersey Rockets U19 team and has recorded 20 points in in fourteen games. He was named the top prospect in the QMJHL Draft rankings earlier this month. 

The other finalist ? The Terriers of Boston University, where his father played in the late 80's/early 90's.

Go Eagles.

The Streak Continues @ Penn State

Boston College entered last night's game vs Penn State riding high on a 10 game unbeaten streak, a period of time in which they haven't lost in 58 days. The Eagles were heavy favorites vs a team they beat 8-2 just a month ago in the championship of the Three Rivers Classic. In fact, if I told you we beat those guys by six goals earlier this season after last night's game, you would have laughed at me. I didn't get a chance to go out there but I watched it on tape and man, did Penn State play hard. That program is certainly going in the right direction. In just their second year of division one hockey, their first in an actual conference, Guy Gadowsky has his team competing with the best programs in the country on a weekly basis. Watch out for the Nittany Lions, they will be real good, real soon. 

When I take a look at how BC played, I was somewhat disappointed with a few things. First of all, being outshot, and really dominated, in the first period is a sign that some guys just were not ready to play. Thatcher Demko had to do a lot of work throughout the whole game but the majority of it was in the first period. Penn State came out real fast, inspired, and probably should've had a lead after twenty minutes. Thanks to a guy named Kevin Hayes, that wasn't the case. 

The second period was a bit better, but it still wasn't what it needed to be. Penn State tied the game early on in the stanza but it was good to see BC bounce back and pick up a late four on four tally from Johnny G. Again, Penn State outshot BC but the Eagles generated a lot of quality scoring chances and forced Penn State goalie Eamon McAdam to make some great saves. 

Just five minutes into the third, Penn State took one of the stupidest boarding majors I have seen in quite sometime and BC could have put the nail in the coffin with a couple of goals. In fact, they did when Bill Arnold made a beautiful pass to a wide open Kevin Hayes to make it a 3-1 game but just a minute later Teddy Doherty gave PSU a penalty shot, while shorthanded (ugh), only for it to be denied by Demko. Unfortunately, just seconds after the missed penalty shot, PSU came down with numbers, and scored, making it a one goal game. It was the first shorthanded goal BC has given up all year. Sure, the power play has been much improved from November and December but giving up odd man rushes is the biggest no-no of all. But again, give credit to Penn State, they forced a lot of turnovers and did the best they could vs the nations top offensive unit. 

Overall, I don't think anyone is jumping up and down after beating a second year program by a single goal but I like the way BC played when leading with just a minute to go. The Nittany Lions attempted five shots in the final 1:16, just one of those got to Demko. Talk about the offense all you want but the way BC played in their own end in the final parts of the game, was terrific. A win is a win and the unbeaten streak continues. 

Why BC Won- 

1. Thatcher Demko was tremendous. 

2. BC just made one more play than Penn State did. It was a really even game but the Eagles just got one more lucky bounce. 

Problems- 

1. BC really didn't play that well, at all. It's gotta be better for Providence on Friday and for a little game on Monday night. 

Player of the game- Thatcher Demko 

Next up- @ Providence on Friday. 

Demko Playing Vs Penn State

Thatcher Demko will play his third consecutive game tonight vs Penn State.

Previewing the Penn State Nittany Lions

For the first time ever, a hockey team from Boston College will make the grueling trip out to State College, Pennsylvania to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Eagles and Lions met under a month ago in the Three Rivers Classic Championship, a solid 8-2 victory for the good guys. Boston College is unbeaten in it's past ten games while Penn State has not won since their first round victory in the Three Rivers Classic over Robert Morris. Penn State has yet to win a Big Ten game, they're 0-6 in the newly formed league.

 I got a chance to catch a glimpse of this Penn State club two weeks ago when their home game on a Monday night vs Minnesota was nationally televised and I was extremely impressed with the way they skated with the nation's number one team. They played Minnesota tough and if it wasn't for some great saves by Hobey Baker candidate Adam Wilcox, Penn State certainly could have won the game. Sure, they haven't won a game in their league yet but they did jump out to an early 1-0 led vs us in Pittsburgh and they played very hard for a long period of time before BC took over in the final minute of the first period. Rumor has it tickets are going for $200 tonight, that's unheard of. The home crowd will certainly get them playing at a high level.

