Weekend in review.

Captain Tommy Cross had three assist on the weekend. 

Another weekend with four points at stake, another weekend with four points out of it. The Eagles remain #1 in the country for the second consecutive week following a two game sweep of UMass Lowell. BC had strong play from the line of the Chris Kreider-Bill Arnold- Kevin Hayes line and the Whitney-Mullane-Gaudreau line. These two lines have had pretty consistant play all year long and look for that to continue. The same can not be said for the Straight-Almedia-Carey line. This line was very strong last weekend especially vs NU, but this weekend the magic was not their. This line is usually very strong at cycling the puck down in the opponents zone but for some reason could not do it to the extent they did it last week. Destry Straight did record his first goal of the season, but really needs to step his game. His speed is not up to that of his linemates Carey and Almeida, and it is beginning  having an effect on him. Throughout the weekend, the problem was not the offense, as BC combined for ten goals in two games but at times the effort was not there. I was extremely disappointed by the team's effort in the last two periods vs a very hard working Lowell team on Saturday night. Lowell was able to outshoot BC in Conte 40-24. That is embarrassing and it never happens to BC especially at home. Thank god for Parker Milner's strong play as of late and if it wasn't for him, BC would be in a different place right now. 

Another problem is the lost of Pat Wey. His shoes are bigger then I thought. The Eagles have yet to find a replacement for him, as the defenseman who were put in to fill his spot were not on their games. Ok, I am being to harsh but the Eagles need to find a replacement for him.

Finally, this Friday BC welcomes in the Black Bears of Maine. This is a huge and if BC gives the effort they gave in the last two periods on Saturday, they could lose by a lot. Maine is a very talented team, and will be a tough matchup for BC. I will have my preview on Thursday. 

Happy Halloween, 

GO EAGLES.

Gaudreau wins Rookie of the week..... again.

For the SECOND time in this young season, Eagles freshman forward Johnny Gaudreau has won Hockey East Rookie of the Week. Congrats to Johnny and watch out BU and the rest of Hockey East because this kid is just a freshman.

Saturday Highlights.

Fridays Highlights.

Eagles complete weekend sweep of Lowell with 6-3 win.

 

Steve Whitney had a goal and an assist in the win.

Going into this weekend, BC was #1 in Hockey East, and coming out of the weekend BC is still in first. Mission accomplished, but there were some real problems in tonight's 6-3 win over a tough Lowell team that never gave up all weekend. BC had goals from Destry Striaght, Johnny Gaudreau, Chris Kreider (2), Steve Whitney and Bill Arnold. You look at the scoreboard an go "wow, BC must have been all over Lowell ". You could not be more wrong. Lowell skated harder and looked like they wanted it more out there but the problem for the Riverhawks was they gave up two crucial PP goals to BC. For much of the first, BC controlled the pace and outshot the Riverhawks 14-13 and held a 4-1 advantage after one. Now for some reason, after the first twenty minutes of play, BC just seemed to turn the dial for the worse. Lowell dominated the last two frames, outshooting BC 27-10 over the final forty minutes. Parker Milner was able to stop 37 Riverhawk shots but looked very shaky at times after giving up a terrible first goal in which he sort of fumbled the puck when he had it and the Hawks were all over it to score. The defense struggled tonight after a great game last night. Edwin Shea and Brooks Dyroff were just giving the puck away to many times and Dyroff was beat to many times on one on one battles. Thanks to the usual stars like Krieder, Gaudreau, and Arnold, BC was able to get two points. But if this continues vs a very good Maine team next week, the result may be different.

Why the Eagles won 

1. The skill and speed were to much for Lowell. I think BC wore down Lowell at times and if your standing still vs BC like Lowell was at times (but not many) the Eagles will take advantage.

2. Lowell got to many bad penalties. If Lowell stayed out of the box and it was 5-5 hockey the whole time, this game would have a different outcome.

3. The Power Play was very good. 2/4 on the PP is a recipe for a win. Great pass by Pat Mullane on the first PP goal.

Problems 

1. The effort was not there at times during the third period. Lot if credit to Lowell here for shutting down BC in the third period. I think after BC walked into the dressing room after the first with a 4-1 lead, they decided to shut it off.

2. Losing Pat Wey is going to haunt this team. Pat Wey is one of the best defenseman on this team and it shows because the team is clearly missing him. If BC is going to try to fix this problem, they need to find someone who can fill in because Mark Begert (Friday night) and Brooks Dyroff (Tonight) were off.

Player of the game- Chris Kreider. Two goals for Kreider helped lead BC.

Eagles sneak by Lowell to maintain first place in Hockey East.

