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