BC Wins, 7-1

In one of the more one-sided games of the year, Boston College dominated Northeastern from start to finish on Sunday afternoon from Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill.

Read my full game recap in this week's edition of the Huntington News this Thursday.

Gibbons Gets the Hat Trick- 6-1 BC

There were no hats thrown on the ice- very lame BC fans.

Bryan Mountain is now in net for Northeastern.

NU will start the third on a power play

Penalty to Barry Almeida for interference, but the Huskies still look disinterested out there and don't seem to feel like doing much with the man advantage.

Second Period Stats

Boston College is leading 5-1 at the end of the second period here at Conte Forum. To say that Northeastern didn't get up for this game would be an understatement.

Shots: NU- 6/12 BC- 21/39

Power Play: NU- 1-3/1-3 BC- 1-1/1-2

Rawlings- 34 saves Milner- 11 saves

Goals were scored by the following players- Mullane (7), Kreider (9), Atkinson (18), Gibbons (13), and Kyle Kraemer (13).

I wouldn't expect much of a comeback here but we still have a whole period to go.

5-1!

Northeastern gets on the board with a goal from Kyle Kraemer. Assists go to MacLeod and Tuckerman. It was a 5 on 3 goal.

5-0

BC is attempting to go after Vermont for most scored against Northeastern this season. Vermont put up a 9 spot against the Huskies last month in Burlington.

Gibbons gets his second goal of the season and then goes McCauley style and picks up a minor penalty after scoring the goal.

4-0

Cam Atkinson gets his 18th goal of the year from Brian Gibbons. It came shorthanded as Samuelsson was in the box for hitting from behind.

Game is pretty much over now.

Make that 3-0 BC

Breakdown in the Northeastern defense and Krieder takes advantage. He scores unassisted at 5:57. It was his 9th of the year. Goals scored under two minutes apart and this score reaffirms my statement at the end of the last post.

BC Adds To Lead

Goal for Pat Mullane on a one-timer in front allows BC to expand on their lead and take a two goal advantage over the Huskies.

It is Mullane's 7th of the season from linemates Paul Carey and Steven Whitney.

Northeastern looks dead right now.

First Period Stats

Going into the second period here at Conte Forum. Here's some stats from the first:

Shots: NU- 6 BC- 18 (wow)

PP: NU- 0-0 BC- 0-1

Saves: Rawlings- 17, Milner- 6

The only goal was scored at 19:32 of the first period by Brian Gibbons. Assisted by Joe Witney.

Penalties were Mike Hewkin for interference, Philip Samuellson and Tyler McNeely for hitting after the whistle.

Second period coming up now.

BC Goes Up 1-0 Before the End of the First

BC's Brian Gibbons takes advantage of an odd man rush late in the period and puts one past Chris Rawlings.

It's his 11th goal of the year and 100th career point with BC. The goal game with just 27 seconds left in the period.

Penalties for hitting after the whistle go to Tyler McNeely and Philip Samuelsson and they will both have some time in the box when the second period starts back up.

Early Penalty

Under 5 minutes in here, very quiet atmosphere at BC.

Mike Hewkin gets called for obstruction interference, BC power play for 2 minutes.

Underway At Conte

Interesting notes as we begin the game today:

-Drew Muench is back in the lineup for NU as David Strathman has the day off.

- Parker Milner is in net for BC after their loss at Matthews on Friday.

- Northeastern last won here in March of 2008.

Huskies Win

NU gets the win, 3-2. They go into BC tomorrow night with a chance for the sweep and keep moving up the standings. NU has now won 5 straight games.

BC Takes Their Timeout

1:32 to go now as the faceoff will be just outside of the Huskies zone. Both coaches drawing up plays for their players.

Defensive mix up for the Huskies left Whitney wide open by himself in the front of the net with all the time in the world. Rawlings challenged him and made the huge save in front, saving the game for now..

1:50 remaining

Huskies Hanging On

BC is really pouring it on now and the Huskies just survived a very long shift with Rawlings making a bunch of saves and the defensemen blocking a bunch of shots. 3 minutes and change left...

Now it's Muse's Turn

Big save by Muse as Tuckerman found McLaughlin for a shot from the slot. Play stops with 5:43 to go.

Rawlings Comes Up Big

Rawlings makes the save on a Gibbons breakaway as he tried to go 5-hole. 7:55 to go.

Kreider Scores, It's 3-2

Chris Kreider ripped a shot from just inside the blue line that beat Rawlings cleanly on the glove side. Really nice goal and BC has about 10 minutes to get a tying goal.

Assists go to Jimmy Hayes and Ben Smith.

Huskies kill the Vermeersch penalty but not before some good shots on net by the Eagles.

Now with 11:29 left to go in the game, the intensity is still high from both teams, BC trying to get back in it and NU trying to but them away.