My player of the game, Issac MacLeod

I am starting to notice a trend around Hockey East. It's not easy to win in another team's barn. BC once again walked out of Tsongas arena with a close 4-2 win over Norm Bazin's Riverhawks. The Riverhawks sustained some pressure in the BC zone but thanks to strong games from Edwin Shea, Parker Milner and Issac MacLeod, BC was able to clear away any Riverhawk opportunities. With the win, BC improved to 6-1 on the year and undefeated on the road. If you look at it, BC has beaten North Dakota, UNH, Northeastern, and Lowell in their own barns, thats impressive to say the least. Lowell really came after the Eagles by throwing their bodies around and trying to sustain a high pressured forcheck on a BC defense that was steady (for the most part) all night. The penalties and the officiating were better tonight but one thing thats needs to stop is getting penalties on the man advantage. It's happend a few to many times this year to BC and it needs to stop because it's taking a huge advantage right away. 

Why the Eagles won 

1. Much better D zone play tonight as opposed to last weekend. I said MacLeod and Shea needed to step up in the absence of Wey, and they did just that. 

2. Parker Milner is proving everyone wrong. A lot of people, including myself at times questioned if Parker Milner could be the goaltender BC needed him to be. He has done just that through seven games.

3. Limiting Lowell's chances. Yes, Lowell outshot BC, but the Eagles did a better job of limiting grade A chances for Lowell. 

4. Johnny Gaudreau. Buy a ticket, watch this kid play. I promise it will be worth the money. The kid is spectacular, he is now tied for second in goals behind Billy Arnold. 

Problems 

1. Not many tonight. Not as many chances created as the NU game, but a solid defensive game makes up for that. 

Player of the game- Issac MacLeod. After a tough week last week, came back in top form. Great job by Issac. 

Next Game- Tomorrow night vs Lowell @ Conte. 

Fun Note- BC is now 5 points ahead of BU in Hockey East ! BU is horrible !

My week four picks.

BC Prediction- BC will sweep Lowell by scores of 5-2 and 3-0.

Previewing the UMass Lowell Riverhawks

This weekend, the Eagles take on the Riverhawks from Lowell in a crucial Hockey East home and home series. Lowell got off to a hot start to their season, beating Minnesota State twice on the road. After the sweep, the Riverhawks returned to New England but only to loose to UConn 3-2 in OT. This will be Lowell's first game in Tsongas Arena as their first home game vs UConn was played in Nassua, New Hampshire. This will be coach Norm Bazin's first game vs a Hockey East opponent and lucky him, it comes against the best coach and team in the country. The Eagles are 57-33-7 all time vs the Hawks and 40-16-2 under head coach Jerry York. 

Last time out- Eagles defeated Lowell 5-1 @ the Tsongas center on 1/29/11. 

Players to watch out for- Riley Wetmore is one of the more dangerous players in the league. Wetmore leads the team in points this year and was second on the team a season ago. Senior forward Mike Budd is also a dangerous forward for the Hawks because of his size and ability to create problems for the opposing defense. 

Goaltending- Lowell has gone back and forth between goalies Doug Carr and Brian Robbins so far this year. Robbins played the whole UConn game so I would expect that he will go Friday in his first ever start vs BC so look for BC to try to get to him early. BC has done a great job of doing that all year. 

Keys for BC

1. Get shots on this goalie. This will be an inexperienced goalie no matter who it is. If BC can just get pucks to the net on him early, good things will happen. 

2. Avoid turnovers. To many times vs UMass an NU, BC turned it over on their own Blue line. If BC avoids the turnovers, everything should go according to plan. 

3. Get the crowd out of it early. If BC can score a couple quick ones on the young Lowell squad, the Hawks and their fans will loose their momentum. 

4. With Pat Wey out, BC needs guys like Issac MacLeod, Edwin Shea and Patch Alber to really turn up their games on defense. 

Notes- Former Eagles Malcom Lyels is now a defenseman on Lowell. Lyels transfered out of BC two season ago. BC currently holds a four game winning streak vs Lowell. The last lost for BC was on 1/23/10 @ Lowell. 

Recruiting News

Cam Darcy of the US under 18 team has said he will now attend Northeastern next fall. Rumor had it that Darcy was getting recruited by BC and BU but it is most likely that these two teams were not recruiting him as heavily as Jim Madigan was at NU. Darcy previously decommitted from NU just weeks after Greg Cronin left the program.

 USHR # 2 prospect Adam Kerfoot has narrowed his choices to Boston College, Yale, and Harvard. Kerfoot is a 5-9 forward in the BCHL and is being called a "future All American by many.

What are BU people thinking ?