As for BC, it's all about avoiding a major letdown. The Eagles are playing better than any other team in college hockey right now and they've proven they can win in tough venues, tonight will be no different. The key aspects of a road game never change, even on a game to game basis, you can't take dumb penalties, you have to find a way to get off to a good start, and you need your goaltender to settle in early. This isn't going to be an 8-2 game, I guarantee you that. Penn State will play hard and if BC isn't ready, anything can happen, but we've already experienced that.

Scouting Penn State-

Pairwise rank- 52nd (4-14-1)

Best win- Robert Morris

Worst loss- @ Michigan State

Leading scorers- Eric Scheid (9-5-14), Luke Juha (4-8-12), David Goodwin (4-6-10)

Team offense- 2.26 goals per game (50th)

Team defense- 3.84 goals allowed per game (56th)

Power play- 19 % (26th)

Penalty kill- 80 % (37th)

Penalty minutes- 14.58 penalty minutes per game. 14th most in NCAA.

Keys for BC- 

1. Keep it rolling. If we stay out of the box, get it going early, and get some timely goaltending, tonight should be a nice win.

2. Avoid stupid penalties. Tuesday was no doubt BC's best game of the year in terms of not taking dumb penalties.

Notes- 

1. BC now has the top penalty killing unit in the country at 90.4 %.

2. Johnny G currently has the nations longest point streak at 19 games. He has at least a point in every game except the second Minnesota game.

3. No word on goalie yet.

Eagles Continue To Roll @ Merrimack

Demko makes one of his 19 saves. Photo from Mike McMahon. 

It isn't often I''l say a win over the worst team in Hockey East is one that could really go a long way in deciding what happens later on in the year but tonight, I learned a lot about this team. I was questioning whether or not the guys could play in a gritty, not a lot of room, physical, low scoring, boring hockey game. I mean, we're averaging 4.65 goals per game this season. That's absurd. No other team in the nation has averaged even four goals a game. So, at BC, guys are not  used to games where there are not a lot of goals, not a lot of space, and the game is played at an extremely slow pace. I just didn't think the guys would be able to adjust. 

They did. In a big way. The #2 Boston College Eagles ran their unbeaten streak to ten games as they defeated the Merrimack College Warriors by a 3-1 score in front of a sellout crowd @ Lawler Arena. BC had been 2-4-1 in their past seven games @ the vaunted arena. First of all, let's get this out of the way. Thatcher Demko deserves to be the goalie night in and night out. He's got one loss this year in a game where he hadn't seen action in over a month. Sure, he's a freshman but he's won at some of the toughest places to play in college hockey such as the Jack Parker Rink, Lawler Arena, a tie @ Marriuci Arena, and the Whittemore Center. He played outstanding tonight but I think the biggest reason he only gave up one goal was because of the way the team in front of him played. BC's team defense was tremendous tonight. Besides a couple of poor turnovers in the second period, the Eagles just found a way to play a style of hockey they just are not used to doing. I mean, when was the last time BC ran a 1-2-2 trap ? It worked, really well. 

I thought the first period was a very good one for BC. They forced turnovers, penalties, and capitalized when they really needed to. The only mistake made was they allowed for Merrimack to have a little too much comfort around Demko for a small portion of the period and the Warriors capitalized. But even though Merrimack tied it up really quickly, BC kept pouncing. The first line wasn't as good as it was on Saturday but they forced Merrimack into a lot of bad penalties in the first, one of which was taken advantage of when Teddy Doherty scored with under a minute to play in the period. It was great to see the second unit get on the board. 

Of the three stanzas, the second was probably BC's weakest. Merrimack started to establish the way they wanted to play and were able to rattle off 14 shots, all of which were denied by Demko. The only real mistake was when a Warrior forward split the middle between Savage and Matheson and went in on a breakaway, Demko proceeded to make the biggest stop of the game after that. The Eagles took a crucial two goal lead when Patrick Brown put a rocket past Rassmus Tirronen. I would make the argument that he is the most under valued player in Hockey East because of what he brings to the table in both ends. He was tremendous tonight. 