Huskies Penalty

Penalty here called on Garrett Vermeersch for hitting from behind. BC gets the man advantage for the fourth time tonight.

Side-note

I almost just got hit with a puck as it was the first time one came into the press box all season.

After Two Periods...

The stats after two as the Huskies have a two goal lead, 3-1.

Shots: NU- 13/19 BC- 8/22

PP: NU- 1-3/1-3 BC- 0-1/0-3

Rawlings now has 21 saves, Muse has 16.

Goals in the second went to Mullane from Whitney, Kraemer from Vermeersch and MacLeod, and MacLeod unassisted.

3-1 Huskies on a goal for Wade MacLeod

As the Huskies power play expired, BC had a bunch of shorthanded chances in front of Rawlings. It looked like the Huskies were really tired and at the end of the shift. Rawlings had to make some really great saves on the Eagles as time was expiring on the advantage.

Just after the Huskies got a clear, Wade MacLeod created a turnover, realized he had a 2 on 1 advantage, skated in on Muse, and unleashed a great shot that beat Muse short side for the goal.

Huskies now lead 3-1 and will have control of the game going into the third period.

Kyle Kraemer Scores a Power Play Goal, 2-1 Huskies

Great cycle on the PP for the Huskies to get Kraemer some room to unleash a shot from his favorite right circle that beat Muse. 2 minutes still remain on the advantage.

4:00 Penalty to Brian Gibbons

2 minutes for charging and 2 minutes for contact to the head roughing, both on Brian Gibbons of BC. The Huskies will be on the power play for four minutes.

Huskies Kill the Penalty, 7:30 to go in the second

Huskies had a shorthanded 2 on 1 opportunity with Drew Daniels and Robbie Vrolyk but they couldn't connect on a clean one-timer. Huskies are able to kill the penalty off without too much trouble directed at Rawlings.

Drew Ellement Takes His Second Penalty of the Game

Ellement this time goes for obstruction hooking and BC has their third power play of the game with 10:03 left in the second period, this time looking to take their first lead of the game.

BC is able to tie the game, 1-1

Well after many chances in front of Rawlings, BC finally got one on the board. The goal came on a rebound for Pat Mullane in front.

Kyle Kraemer just hit a post back the other way and the man who is in control of the goal light behind John Muse turned it on by accident. The fans were upset and the play was quickly reviewed, but it clearly rang off the post.

11:22 to go in the second.

BC Picking Up Their Play

BC was able to kill of the remaining time left on the penalty to Patrick Wey. The first stoppage in play comes with 14:41 left in the period.

Lots of action here early in the second on both ends. Both goalies have been making very good saves to keep the score at 1-0.

BC has also picked up the hitting considerably. We will have to wait and see if NU responds with some more physical play.

First Period Stats

NU leads 1-0 at the end of the first. Here's some stats:

Shots: NU- 6 BC- 14

PP: NU- 0/1 BC- 0/2

Rawlings has 14 saves, Muse has 5.

The only goal was scored by Tyler McNeely at 1:50, his 11th of the season, assisted by Chris Rawlings. (his second assist on the season as he got his first a week ago against UMass)

End of the First Period

After 20 minutes have been played at Matthews Arena, it's the Northeastern Huskies that lead BC 1-0. There is plenty of time left in the game, but the NU defense and goaltending was very good in the first period. Rawlings made 10 saves and BC's cycle was looking good.

BC Penalty to Patrick Wey, Huskies on the PP

The Huskies will get their first power play of the night after an obstruction interference was called on Patrick Wey. There is under a minute left in the period and the man advantage will carry over to the second if the Huskies do not score.

Another NU Penalty

As Ellement's time in the box was expiring, Steve Silva gets called for obstruction hooking. It's been awhile since we have seen Silva in the box. A couple months ago, Silva was a frequent visitor to the sin bin but he has cleaned up his act in recent weeks. Rawlings still looking strong for NU here.

First Powerplay of the Game Goes To BC

NU penalty called on Drew Ellement for interference. The physical play in this game is stepping up. And the first minute of the BC PP has shown that they can get some great opportunities. Unfortunately for them, Rawlings made a couple really solid saves. 1:02 left in the power play.

BC Fighting Hard, 4 on 4 Now

Boston College has definitely dominated play since the Tyler McNeely goal. They have been able to hold the puck in the Northeastern zone, creating long shifts down low. So far they haven't seen any results on the scoreboard, but their hard work is definitely showing off.

Penalties handed to McNeely for hooking and Brian Gibbons of BC for embellishment. It will be 4 on 4 for 2 minutes.

Teams Are Settling Down Now

Well after the early fireworks the teams have now settled down and it looks like we're in for a great hockey game tonight. BC has thrown a couple very good looking shots on net at Husky goalie Chris Rawlings who has looked good so far tonight. 15:25 left in the first period.