I read an article on a BU website today and the writer was trying to prove his point on why Jack Parker should step down as BU's hockey coach. I personally cannot believe that someone especially a BU fan is calling for Jack Parker, one of the greatest coaches in college sports history to step down. I know your probably saying what ? why are my defending Jack Parker ? I ll tell you why. College hockey and Boston sports in general need this man behind this bench. I have always and will always root against Jack Parker and his club but I can tell you one thing, I will always respect how he coaches and how his team plays. Jack Parker is top three best college hockey coaches ever, and he also has the most wins at one school by any coach. Jack Parker has bought that school four National Championships and twenty one Beanpots. Thats amazing. Everytime I attend a BU BC game (it has been a while since I have missed one) I get so nervous watching that scarlet shirted army skate onto that ice and the general that has been leading them for 39 years step onto the bench because I know they are going to give it all they have. Everyone knows about BC vs BU and Coach York vs Coach Parker and the history behind it...think about it...would it be the same rivalry if Coach York and his Eagles faced off against say Mike Bavis and the Terriers ? No.

Weekend in review

The hardest games to win are the ones you have to. That's how I would sum up the weekend for the squad this weekend. UMass at home was not much of a game as BC dominated from start to finish scoring just 1:18 into the contest to once again send the Minutemen back to Amherst with another loss. I must admit I was looking for more out of UMass, but giving the best team in the country six power plays and almost all of them coming from your best players, thats a formula for a loss. Overall good game by BC at home and the ice looked a little bit better than last week. 

Now onto the really good game on the weekend. BC traveled to Huntington Ave to take on rival Northeastern. Yes, NU is struggling and they lost everyone but at home vs BC or BU (cause thats when they sell out) they can always win because of their insane crowd. It started off with a bang for the Eagles with a Kevin Hayes goal early on (Eagles are doing a great job of starting games on a fast note, goals in the first few minutes vs UNH, UMass, and NU) and it looked like NU was all but done. NU came back hard after their first PP goal and the Refs made sure to please the home crowd by calling some of the most pathetic calls I have ever witnessed in hockey and the Huskies took advantage of the momentum and scored two goals off bad BC turnovers to take a 3-1 led into the third. The last 24 minutes of that hockey game were the best BC has played all year. They took it to NU and scored two quick goals to tie it going into OT. Thanks to Bill Arnold, MVP of the team so far, the Eagles were able to escape with a must needed win vs NU in OT. Poor Huskie fans. 

Weekend Grade- A -. Great heart and fight in the third and OT. 

Overall great weekend of hockey for BC, showed a lot of heart in the NU game and got the four points to take over #1 in Hockey East and the country. Heres the bad news, Pat Wey is out for 6-8 weeks after surgery in his foot needed after an injury during the NU game. Hope Pat has a speedy recovery because he is a key part to this defense. Because of the injury, Mike Sit may move to defense for a sixth defenseman. 

BU lost to Holy Cross- Always great seeing them loose, but Holy Cross ? way to go Terriers !

OFFICIAL-HANIFIN TO BOSTON COLLEGE

 As first reported here on the BC Hockey Blog, St Sebastian's freshman Noah Hanifin officially announced today that he will attend Boston College in the fall of 2016. This is a huge pick up for BC because Hanifin who is one of the best and most highly recruited freshman in recent history fits the perfect mold for a BC defenseman. He is big, tough, and most importantly "hockey smart", I saw Hanifin score his first goal for St Sebs last year in Mutch Cup vs Catholic Memorial and boy does he have a rocket of a shot for his age. This also marks a huge recruiting win for Coach York and his staff over archrival BU. It came down to the two Green Line rivals, but in the end Hanifin seems to have made the right decision. Can't wait to see him on Chestnut Hill in the fall of '16.

GO EAGLES

ARNOLD LIFTS BOSTON COLLEGE PAST NORTHEASTERN IN OVERTIME, 4-3

Eagles complete comeback to beat NU...but loose Wey.

Kevin Hayes had a goal and an assist for BC. 

A valiant effort. Thats how tonight's game could be described for both teams. BC scored just 1:55 into the game when Kevin Hayes scored on a wrist shot from the top of the circle but NU goalie Chris Rawlings should have had it. After that, NU responded with three unanswered goals. Steve Qualier scored on the PP just three minutes after the Hayes goal and Joe Manno scored a goal on a Patrick Brown turnover with just two minutes left in the first. BC was carrying the play the whole game but had nothing to show for it early on as Rawlings was standing on his head. Just as BC was clearly carrying the play midway through the second, Destry Straight turned the puck over in front of his own goal and it resulted in a another NU goal, once again from Joe Manno. Heading into the third, it was 3-1 NU and the crowd was going nuts (just ask Johnny Gaudreau, as Huskie fans were all over him). But O were they in for a treat in the third. BC exploded for two goals in a two minute span, first from Barry Almedia and the second from Brian Dumoulin. The Eagles DOMINATED the Huskies all throughout the final frame, but because of the officiating, had to play shorthanded for a while. In OT NU had a short PP to start but really didn't have any grade A chances. With a minute left, Bill Arnold redirected Patch Alber's wrist shot to win it for BC.