Like they've done so well all year, BC preserved their third period lead without any problems as like I said earlier, Merrimack was held to only four shots on goal in the final twenty minutes. It was clear that the Warriors stepped up their assault in the offensive end so seeing BC hold them to just twenty shots was very gratifying. The most overused term in all of sports may be the "team win" quote but tonight was a full 60 minute by each and every guy. In this league, you're going to have to adjust on the fly. Sometimes, you just can't play the way you want to play for a full game. Tonight, BC wasn't able to do that but they did come away with the most important thing, a win. 

I'm not going to say that the race for the regular season title is over but I'm thinking that the only team that could possibly overtake BC is Lowell and the teams don't meet until the second to last week of the season. I would love to know when the last time any team had a eight point or more lead in this league because I can't remember there ever being so much separation between one team and the rest. Anyways, there is no doubt that the guys are playing better than anyone in the country right night. It's great to see. 

Why BC Won- 

1. Total team effort on the defensive end. Merrimack couldn't get anything all night and when they got maybe a little something, Demko was there. that 1-2-2 trap was different but it certainly worked on that small surface. 

2. This team is built to protect leads. The deeper you are, the better you are at protecting a lead in the third period. This team is very deep compared to last years squad and it shows every single night. 

3. They stayed out of the box. When you don't take dumb penalties, good things happen. 

Player of the game- Thatcher Demko 

Next Up- @ Penn State on Saturday. Wee.

Go Eagles !!

Previewing the Merrimack College Warriors

Tonight, the #2 Boston College Eagles will travel up to North Andover to take on Hockey East rival Merrimack for the first time this season. Before we dive into the game, let's assess where the Eagles currently stand in the league picture and national picture. As of right now, BC is first in Hockey East by a comfortable six points over second place Northeastern and eight points ahead of third place Providence. A win tonight would give BC a huge eight point lead (or four game) cushion over any other team in the conference. In terms of the pairwise standings, BC is currently sitting nicely in the second position behind #1 Minnesota but a loss tonight would be considered a "bad loss" because Merrimack has struggled mightily this season, especially in Hockey East. However, the Warriors have been playing some exceptional hockey as of late, upsetting #12 Clarkson last weekend in Potsdam before stunning #3 Qunnipiac Saturday night @ Lawler Arena.

I always consider the road game @ Merrimack to be one of the toughest games of the Hockey East slate. The almost miniature rink doesn't really fit BC's north-south skating style. Rather, it favors a Merrimack squad that plays a very defensive oriented style of hockey that can be hard to avoid being frustrated from, especially on the road. The biggest thing BC has to do in order to take home two more points is get Merrimack playing away from their style of hockey. Make this a skating contest, a high paced, very few whistle game that isn't infested with penalties. Because, that's what Merrimack does, they frustrate you so much with their neutral zone "trap" that BC sometimes takes the "dumb" penalties that have been all to common this season.


The bottom line is that BC's isn't going to win this game with their "B" game. It never seems to happen at this rink. Last year, we played two average hockey games in that building and came away with an overtime win and an overtime loss. Both are games which Merrimack probably should have won. Well, if the Holy Cross and Brown games were any indications, it's clear that BC sometimes doesn't show up for opponents they know they are superior to. If that happens tonight, it won't just cost them a win, it will cost them an opportunity to begin running away with the Hockey East regular season title. If they show up and play like they did in the second period vs BU, and the final two periods vs Maine, no one in the country can beat this team. Let's hope it continues.

Scouting Merrimack- 

Pairwise rank-41st (6-11-3)

Best win- vs Qunnipiac

Worst loss- vs Mercyhurst

Leading scorers- Mike Collins (7-10-17), Brian Christie (4-6-10), Quinn Gould (5-3-8)

Team offense- 2.00 goals per game (54th)

Team defense- 2.50 goals allowed per game (22nd)

Power play- 15 % (47th)

Penalty kill- 84% (15th)

Projected starter- Rasmus Tirronen (2.09 GAA, .923 save %)

Keys for BC- 

1. Get Merrimack playing away from their tempo. It's going to be a battle of styles tonight. One team likes to skate and play an extremely up tempo, high scoring style of hockey. The other is the exact opposite.

2.  Goaltending. Demko was sensational on Saturday vs Maine. He will go tonight.

3. Staying out of the box. Last season in this building, penalties were a killer on both nights. In the first game (OT loss), BC gave Merrimack eight power plays. In the second game (OT win) the Warriors had five chances on the man advantage.


