Boom.

Destry Straight celebrates his first period goal thanks to a great pass from Kevin Hayes.

I walked out of Matthews Arena about a month ago shaking my head and thinking that this BC team was not going to make home ice in Hockey East. I questioned basically everything about this team after that tough loss to the Huskies. Ya, well, I kinda forgot who the head coach was. In what was another gusty, hard fought, penalty filed, and physical hockey game, BC defeated archrival Boston University 4-2 Sunday night @ Agganis Arena where they now have a combined 9-2-1 record since the building opened. Just another fantastic effort from every single guy wearing the maroon tonight, but one guy in particular, Kevin Hayes, played the game of his BC career as he recorded an assist on Destry Straight's third of the year just 40 seconds in and a goal of his own to give BC the two goal lead with ten minutes to play. It wasn't just the points though, it was the speed and the fact that every time he was out there, he either had the puck and made a play or was chasing it down with every ounce of effort he had. On the first goal, he made a fantastic play behind the BU net and dished it out in front for Destry, who just had to tap it in to give the Eagles the lead. Hayes' linemate, Bill Arnold, also had one of his better games tonight as he, like Hayes, created chances, did an excellent job of blocking shots on the PK, like always, and scored an empty net tally. I would make the argument that there is no better two way player in this league than Billy Arnold. While he has skill and can make plays on the offensive side of things, his ability to sacrifice himself and block shots shows just how tough he is. For example, on one PK in the second period, a BU defenseman fired a slapper right off Arnold's skate and he was clearly hurt. But, in typical Bill Arnold fashion, he shook it off and was out there 30 seconds later.

As for the first line, I thought they did a good job of hanging in there in the first two periods and finally started to go after it in third when they were eventually awarded with a Johnny G goal. It was clear that BU was out to try to kill all three of these guys, especially Steven Whitney, but I thought all three did a good job of staying course and lighting it up in the third. As for the special teams, well, there were 34 combined penalties on the night and neither team was able to do anything on the PP until BU got a goal late in the contest. As for BC's power play, that is the only part of this team that I am a little concerned about. BU's PK was solid all night but BC definitely struggled to get a bunch of grade A chances on O'Connor. The Eagles had a 1:36 of 5-3 in the second but were not able to get anything going and were not able to score. On the other hand, I thought the PK was superb tonight. The usual PK'ers like Arnold, Whitney, and Mullane were all good but I also thought Quinn Smith was all over the ice tonight when BU was on the man advantage. It showed a lot when the staff had him out there late in the contest when BU was closing in on Milner...they obviously like his toughness in shorthanded situations.


Let's not forget Parker Milner. To be honest, with maybe the exception of Johnny G, he is the most valuable player not only on this team, but maybe in this whole conference. BU didn't get a whole lot of fantastic chances thanks to the BC defense but when they did, Milner was there. I don't know what has changed but one year ago vs these guys, he gave up 5 goals and was benched for a couple of weeks. What a difference a year makes in terms of his play and his confidence.

All in all, it is always great beating that team and their fake fans. It was clear that the opponent was out there to head hunt the whole second half of the third period which is nothing unusual. Sure, BC had their share of penalties but some of the things BU does when they know they are going to lose is pathetic and it doesn't belong in the game. Thankfully, the good guys won and will remain the kings of Comm Ave.

Why BC Won 

1. Kevin Hayes and Bill Arnold were spectacular. Led by these two guys, BC was able to slowly but surely ware down BU as the game grew older. The speed and skill became too much for the Terriers.

2. Parker Milner is too good. Definitely my player of the weekend...he had 25 saves tonight.

3. The penalty kill. BC had some really key kills out there tonight, most notably when BU had a 6-4 after Arnold went to the box for hitting from behind late in the game. Great effort by the Eagle penalty killers.

4. Just a real solid effort by everybody. Whether it was a guys like Johnny G, Mullane, Hayes, or even guys like Brooks Dyroff and Quinn Smith, everyone gave it their all tonight.

5. BC is getting much better in their own zone. Also should note that Mike Matheson is the best defenseman in Hockey East right now and it's not even close.

Problems- 

The power play was not good. On a scale from 1-10, i'd put my worries at a 4 but I'm sure that both units will start generating more opportunities and goals as the season progresses.

Players of the Game- Hayes(#1), Arnold (#2), Milner (#3).

Next up- Friday night vs Merrimack @ Conte. Just one game next week.

It's a great night to be an Eagle. 

GO EAGLES !!