Why the Eagles won

1. The penalty kill was great for BC tonight. Besides the one miscue on the first NU PP, BC's PK went 7/7 in killing off the Huskies.

2. Bill Arnold and Barry Almedia are playing outstanding. I have mentioned these names a lot lately, and rightfully so. Arnold should get player of the week with three goals on the weekend (including the OT winner) and Almedia who is just to speedy got things going in the third for BC with the second goal.

3. NU went of the defense. NU was going at the Eagles hard, and they were doing a great job doing it but after two periods they started to lay back and watch the Eagles fly all over them.

Problems

1. The penalties are becoming a huge problem. With eight NU Power Play's on the night, Bc almost handed the Huskies the game but thankfully BC's PP held serve and held back the Huskies.

2. The Officiating. I know I shouldn't say this, but the officiating against BC has been horrible this year. The refs are are calling everything they see. The Chris Kreider hooking call in the last minute of play was horrible and they called Destry Straight for ruffing when he was ten feet from the nearest NU player. It needs to change.

NEWS- Pet Wey could be out 6-8 with a torn tendon in his right foot.

Next Game- Next Friday @ Lowell.

Notes- BU found a great way to embarras Hockey East by losing to Holy Cross.

Previewing the Northeastern Huskies

Tonight, the Eagles look to keep their momentum going with a win @ NU. Over the last couple years BC has struggled a little bit @ Matthews with two losses as the # 1 team in the country over the last three years. I don't think BC should have to much trouble tonight as NU lost it's whole first line from a year ago and is not very deep this year.

Players to watch- Mike McLaughlin, Branden Pimm, Vinny Sapronari, and goalie Chris Rawlings is one of the better goalies in Hockey East.

Last time out-  The Eagles ended the Huskies season in the Garden defeating NU 5-4 in the Hockey East semifinals.

Prediction- Eagles 4-1

Sources- Hanifin to BC

According to sources, St Sebastian's freshman Noah Hanifin will commit to Boston College over Boston University. They decision will be announced on Monday. More to follow.

Line changes

Last night, BC switched up one thing in the lines, putting Bill Arnold with Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes, and then put Destry Straight with Paul Carey and Barry Almeida. With Arnold having two goals last night do you think it worked ?

Eagles upend UMass 4-2

Another good but not great game for BC resulted in another win for Coach York's club. Bill Arnold led BC with two goals and Kevin Hayes added two assist. BC extended  it's winning streak to nine vs UMass.

Why BC Won 

1. Bill Arnold was great. Arnold had two goals but what is not on the stat sheet is his defensive zone coverage. I love him on the PK because he does a great job of clearing the puck out of the BC zone on the kill and his +/- is now + 5 on the season.

2. Power Play was very good. Both units were working the puck much better. The first unit of Gaudreau, Whitney, Cross, Mullane, and Almedia was very good for BC.

3. UMass had a lot of bad penalties. TJ Syner and Danny Hobbs combined for four penalties for the Minutemen.

4. Johnny Gaudreau is just to skilled. Watch the highlights.

Things that need work 

1. A couple of defenseman have been off to say the least lately. To many turnovers at our own blue line. vs better teams like BU, Maine, and Merrimack, these mistakes will haunt BC.

Next Game- Saturday 7 O'Clock @ Northeastern

GO EAGLES

Previewing the UMass Minutemen

After what could be described as a so-so weekend for the Eagles, they have two league games this weekend vs UMass on Friday and @ Northeastern on Saturday. The Eagles are just two points behind Providence in Hockey East, and are ranked #1/2 in the country (USA News has BC #1, USCHO had BC at #2). First up this weekend are the Minutemen from the University of Massachusetts.

UMass is 1-1-1 on the season with a heart-breaking tie @ NU, an easy home vs Bentley, and a road loss @ Providence. UMass has a strong first line that consist of the always dangerous TJ Syner, Mike Perriera, and Danny Hobbs. Usually UMass is a pretty easy win for the Eagles but I think if BC gets to many stupid penalties and plays on the defense to much against UMass, the Minutemen who are talented but struggle on goaltending,  could give the Eagles a run for their money. I hate to break it but thats not going to happen. UMass has not beat BC @ Conte since February of 2007, odds are definitely not with the Minutemen. Parker Milner, who has been very strong to start the season, will be in net for the Eagles.

Players to watch- TJ Syner, Mike Marcou, Danny Hobbs.

Last time out- BC ended UMass' season with a 5-2 win in the Hockey East quarterfinals.

Keys for BC

1. Stay out of the Box. Penalties always lead to bad things.

2. Be on the attack. UMass will come out ready, BC needs to keep the pressure on UMass and get them skating because as you know, no one outskates BC.

3. Get shots. A new goalie for UMass, if BC peppers him with shots, goals are guaranteed.

Prediction- Eagles 5-2

My picks- Week Three

FIVE MINUTE MAJOR - BOSTON COLLEGE JUNIOR FORWARD PAT MULLANE

Weekend in review

My player for the week, Barry Almeida. 