Notes- 

1. The game is not on TV but hopefully the weather will hold up and I'll be able to make the trip so you can follow along on twitter.

2. 7 PM puck drop

3. Demko in net.

Watch Out

Kevin Hayes celebrates one of his goals. Photo from BC Athletics. 

For the first twenty two games of the year, whether it was after a win, loss, or tie, I wasn't too happy or too down because I knew we had a solid club that could win any game. To be honest, I thought we were a good club but I didn't think we were the best team in the country. I walked out of Kelly Rink tonight with a little smirk on my face and quipped to myself, "we've got a wagon". I respect the heck out of Minnesota, Union, and Ferris State but if BC plays like they did in the final forty minutes tonight for the rest of the season and especially in the NCAA tournament, there is no one that can compete with us. I'll get into the game in a second but as someone who has watched every single game of Kevin Hayes' college career and criticized him at many points for his effort on the ice and attitude off the ice, I think it's only right for me to sit here and tell you that this kid deserves every bit as much of the accolades and attention Johnny G gets. It's impossible for two guys on one team to get the amount of attention, especially in this sport but I've watched this team skate more than anyone and I have to tell you, Kevin Hayes is just as good, if not better, at some parts of the game than anyone else in the country. The frustration fans, coaches, and a particular blogger showed over the first three years of Kevin's career were a bit harsh at times, especially last season when he was suspended but the way he has "resurrected " his career at Boston College is truly special. I would sit in the stands during games and literally grab my hair over some of things Kevin did in his first three years here because I always knew he was a once and a lifetime talent he just was not showing it. I sit here tonight and tell you that you would be far fetched to go out there and find a bigger fans of Kevin Hayes' then me. Congratulations to Kevin for making one of the biggest comebacks I have ever seen out of an individual.

As for the game itself, just pure domination. I thought we started great, scoring a goal just two minutes into the contest but I wasn't too pleased with the way BC played towards the end of the period. We took a stupid penalty with two and a half minutes left in the period, killed it, but then failed on a clearing attempt that led to a Maine "goal". The refs reviewed it but didn't notice that Thatcher was shoved into the net along with the puck. Tough call but the way the guys responded was awesome. 

The second period was all Eagles, for pretty much all the time. Unlike the first and third periods of last nights game vs archrival Boston University, BC sustained a constant forecheck on Maine, causing three really bad defensive breakdowns that led to three goals in 1:38 effectively killing any chance the Black Bears had of picking up their first road victory of the season. I really liked the way Patrick Brown has adjusted to playing with the first power play unit. He screens goalies, gets in front of the net, and puts home whatever gifts Arnold, Hayes, and G give him. That's all they ask for and that's what he does best. Certainly deserves a spot on the first unit with those guys. For the most part, the Eagles avoided defensive breakdowns and when they did in fact have a letdown or two, Thatcher Demko was there to make the saves. He was tremendous all night. 

The part I think the staff has to be most pleased about is how BC competed in the third period. It's not easy playing six periods of hockey in two nights, especially when the first three were full of heart stopping moments of tension with your arch nemesis but the staff had them ready to go for the final twenty on this night. Coach York noted after the game how proud was of the guys being prepared not only physically, but especially mentally for what they thought were going to be a grueling final period versus a good hockey club. The only sour part of the night was the fact Maine had four power plays in the third period, eight total. At some point that has to change but credit to Coach Ayers and his penalty killing unit, they were very good tonight even though Maine added a power play tally late in the second. The Black Bears were 1 for 7 on the man advantage. BC's power play was buzzing all night, going 3 for 7 on the night. Out of the seven man advantages, I'd say only one was without a long period of sustained pressure. Great job by Coach Brown's crew tonight. 

Overall, this was one heck of a weekend for the Eagles. Not only did they help add to the free for all going on down the street, they played arguably their best hockey of the season in the second and third periods tonight. There are very few guys we've had here that I can say I actually stand up when they get the puck. Nathan Gerbe was the first, Brian Gibbons was the second, Chris Kreider was the third, Johnny G joined the club shortly after, but tonight, a new guy enters the exclusive club. #12. 

