Previewing the Northeastern Huskies

We have finally arrived at a night that all Eagle fans have been awaiting for quite some time. In what is becoming an anual event on Chestnut Hill, BC will raise their 5th National Championship banner tonight before they faceoff vs Northeastern. All festivities aside, this is a big game for BC as they fell to Northeastern last week at Matthews Arena. The Huskies are currently in first place in the league with wins over BC and Merrimack. Last week, Northeastern dominated BC from start to finish and defeated Boston College, ending the Eagles' five game winning streak vs the Huntington Hounds. However, if I were the Huskies, I would be a little bit nervous about tonights prospects. First of all, when it comes to any Hockey East team (besides The Other School), BC does not lose at Kelly Rink and has not lost at home to Northeastern since the 2008 season. Just go back to the past two banner nights, BC defeated a solid Merrimack in 2011 and a very good Wisconsin team in 2009. When Conte Forum is full as it will be tonight, it is among the hardest places to play in the country (look at the stats if you don't believe me).

For BC, they have to just do what they did last night vs UMass-Amherst. That is getting the Hayes-Arnold-Straight line generating quality offensive chances and generating odd man rushes by way of quality play in their own zone. Last night, BC probably had double the number of odd man rushes than they did vs the Huskies last week. NU's got some strong forwards, they may even have the best top nine forwards in the league, but they are very young and inexpirenced at defense. If BC can use their speed and attack these young Huskie defenders, they can score at will tonight. It's a big one and you know the Eagles are really confident after last nights amazing comeback but a bigger and tougher challenge lies ahead in a tough Huskie team.

Keys for the Eagles- 

1. Same as always..need to get the second line going and putting the puck in the net. I'm sure the staff would like to see the fourth line also step up and start creating a little more offense.

2. Converting on power plays. With the crazy crowd and stakes surrounding this game, I really like BC's experienced seniors vs a Northeastern team that has yet to play a game away from Matthews Arena so look for the Huskies to take some penalties early.

3. Quality chances on Rawlings.

Best Opposing Line- Karlsson-Sapronari-Vermeersch

Numbers- 

1. BC leads the all time series 155-47-14

2. BC is 5-0-1 in it's last six games @ Kelly Rink vs NU.

3. BC has never lost in their gold uniforms which will be worn tonight.

Prediction- BC 4 NU 2