The two games this weekend were like day and night for the Eagles with a loss at home (when do we say that) vs Denver and a big road win @ UNH. I know BC lost Friday night but BC had a good third period vs DU in which we had many scoring chances to tie the game, but Andy Murray stood on his head for George Gwozdecky's crew. Here are my thoughts on the weekend for the Eagles.

10/14 vs Denver- Bad start to the game, Milner let up one softie but otherwise stood tall. A few defensive lapses in the first half of the game cost BC. A turnover on the first goal and not picking up a man on the third goal cost BC the game. Overall not a good game, but could have been worse.

Grade for game- C


10/16 @ UNH- Much better performance by BC, score was 5-1 but UNH had good second and third periods thanks to Parker Milner UNH was kept off the board. Paul Carey, Bill Arnold, and Barry Almeida had their best efforts of the year to help Coach York's club get two points in Hockey East. Carey had a goal and an assist for the Eagles, Arnold registered an assist and was strong on faceoffs which has been part of BC's game that has been off. Meanwhile, Barry Almeida continues to impresses as he is quickly turning into an offensive powerhouse. Almedia has always been a great defensive forward but now thanks to a little more playing time and his great speed he is really been a bright spot for BC. Parker Milner had a great game and was the reason BC got off on the right foot in Hockey East.

Grade for game- A-

Player of the weekend- Barry Almeida. Almeida picked up a goal and three assist for BC over the weekend.

BOSTON COLLEGE UPENDS NEW HAMPSHIRE, 5-1

Eagles roll over Wildcats

Paul Carey registered a goal and an assist for BC. 

Tonight the Eagles got back on track defeating the struggling UNH Wildcats 5-1 at the Whitimore Center for two crucial Hockey East points. The Eagles had goals from Brian Dumoulin, Paul Carey, Bill Arnold, Chris Kreider, and Johnny Gaudreau. Dumoulin scored just a minute into the game, but UNH responded quickly with a PP goal from Nick Sorkin but after that, it was all Eagles. BC had goals from Paul Carey (Who was the player of the game with a goal and an assist) and a Bill Arnold PP goal on a redirect from Tommy Cross' bomb from the point. Chris Krieder put the game out of reach on a goal off a faceoff in the UNH zone at the end of the second stanza. Johnny Gaudreau added his second of the season on a goal that should be on Sportscenter come tomorrow  (see highlights for goal). 

Heres why the Eagles won 

1. BC is a much better team than UNH. UNH could be struggling to make the Hockey East playoffs at the rate they are going. They have been outscored by opponents 14-1 over the last three games. 

2. Parker Milner was OUTSTANDING for BC. Milner turned away 39 of the 40 New Hampshire shots. 

3. Barry Almeida's play keeps getting better. Almedia could have been the best player out their for the Eagles with two assist on the night. In my opinion, Almedia could be the best defensive forward on the team. 

Problems 

1. Overall, not many issues for BC tonight but a couple players need to step up their games including Issac Macleod, Pat Mullane (who was surprisingly off tonight), and Kevin Hayes. 

Next Week- Home vs UMass, @ Northeastern 

GO EAGLES 

Previewing the New Hampshire Wildcats

Last night was a tough one for BC, as they fell to Denver 4-2 at home. Today is a new day, and the Eagles travel to Durham, NH to take on the UNH Wildcats in the home opener for the Cats. So far this season, UNH is 0-2 with a 5-0 loss to BU and 4-0 to Northeastern.  The season is very young, but it is pretty safe to say this is not like the UNH teams we have seen in the past. This is BC's first league game of the season and will conclude a brutal schedule to start the season. If BC can pick up two points tonight then the Eagles are in good shape with UMass and Northeastern next weekend, but if BC fails to get two points or any points at all then BC will be in a tough sport to start the season.

Players to Watch- Steve Moses (F), Bret Kostolansky (D), Matt Di Girloamo (G)

Last time out- Eagles rolled at UNH 4-3 on the last day of the regular season.

Prediction- UNH has been struggling as of late, Eagles 3-1.

NOTE- I will have Twitter updates from The Whit follow @bchockeyblog1

BC Denver video

Eagles fall to Denver

Adam Murray had 21 saves for Denver.

Tonight was a night to forget if your a BC hockey fan. The Eagles were out skated, out hit, and out played by a very good Denver Pioneers hockey team. Don't get me wrong, BC did not play well, but Denver was very good and I was impressed with how big and tough they were compared to BC. BC had a very good third period, as the teams went up and down the ice, but the Eagles were not able to capitalize on any chances including multiple odd rushes. Heres why the Eagles lost.

Reasons BC lost. 