Why BC Won- 

1. Kevin Hayes was sensational (hatrick). So was G (5 assist, hello) 

2. Thatcher Demko played great. He deserves to play on Tuesday night @ Merrimack. 

3. Defensemen helped the cause. McCoshen had a goal while Savage had two assist. Matheson also recorded a point. 

Negatives- 

1. Penalties in the third period. Same old story. 

Player of the game- Kevin Hayes 

Notes- 

1. G (47) and Hayes (42) are the top two point getters in college hockey. Billy Arnold is fourth with 33. 

2. The all time record for points in a season @ BC is 83 held by..........Craig Janney. I think both of these two could break that. 

Next up- Tuesday night @ Merrimack 

Previewing the University of Maine Black Bears

Tonight, the Eagles will try to knock off their own post BU victory hangover and give a more complete, 60 minute effort vs a much more talented and deeper Maine Black Bear club. In the first meeting between these two clubs back in late November up in Orono, the Black Bears embarrassed BC by a score of 5-1, including a first period in which they scored three goals, the first being twenty five seconds into the game. First of all, let's take a look at how well Red Gendron has this team playing right now. They haven't lost a game up @ Alfond Arena where it took them almost three months to get their first home victory a season ago. They're currently in fourth place in Hockey East, just seven points behind BC but they do have two games in hand over the Eagles. The one thing missing on their resume is a true Hockey East road victory. Technically, they picked one up last Friday vs Boston University but the setting of that game was Fenway Park, not the Jack Parker Rink. However, they did tie a very deep Lowell squad last night @ Tsongas Center thanks to a goal in the final minute and half of regulation from forward Ryan Lomberg.

There really isn't much to say about the first meeting with these guys other than the fact they embarrassed us. It was utter domination from start to finish. The Black Bears were fast, physical, and played with a lot of effort in all three zones. BC just didn't show up and when you don't show up in front of that crowd, you're going to get turned over every which way. Maine certainly did that two months ago. The most intriguing stat from that game was BC's big three (not yet a line) were a combined -9 while Maine's top line was +6. It was perhaps the only game this year where a team physically dominated both Johnny G, Kevin Hayes, and Billy Arnold so BC has got to find a way to get them going tonight in the first period. Another problem from that game ? What's been perhaps the largest issue with this team this year ? Penalties. BC took twelve of them up in Orono although the PK did a solid job holding the Bears to an 0/5 mark on the power play. Certainly the only positive from that game.

While Maine is a much deeper team than BU, I think it's safe to say BC should have a substantial advantage when it comes to the bottom six forwards, especially if they play like they did last night. Quinn Smith, Danny Linell, and Mike Sit all played solid for the majority of the game while the "fourth" line of Silk, Gilmour, and Calnan combined for a team high six points. Like I said last night, it's not reasonable to expect them to play like that night in and night out but if they can continue to pressure opponents in their own end, create turnovers, and score a goal here and there, I think this team has a chance to win a lot of hockey games. Hopefully the team will get some improved goaltending out of Thatcher Demko tonight. He was tremendous vs Brown last Saturday so hopefully he keeps that up.

Scouting the Black Bears- 

Pairwise rank- 15th (11-7-3)

Best win- vs Boston College

Worst loss- @ UMass

Leading scorers- Devin Shore (11-15-26), Connor Leen (3-15-18), Ben Hutton (9-8-17)

Team offense- 3.29 goals per game (14th)

Team defense- 2.00 goals allowed per game (3rd)

Power play- 20 % (21st)

Penalty kill- 86 % (9th)

Penalty minutes- 8.10 penalty minutes per game. 5th lowest in NCAA.

Keys for the Eagles- 

1. Get the big guns going early. They were severely outplayed up in Orono. That's gotta change tonight.

2. If we get out to an early lead, no stupid penalties. One of these games, we're going to be up by three goals and guys are going to continue to take dumb penalties and it will cost us a game. That can't happen in big games like this.

3. Need better goaltending. Demko tonight.


Notes- 

1. BC is 60-45-9 all time versus Maine.

2. BC is 6-2 in it's last 8 home games vs Maine. The Black Bears' two wins here last year was their first since October 2005.

3. 7 PM puck drop.

Go Eagles.