Tyler McNeely Scores, NU leads 1-0

This place just exploded as Tyler McNeely broke out of his own zone on a breakaway, raced in on John Muse, and put one top shelf. What a statement goal for McNeely.

Gametime

The puck is about to drop here at Matthews Arena. The Huskies come into this game winning 6 of their last 7 and receiving votes in the latest USCHO.com poll. BC is 17-9-2 overall and is #8 in the USCHO.com poll. Oh by the way, they just won the Beanpot.

Hockey East Logjam

Going into this weekends games, the Hockey East looks like this:

GP	W	L	T	Pts	GF	GA		W	L	T	GF	GA
New Hampshire	21	13	5	3	29	78	59		14	10	4	96	90
Boston College	21	12	7	2	26	75	51		17	9	2	102	72
Maine	21	11	8	2	24	72	66		14	11	3	103	93
Boston University	21	10	9	2	22	73	68		13	12	3	93	91
Massachusetts	22	11	11	0	22	61	72		16	13	0	87	92
Northeastern	21	10	10	1	21	54	62		15	12	1	77	75
UMass Lowell	21	9	10	2	20	62	57		15	13	2	90	71
Vermont	21	7	9	5	19	58	63		13	10	5	85	80
Merrimack	20	8	11	1	17	62	68		11	15	1	84	91
Providence	21	4	15	2	10	37	66		9	17	2	59	81

So NU stands just 1 point out of a home ice spot. Just giving you an idea of how big this weekend is. 6 more games to play for the Huskies.

I'm Back!

Figured I'd get this going tonight for a big Huskies game at Matthews against crosstown rival BC.
Public tickets were "sold out" for tonight's game but with just over 20 minutes until puck drop, the ol barn is far from full.

If you can't make it to either the game tonight or Sunday's at Conte Forum, stay here for the latest news.

BU in control, Huskies need something

BU leads 1-0 with 2:31 left to go in the second period. The Huskies have played well but they need something soon. If BU goes up 2-0, the Huskies are looking at a big deficit without much time remaining in the game.

Right now there is a problem with the glass so as it is being fixed, my partner in crime Patrick McHugh is cooking up a solid blog post on www.HuntNewsNUbetablogs.wordpress.com

Head over there to check out the latest from the Huntington News.

Clock Is Ticking

Just a quick FYI, the BC-Harvard game ran a little longer than expected, so the NU-BU game will not begin at 8 p.m. By my calculations, expected dropping of the puck should be around 8:23 p.m. The zambonis are clearing the ice now and soon both teams will take to the ice for warm-ups.

Also a fashion note, BU is in the traditional candy cane outfits with white as the primary color. Northeastern is sporting a semi-retro red jersey which has not been rarely worn this year. The red used to be the team’s road outfit, but black overtook red as the road color. It appears tonight the Huskies have gone back to the red though.

Stay tuned.

Wayne "Beanpot" Turner on NESN

If anyone was just watching NESN a few moments ago, you might have noticed an interview with former Husky great Wayne Turner. Turner is famous for leading the 1980 Northeastern squad to its first-ever Beanpot title, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat Boston College. Our men’s hockey beat reporter Jared Shafran wrote a story about the 1980 team for the Huntington News preview issue from Thursday. To read the story, check out the link below.

http://www.huntington-news.com/sports/beanpot-30th-anniversary-team-1.2153633

Huskies Defeat UMass Lowell 2-1

While you're waiting for tonight's game to start, we've got the recap from last Friday's game with UMass Lowell.

In its last Hockey East contest before the 58th annual Beanpot tonight, the Northeastern men’s hockey team knocked off the UMass–Lowell Riverhawks by a score of 2-1 on Friday night at Matthews Arena.

The win gave the Huskies a split of the season series with the Riverhawks as the teams have played four games against each other. Lowell won the first two Hockey East games, but the Huskies took home the trophy when the teams met Jan. 3 in the Ledyard National Bank tournament final.

“I thought it was a great game,” Huskies head coach Greg Cronin said. “I was worried about guys looking forward to the Beanpot and I thought they responded to our challenge to focus on this game and get into a rhythm before we play on Monday.”

Lowell started out fast, taking the early momentum and winning battles for loose pucks, especially in their offensive zone.

But the momentum shifted about halfway through the period when Tim Corcoran of the Riverhawks took a penalty for holding. Although the Huskies power play ended prematurely when they were called for too many men on the ice, it seemed that NU finally had their legs under them.

Near the end of the small power play for Lowell, Huskies freshman goalie Chris Rawlings made a highlight reel save, sprawling out to his left to block the puck and keep the game scoreless.