1. Denver is a better hockey team right now. I would be shocked if they are not in the Frozen Four.

2. The power play was very bad in a lot of ways. BC could never get things set up when a man up. BC did have a power play goal, but the Eagles were 1/5 on the mad advantage, that is terrible.

3. Not to make an excuse but the ice was HORRENDOUS. For being the fastest team in the country, the ice BC plays on is horrible, it is slow and sticky making it virtually unplayable. For as long as I have been following BC hockey I still can't believe we don't have Air Conditioning in our rink (we are the only team in college hockey that does not). Gene DeFlippo strikes again.

Thoughts 

1. I know Kevin Hayes had two points, but he really did not have a great game tonight. On three occasions he had a 2-1 with another BC forward and two of those times, there was no shot nd he didnt pick up his man on a DU goal.

2. Tommy Cross had three penalties tonight, that cannot be happening. He is the leader of defense and needs to be out there for key situations.

3. Goalie change ? I know it was only three goals but Parker Milner looked shaky and nervous all game. Maybe a goalie change for tomorrows matchup @ UNH.

Positives 

1. Penalty Kill continued to be great, Denver 0/4 on the power play.

2. Gaudreau-Mullane-Whitney line was good. Expect line changes for tomorrows game vs UNH first and second line were not good. Fourth line was good for BC tonight good game from Pat Brown.

3. BU lost to Providence

GO EAGLES

Lines for BC Denver

The lines will remain the same as last week.

Almeida-Hayes-Carey

Kreider-Arnold-Straight

Gaudreau-Mullane-Whitney

Atkinson-Brown-Linell

D pairings

Cross-Alber

Dumoulin-Shea

Wey-Macleod

Previewing the University of Denver Pioneers.

 Tomorrow night, BC has it's first game at home vs the Denver Pioneers. Denver is coached by George Gwozdecky (Wisconsin) and the Pioneers have won combined seven national championships (two this decade). This years Pioneers are very good, as they were ranked # 4 coming into the 2011-2012 season. The Pioneers are now ranked # 3, and are led by their two stars Jason Zucker and Drew Shore. Shore and Zucker had a combined 91 points a season ago as Shore netted 46 for Denver and Zucker netted 45. This year, Denver has just played two exhibition games vs McGill (T 2-2) and vs the US under 18 team (W 3-0). Last time the Eagles and the Pioneers played it was a victory for BC, as they swept Denver on the road , at the start of last season by scores of 6-2 and 3-0. As I watched DU practice today, I noticed their goalies were pretty shaky on the Ice. It's their first real game in what will be a tough environment at Conte. I wouldn't be suprised if BC got a couple of quick goals to start and defeat the Pioneers by a wide margin.


Key Players- Jason Zucker (F), Drew Shore (F), and Drew Mackowski(D)

Prediction- BC at home 4-2


NOTE- THE STATS ON THE CHART ARE FROM LAST SEASON.

My picks for friday nights games.

The (Preseason) MVP for each Hockey East team.

In the last decade, Hockey East has been home to many great players on every different team. Today, I am writing on who I think the best players on each team are.

UMass Lowell- Riley Wetmore. Wetmore is a pretty good sized and speedy forward for Norm Bazins Riverhawks. Wetmore was second on the team last year in points, and was first in goals. He will need to have a big season for the Hawks to get back into the playoffs.

Vermont- Goalie Rob Madore. Madore is one of if not the best goaltender in the league. Madore was a solid goalie for the Cats last year with a 2.95 GAA last season and will need to lower that number in order for the Cats to get home ice.

Northeastern- This might surprise some, but to me it's Rob Dungara. Dungara was to me, the best freshman the Eagles faced last year. I will never forget that shorthanded goal he had in the Beanpot when he beat Philp Samuelsson to the puck and went by Johnny Muse for the goal. Dungara is third among all returning Huskie players in points from last year.

UMass- For me, it's TJ Syner and Danny Hobbs UMass' two leading scorers from a season ago. Syner and Hobbs are two extremely fast forwards who will cause a lot of problems for opponents defensive core.

Providence College- The Friars have a shot of making the playoffs this season if goalie Alex Beaudry can stay hot all season. He needs to steal some games for PC or else it will be a long season for the Friars.

Merrimack College- With the loss of their biggest star in DaCosta gone, I expect forward Ryan Flanigan who was MC's leading scorer from a season ago to try to fill in those big shoes. Also goalie Joe Cannata will need to be good for Mark Dennehey's squad.

UNH- The Wildcats lost all of their  top scorers from last season as their best line of Thompson-Desimone- Sislo is gone. This season, the Wildcats will be led by yet another strong Senior in Steve Mosses. Mosses was first in points among all returners for Dick Umile and his staff. If Mosses can have a big year, The Cats could be a threat to what should yet another BC and BU dominated Hockey East.