Eagles Win Heart Stopper vs Archrival

G celebrates his first goal. Photo from Dave Arnold

Nights like tonight are the ones where I consider driving into the hospital and getting my heart rate checked out. I mean, I love winning and nothing beats getting a W over that team but I'd be lying if I told you I was 100 % thrilled about the way the guys played tonight, especially in the third period. First of all, let's give a lot of credit to BU. Quinn had those guys ready to play from the get-go, I mean they were all over us in the first period and were rewarded with a 1-0 lead midway through the period. To be honest, BC was very lucky to get a power play with two and a half minutes left in the period. Thankfully, the good power play showed up tonight as Adam Gilmour redirected a Teddy Doherty shot from the point past Sean Maguire, who played absolutely outstanding. The thing that stood out to me the most after one period was the way BU played BC's top line. Every time the big line hit the ice, Quinn had Oksanen and Noonan ready to go. Those guys played a ton of minutes tonight but give them credit, they played exceptionally well on both ends.

The second period really boiled down to two things. First, BC started to develop a fluent breakout, something they weren't even remotely close to doing in the first period. Also, BC was able to open up the game, mainly because they broke the puck out well. A north-south hockey game always favors the maroon and gold. A slow, penalty infested, no tempo game doesn't favor the Eagles. In fact, I thought BC should have had two or three goals in the middle stanza. Maguire made a couple of sensational saves on Billy Arnold and Kevin Hayes to keep the gap at two goals. Certainly a second period that everyone can be pleased about.

The third, well, the third period was as close to an unmitigated disaster as it gets. One thing that will always be a big factor when playing BU is their power play. Whether it's Parker or David Quinn behind the bench, BU has and always will have a great power play. I was surprised by how well BC defended in their own end when down a man. Guys literally gave themselves up in order to deflect pucks from getting to the net. It's not really fun watching Johnny G take a knee to block a 120 mph slapper but I guess we'll take all the blocks we can get. I mean if you look at the penalties BC took in the third, all three of them were away from the puck. The exact definition of a stupid penalty. You give a team, your biggest rival as a matter of fact, that hasn't won a game in two months a chance to come back and salvage their season guess what they're going to do ? They're going to make a comeback. To be honest, I did not see Macleod's high sticking penalty but from what I was told and from the reaction by the bench, it wasn't the greatest of calls.

It's nice to see Brian Billett get yet another win but I think even he knows that he has to play better than he did tonight for BC to have a chance to win night in and night out. Granted, I'd say BU's second and third goals were results of a bad defensive breakdown rather than a missed save from Billett. When you give an opponent six power plays, I guess it's fair to put the majority of the blame on the players but still, he has to be better and the guys have to find a way to stay out of the box. BC certainly dodged a huge bullet tonight.

I think I'd be insane not to mention how well the line of Adam Gilmour, Brendan Silk, and Chris Calnan played tonight. In fact, those guys combined for more points (6) than BC's big line did (5). Obviously, it would be totally unreasonable for us to expect them play like that each and every game but the play of each of those three has been exceptional. People tend to give a lot of the credit to Calnan and Gilmour because they were huge recruits but I think it's only fair to recognize the way Brendan Silk has played this season. He has, without a doubt, taken his game to a whole other level this season and if it continues along with the progression of his two young linemates, BC could get even deeper.

Overall, a win is a win and a win vs Boston University is a win vs Boston University. Yes, there is a huge difference between beating a team that hasn't won a game in it's last six tries and a team that hasn't won a game in it's last six games but has the name "Boston University" attached to their helmets. It's a war that will probably never be settled but chapter two hundred and forty six will have a nice maroon and gold cover to it.


Why BC won- 

1. The play of Brendan Silk, Chris Calnan, and Adam Gilmour. All three were absolutely tremendous tonight. Give them a lot of credit.

2. Special teams. The power play was hitting on all cylinders for the second time in the past three games while the penalty kill was probably the biggest reason BC won the game.

3. I thought Billy Arnold played his best game in a long time tonight. Out of the big three, he was certainly the best.

Negatives- 

1. The penalties. It's so frustrating. I mean, I don't even care whether it was a good call or not. You shouldn't be giving them anything to think about while holding a two goal lead in the third period. It's a huge issue right now that needs to be fixed.


Players of the game- Brendan Silk, Adam Gilmour, and Chris Calnan

Next Up- Maine tomorrow night at home.

Awesome night. Go Birds.

Billett In Net Vs BU

Brian Billett will get the start tonight vs Boston University. He is 1-0 in his career  vs the Terriers.