Here it is folks, the official start of postseason 2012 (One of my favorite days besides the Beanpot and Frozen Four). For the third consecutive year, the Eagles will kick off their postseason with the Minutemen from UMass in the quarterfinals of the Hockey East playoffs. The Minutemen did a great job of locking up the final playoff spot in a hard fought battle versus the Northeastern Huskies when they defeated Merrimack last Friday @ the Mullins Center by a 5-1 margin. While BC is the big time favorite and the #1 seed in these playoffs, the Minutemen actually lead the season series versus the Eagles 2-1 (Both losses came @ UMass). BC has won 11 in a row but the ironic thing is that UMass ended BC's 6 game winning streak back in November when the Minutemen defeated the Eagles 4-2 @ the Mullins Center. Another key stat in this series is that BC has not lost to UMass in the previous four quarterfinal meetings and have not lost to the Minutemen at home since November of 2007. I look for two (or three) hard fought, up tempo games between two teams that have some really skilled players that can beat you with their speed when given the opportunity. As for who to look for on the Minutemen roster, a couple of guys stand out to me. The first player who I think is a threat to the Eagles is forward TJ Syner who has recorded a total of three goals vs BC in their previous three matchups in the regular season. Another forward to look out for is Danny Hobbs who is the only NHL draft pick on the UMass roster (Rangers). Hobbs ranks fourth on the Minutemen in total points and is one of their leading power play players.
In terms of how much you can take out of the three games between the teams this year, even UMass coach Toot Cahoon says you need to throw the two results at the Mullins Center out the window. Yes, the game takes on a totally different dimension when @ Conte Forum but the Minutemen didn't just beat BC in that third game, they dominated the Eagles. Asides from that debacle vs BU early in November, that game in mid January @ UMass was one of the worst performance by the Eagles this whole season. Now I wouldn't count on the Minutemen winning a game in this series, let alone winning 4-0 but let it be clear that if the Minutemen bring their A game and BC brings their C game, UMass could definitely win two games this weekend. Look for some very exciting hockey this weekend between two teams that really know how to use their speed to their advantage when given the chance.
Players to Watch
1. TJ Syner leads the Minutemen in assist and overall points this season. He is one of the more dynamic play makers in the whole league as he is dangerous whenever he is on the ice.
2. Michael Pereira leads the Minutemen in goals this season but has only recorded one point in the three games versus the Eagles this season.
3. Joel Hanley leads all defenseman in scoring on the Minutemen squad. Hanley has recorded 7 goals and 13 assist so far this season.
Goaltending Note- I am not sure who will be in net for UMass tomorrow as Steve Mastelerz was the one who played great vs BC two months ago but Kevin Boyle was the one who helped the Minutemen beat Merrimack last weekend. I would assume Boyle.
Keys for the Eagles
1. Take advantage of power plays. UMass currently has the second to last penalty kill in Hockey East this season with just a 76 % conversion rate.
2. BC's depth should be a huge advantage. One thing I heard when hearing Toot Cahoon's teleconference this week was that he was worried about BC's depth. While UMass could shut down Kreider's line, BC's second, third, and fourth lines really need to play well in order for the Eagles to win.
3. Stay out of the box. 5 on 5, BC is the better hockey team but if the Eagles give the Minutemen their chances on the PP, UMass could make BC pay big time.
All Time Series- BC is 50-12-3 all time vs UMass while posting a 6-1 record in seven meetings in the Hockey East tournament.
Prediction- BC sweep. I think UMass has a chance to win one game but don't count on it.
No comments:
Post a Comment