Maine- Maine in my opinion (outside of Gibbons and Atkinson) the best player in Hockey East last year, in Gustav Nyquist. Since he has left, the burden of leading the Black Bears now falls on the dynamic duo of Brian Flynn and Spencer Abbot. The duo were two and three behind Nyquist in points last season for Maine. If these two can play well, Maine is in the hunt for an NCAA bid, something they need this year or say goodbye to Tim Whitehead in Maine.

Boston University- I really don't want to write this but I will. For BU this season, they return everyone except in my opinion their two best players from a season ago. This season, BU is going to be good. Expect there best player to be their leader, Chris Connolly. BU people will tell you Alex Chiassion is their best, but no. Chiassion is slow and not good in big games. Connolly is the real deal with his speed and intelligence on the ice.

Boston College- Chris Kreider. I expect this guy to be a Hobey Baker candidate this season, and led the Eagles back to glory. Chris has all the tools. He is quick, has an amazing shot, and can beat any defenseman one vs one (just ask Max Nicastro).

Eagles move to # 1 in the country

Boston College moved four spots from # 5 to # 1 on Monday in the latest USCHO and USA Today polls. BC's jump is mainly because of winning the Icebreaker tournament in Grand Forks, ND this weekend. The Eagles defeated Michigan State and the host, North Dakota (who was # 3, but moved down to # 6).  Along with the Sioux,  # 1 Notre Dame and # 2 Miami lost one of the games in their two game series with their opponents. BC plays # 3 Denver at home on Friday and  travels to # 15 UNH on Saturday.

GO EAGLES

BOSTON COLLEGE CAPTURES ICE BREAKER WITH 6-2 WIN OVER NORTH DAKOTA

Eagles smoke Sioux to win Icebreaker. Could move to # 1

Wow. That’s what I said as the final buzzer sounded Saturday night at Ralph Engalstad Arena in the championship game of the Icebreaker Invitational. BC looked amazing tonight as they beat UND 6-2, they dominated the Fighting Sioux in Grand Forks, how often can you say that. The Eagles were led by goals by Pat Mullane, Chris Kreider, Johnny Gaudreau, and Bill Arnold. BC started out fast out of the gate with a goal Pat Mullane just 2:21 into the game. After two Fighting Sioux goals (one shorthanded) the Eagles took over. Chirs Kreider scored the tying goal on sort of a weird rebounded right in front of UND goalie Aaron Dell. After that the Sioux just didn't show up. In just a matter of four minutes, BC had goals from Johnny Gaudreau, Mullane, and Bill Arnold to secure the victory of Sioux. Steve Whitney added a goal late in the game to make it impossible for any Sioux comeback. Here are my observations from tonight.

Things I liked.
1. The third line of Gaudreau, Mullane, and Whitney. Scored Four of the six Eagle goals.
2. Parker Milner. I said he needed to be great in a tough environment. He was they key to the victory today, making some key stops.
3. The penalty kill. Held UND 1/6 on the PP. Great job by Arnold, Carey, Almedia and Kreider on the kill.

Things that need work
1. The power play. The Eagles were 1/6 on the PP, and seemed out of sync on the PP.
2. Chris Kreider cannot be taking so many penalties. He is one of BC's best killers. He needs to stay out of the box. Three penalties tonight.

Looking ahead
Next week could be a number 1 vs 2 matchup at Conte Forum between BC and Denver on Friday night. On Saturday, the Eagles travel to UNH who sadly lost to that other team on Comm Ave tonight.

GO EAGLES

Previewing the North Dakota Fighting Sioux

    After an impressive opener by the Eagles on Friday picking up a 5-2 win over Michigan State in the Icebreaker Invitational, the Eagles get rewarded with the number three ranked team in the country, the North Dakota Fighting Sioux. This is easily one of BC's biggest games of the season because a win like this means so many pair wise points when the rankings come out later in the year. This game will be physical, up tempo, and intense. North Dakota is coming off a 4-3 win over the Air Force Falcons in their first round game of the Icebreaker Invitational. This game will be tough for BC, but they can win if they can do these things....

1. Get good goaltending from Parker Milner. This is Milner's first really tough game of the season. It will be interesting to see how he handles a tough road environment.

2. Create turnovers. UND turned it over a lot vs Air Force on Friday, if BC can pressure the Sioux, they can create turnovers and put the puck in the net.

3. Set the tempo early. Make it so that the game is up tempo, BC plays an uptempo style, and if it can get UND skating, no one can outskate BC with their speed.

