Brian Berard
Could This Be The Start Of A Big Year For Boston College Hockey?
It's not a secret that BC men's ice hockey has struggled the past couple of seasons. Prior to the first two games of this year, the Eagles only had one non conference win since Barack Obama was president. It got so bad that a brave few even questioned whether or not it was time for Jerry York to step down. But for the first time since 2011, BC men's ice hockey is 2-0 on the year and they seem to be clicking.
Boston College started the year off against a tough, talented, nationally ranked Wisconsin squad at Kelley Rink. If BC wanted to make an early season statement, this was the game to do it. And they certainly did make a statement getting the 5-3 win. Julius Mattila scored twice for the Eagles and last year's Hockey East leader in goals, David Cotton, netted one as well. But perhaps the goal of the game was Marshall Warren's wrap around top shelf snipe.
Offensively, Boston College looked sharp as all four lines seemed to be clicking. Defensively however; was a struggle at times. During the early portion of the game they looked slow getting back on Wisconsin's attacks. Though Wisconsin did not score a five on five goal, the Badgers did get two power play goals from Cole Caufield and a short handed goal from Owen Lindmark. Lindmark's short hander was a turning point because that goal came during a five minute major and game misconduct on Ty Emberson.
However; as the game went on, the Eagles found their way defensively and were able to close out the Badgers.
Next, the Eagles took on the Colgate Raiders in New York. Another out of conference foe, this time on the road. And they story of this game was Spencer Knight. Knight made some excellent saves against Wisconsin and against Colgate. He was so spectacular that he stopped all 39 shots the Raiders had and earned his first career shutout. McInnis, Hutsko, and Cotton all scored for the Eagles. David Cotton also assisted on the other two goals. And BC walked away with the 3-0 win. Though, this game may have come at a cost. Logan Hutsko left in the the second period with a leg injury and David Cotton left after getting hit in the head by Liam Watson-Brawn. Hopefully these injuries aren't too serious.
Time To Buy In On The Eagles?
It's only two games in, but the Eagles have looked strong in both. Boston College will have another test coming up this weekend when they travel to Denver to take on the Pioneers for two games on the road. Denver is currently 4-0 on the young season and are currently ranked #1 in the country. If BC can get a split, then we could be looking at the start of a potential special BC hockey season this year.
BC's next home game will be on October 25th against Providence which will open up Hockey East play for the Eagles. The Friars opened up their season with a solid 7-0 win over UNH which will make this a good judgement game for Boston College in terms of Hockey East play. Also, lets not forget that BC beat Providence twice in Providence last year to advance to TD Garden in the Hockey East tournament so you know that redemption is on the mind of the Friars.
BC is 2-0 so far. The last time they started 2-0 in a season was 2011-12. That was also the last season that BC won the National Championship. Get excited Eagles fans, this year may be special for BC hockey.