For the rest of the period, the Huskies dominated play and had some good chances, but neither team got on the board and the period ended with both teams scoreless.

Going into the second, the Huskies were outshooting Lowell 15-4, and were looking to stay in control.

NU finally opened the scoring when senior forward Greg Costa found freshman forward Drew Daniels open in front of the net. Daniels put the puck past Lowell goalie Carter Hutton for his second goal of the year at 5:12 of the second period to make it 1-0 Huskies.

As the final period was about to start, the Huskies were still controlling the game, now with a 27-14 advantage in shots. Despite numerous opportunities to extend their lead, Hutton was keeping his team in the game by making good saves and staying in good position in the net.

It was a penalty to Huskies senior forward Kyle Kraemer that allowed Lowell the opportunity to even things up. On the ensuing power play, Riverhawks forward and leading scorer Kory Falite wound up for a strong shot on net, which produced a big rebound from Rawlings. With the net open, the puck went right onto defenseman Maury Edwards’ stick and he slapped the puck into the net just 18 seconds into the power play, and evened the game 6:15 into the third.

However, it did not take the Huskies long to respond. Just three minutes after the game had been tied up, Lowell defenseman Barry Goers tried a clearing attempt from the corner of their own zone. The puck didn’t get far however, as it was intercepted by freshman forward Justin Daniels. Justin, the twin brother of Drew, made a move to get around a defenseman and fired a wrist shot that went past Hutton to the back of the net. With about 9 minutes left to go in the game, the Huskies had retaken the lead at 2-1.

“I wanted to make sure that I cradled the puck and I was in the slot, so I didn’t want to lose it,” Daniels said. “At that point I made sure I was going to have a chance to either take a shot or make a play.”

As his brother already tallied a goal, Justin said that he had to do something to get even with Drew.

“I couldn’t let the older brother beat me,” Justin Daniels said. “We’re pretty competitive, and he did his part.”

Cronin explained their progress through their freshman year and how their roles on the team are different.

“They’re starting to figure it out,” Cronin said. “It’s almost at the same time, which is no coincidence because they’re twins, but they have different roles. Drew is more is more of a crash, bang, boom, smasher against the boards guy and Justin is more finesse.”

The Huskies kept Lowell at bay for the rest of the game, but the Riverhawks did not go quietly. Calling a timeout with 1:45 left in the game, they decided to pull Hutton for an extra attacker. For the next 1:42, the Riverhawks kept consistent pressure on the Huskies, firing shot after shot at Rawlings and even hitting the post. However, time ran out before they could find the equalizer.

The Huskies improved their overall record back to .500 at 11-11-1 and are now 7-10-1 in the Hockey East, good for a tie in 7th place.

Northeastern takes on Boston University in the Beanpot Monday night at the TD Garden. The puck drops at 8:00 p.m. with Harvard and Boston College facing off in the other semifinal at 5:00.

“You hear a lot about it,” Justin Daniels said when asked about the Beanpot. “Just to go through it is amazing. Even though it’s a Monday game, it’s a little awkward with our season, so we have to work had everyday and do what you do everyday because it’s just another game.”

Starting Lineups For Tonight's Game

For the Huskies:

Forwards:
1: Tyler McNeely LW, Justin Daniels C, Kyle Kraemer RW

2: Garrett Vermeersch, Steve Silva, Wade MacLeod

3: Alex Tuckerman, Mike McLaughlin, Chris Donovan

4: Robbie Vrolyk, Greg Costa, Drew Daniels

Defense:

1: Jake Newton LD, David Strathman RD

2: Jim Driscoll, J.P. Maley

3: Drew Ellement, Mike Hewkin

Goalie:

Chris Rawlings- (10-9-1) 2.87 .907%



For Boston University:

Forwards:

1: Zach Cohen LW, Corey Trivino C, Alex Chiasson RW

2: Ross Gaudet, Nick Bonino, Joe Pereira

3: Chris Connolly, Wade Megan, Vinny Saponari

4: Justin Courtnall, Luke Popko, Ryan Santana

Defense:

1: Colby Cohen LD, Max Nicastro RD

2: David Warsofsky, Eric Gryba

3: Sean Escobedo, Kevin Shattenkirk

Goalie:

Kieran Millan- (7-10) 3.31 .881%

We Have Finally Arrived! - Beanpot Time

Jared here, sports editor of the Huntington News Pat McHugh and I are in the press box getting ready to go as Boston College takes on Harvard in the early game. There are not a ton of fans here yet, but the BU-NU chants have started to get going.

Right now at the end of the second period, the score is 3-0 BC and things don't seem to be getting any easier for Harvard. They will start the third period shorthanded for :46. But you never know, a comeback isn't completely out of the realm of possibility.

Be back with the Northeastern and Boston University starting lineups in a few.