Players to watch out for-

1. Danny Kristo. Had a goal and two assist vs Air Force

2. Brock Nelson Had two goals and an assist vs Air Force

3. Ben Blood. Scary defenseman. Hits hard and can rip the puck

Eagles open season with win vs Sparty

Tonight marked the 89th season of hockey at Boston College, and it started with a bang. The Eagles defeated the Michigan State Spartans 5-2 at the Icebreaker Invitational in North Dakota. The Eagles were led by JR Chris Kreider (1 goal, 1 assist), and a heard of other scores including Sophomore Patrick Brown, Senior Barry Almedia, Senior Paul Carey, and JR Steve Whitney. One observation I made about tonights game is that Eagles need to stay out of the box. When playing better teams, taking a lot of bad penalties will come back to haunt them. When you kill off four penalties, it means your PK is pretty good. The Eagles had the number six ranked kill in the nation last year, second in the league to that other school on Comm Ave. The Eagles will need to keep it up as they get either the 3rd ranked Sioux or the Falcons of Air Force, also an NCAA team from a year ago. Also, for one game at least it seems that Parker Millner seemed to answer some critics by stopping 17 of 19 shots. The game tomorrow will be on at 8:30 ET on Fox College sports. GO EAGLES 

Previewing the Michigan State Spartans

It's here folks ! We are at our first preview of the season and it starts with the Eagles' first opponent, the Michigan State Spartans !

Last season, was another tough year for the Spartans. They missed the NCAA's for the fourth straight season. The bad season meant the end of the line for Head Coach Rick Colmely, as Comley stepped down after his ninth season at the helm for the Spartans. Tomorrow's game will be the first for new Head Coach and former CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos.


Players to watch out for- Brett Perlini (leading scorer from a season ago), Derek Grant (25 assist a season ago, led team in points), Captain Corey Krugg.

Series Notes- MSU leads BC in the all time series 6-17-1.

Polls- Michigan State is not currently ranked in the USCHO Men's Division 1 poll. Boston College is ranked # 5.

Recent Results- Michigan State has played one exhibition game so far, beating Western Ontario 6-1. Michigan State's leading scorer was Greg Wolfe (2)

Prediction- Eagles 4 Spartans 2.

T minus four days.

We are almost there folks, just four more days till the pucks drops on the 2011-2012 season. I was able to get out of school early today and attended practice to see how the Eagles look. I thought a couple people looked really good. The usuals looked good I thought. Kreider, Carey, Cross, and Dumoulin. When you get to watch the guys up close its really amazing how hard they can shoot the puck. Chris Kreider may have the best snap shot I have ever seen at the college level. Some guys I thought were good but need some improvement were Pat Wey, Bill Arnold, and Kevin Hayes. One guy that is quickly turning into one of my personal favorites on the team just by watching him play hockey is John Gaudreau. Gaudreau was flying around the ice, and was placed on the second line with Steve Whitney and Kevin Hayes. The highlight of the practice for me was that I got to speak with Coach York. The first thing that Coach told me was how much he really likes this team. He likes the goaltending this team has and believes it can be very good. When Coach York thinks his team is good, you know they are going to be pretty darn good. Ill have my preview for Michigan State on Thursday. Get excited it's hockey season (almost)

Sources-Notre Dame to Hockey East

According to multiple sources, Notre Dame will offically announce on Wednesday that it will join Hockey East. One of the main reason hey will join is because the newly formed NCHC announced that it will stay at the eight current teams that it has. Another reason is that Notre Dame wants a large TV contract. It is not known if they will get that wish.

Northeastern suspends Qualier and Ferriero

Northeastern suspended forwards Steve Qualier and Cody Ferriero today for a violation of team rules. Neither played in exhibition game vs St Francis Xavier today. It is not known how long they will be out.

BU loses to St Francis Xavier

Just looking at this title should make you go "what" ? Yeah, it happend. BU just lost 6-4 to St Francis Xavier, a Canadian hockey team. For those of you that don't know anything about Canadian hockey, you should know their college teams should NEVER beat American teams. I went to this game, sporting my BC hat and sweatshirt and got a lot of crap from the Terrier faithful. BU looked awful in the first two periods. Now I only stayed for the first two periods, after which BU down 5-0. They did manage to have a great third period but anyway, losing 6-4 to a Canadian hockey team ?  This year, everybody in the media says, "BU going to run away with Hockey East this year ", "Kerrian Millian is the best goalie in the league" well after what I saw from BU Saturday night, I was embarrassed to be a fan of Hockey East. Millan is horrible, he is scared of the puck, and could not stop anything all night. If he is BU's goalie all through this year, well im loving the Eagles chances to win Hockey East agian this year. Granted this was an exhibition game, but I have to tell you Kerrian Millan ? Are you kidding me ? He is horrible. They say we are going to have goalie problems. From what I saw from Millan today, I would choose Parker Millner over him ANYDAY.  Besides a BC win, there really is no better way to start the college hockey season with seeing Jack Parker and BU loose an exhibition game to a Canadian hockey team.

Now on Twitter

We have loaded a twitter page. Follow us at @bchockeyblog1. I will update games from my phone during games so make sure to follow along !