In Johnny Gaudreau, We Trust.

Led by freshman Johnny Gaudreau and Jr Chris Kreider, the Boston College Eagles stayed red hot up here in Burlington tonight as they defeated Vermont 6-1. Gaudreau netted two goals and an assist while Kreider did the same (Kreider had a hatrick but the goal later became Kevin Hayes'). The Eagles won this game for a couple reasons. The first reason BC won this game is because BC is 100x better than Vermont. The skill and speed of BC was just way to much for UVM to handle. BC was able to get on the board first when Quinn Smith recorded his first ever goal here @ BC. Defenseman Brian Dumoulin drove hard to the net, let a shot go that was saved by Madore but was soon picked up by Smith. After the BC goal, UVM started really coming hard at the Eagles but really blew it when forward H.T. Lenz was assessed a five minute major for a dirty hit on Barry Almeida. BC blew the game wide open just minutes later when Kevin Hayes tipped in a Chris Kreider shot from the point on the 5-3. Just two minutes after that, Pat Mullane, who now has seven assist in the last four games, made a great dish to Chris Kreider who banged home the one-timmer to put BC up 3-0.

In the second, a guy by the name of Johnny Gaudreau just took over the hockey game. Gaudreau scored two goals just two minutes apart to assure two big points for BC. Now, I have seen a lot of good freshman come through this place but Johnny G is right up there with the best. I have never seen anyone have a better vision of the ice when he has the puck on his stick. All of the BC haters say that he is too small and that there are a lot of better freshman in the league. If you watched this kid for one whole game you would be in the state of shock. I just find it amazing that a guy with his height has that kind of vision and strength. Feel free to disagree but really, this kid is special.

As for the third period, I thought BC played well but Steve Whitney's penalty was just terrible. When you have a 5-0 lead in the third period, there is no need to take a bad retaliation penalty that cost you and your team. Now Steven has been having a great couple of weeks (especially on Monday) but I just don't understand why you need to take that penalty at that juncture in the game. I would title this recap with Chris Kreider's name but if I did it once, I would have to do it every single game. The guy is the most dominant hockey player in this league without a doubt. With his size, speed, and shot, he could jump into the NHL right now if he wanted to. The guy is unstoppable.

As we look ahead to Monday, I thought Parker Milner continued to show he can be that night in and night out goalie for this team. Not only is he making good stops, he is looking much more comfortable between the pipes for the Eagles. I thought the defense did a good job of starting the transition game that makes this team roll. When the defenseman make smart passes up to the forwards to create an odd man rush for BC, good things happen.

Why BC won 

1. Just flat out better. BC is just that much better and more skilled than UVM.

2. The special teams. The power play continued to play pretty well tonight as they went 2/5 and the penalty kill held UVM to 1/5 on the PP

3. Lots of chances created. The Eagles really wore down the Catamounts by using their speed to create multiple chances on UVM goalie Rob Madore.

Problems 

1. I just didn't like the Steve Whitney 5 minute major. Vs BU, that would kill us.

Player of the game- Look at the title. Ok, Kreider is a close second.

Notes- I believe I will be interviewing Johnny Gaudreau tomorrow so tune in later tomorrow night for a interview. If not tomorrow, then Sunday.


T minus 2 days.