Revere fail

It's generally my policy to never write anything negative about an individual on this blog, only good or bad comments about teams in general... but AGH, Jerry Pollastrone, you are so on my crap list right now, even if you are from Reveahh.

How do you throw the puck into your own net with the Frozen Four on the line? Absolutely unbelievable.

UNH comes up with new and creative ways to fail miserably. It really is remarkable.

The worst part is that the miserable Wildcats somehow managed to outplay BU during the 3rd period. They had much better chances than BU did, including one JVR bid that Millan stopped with a stunning high glove save. And to make matters worse for the future Flyer, it was JVR's moronic penalty with under two minutes to play, along with Pollastrone's WTF?! moment, that put an end to BU's 12 year Frozen Four drought.

Also to blame: UNH's "power play," which went something like 1-for-60 during the last month of the season. They generated absolutely nothing during their one power play chance in the 3rd.

So, it's on to the least sexy Frozen Four ever:

(1) Boston University (HEA)

(3) University of Vermont (HEA)

(4) Bemidji State (CHA)

(4) Miami University (CCHA)

I'm thinking BU rolls through DC like British solders during the War of 1812, but Vermont did beat them 2-of-3 this year.

Tonight's good news comes from the women's basketball team, which dropped Georgetown 65-56 to advance to the WNIT Final Four. (I had no idea they called it the "Final Four," which sounds preposterous to me; I'm just going to call it the WNIT semifinal.)

BC will host South Florida on Wednesday night at 7 PM to battle for a spot in the title game.

WNIT + Men's hockey tournament = MASSIVE

I've been meaning to post since Thursday night, but I haven't really had the time... so this is going to be a bit of a mega-post.  

On Thursday, three of us trekked down to St. John's University in New York City to watch the Eagles take home the win in the 3rd round of the WNIT. 

It was one of those stupid, random trips that turned out to be one of the best trips of the year. While St. Johns' campus is pretty much a dump, Carnesecca Arena is gorgeous. Every time I go to a hockey- or basketball-specific arena, I am reminded of how woeful 'multi-purpose' facilities are. 

And the game itself was fantastic, with the Eagles surviving a brilliant second-half surge by the Red Storm to win, 68-64. Stefanie Murphy went off, scoring 23 points to lock down the victory and boost BC into the quarterfinals, to be held this evening at 5 PM against Georgetown in Conte Forum.

While I'm sure everyone wishes the Eagles made the NCAA tournament, this winning experience could be great for the freshmen and sophomores. And raising a banner to the rafters is always nice, even if it is the NIT. So GO EAGLES - three more wins!

But the event that gripped me all weekend was the men's college hockey tournament. Despite the absence of Boston College, this has arguably been the greatest tournament I've ever seen. 

Just unbelievable drama from all 4 regionals: Last-second goals (literally) by UNH over North Dakota and Minn.-Duluth over Princeton forced overtime and allowed each to advance. Northeastern caved in to allow two goals in the final 3 minutes to lose 3-2 against Cornell. Vermont and Air Force battled into double overtime, with the Catamounts advancing to the Frozen Four. #4 seed Bemidji State stunned Notre Dame, 4-1, and fellow #4 seed Miami has punched its ticket to DC with romps over Denver and Duluth.

Just way too much action to jam into two days. 

There really are no words, just enjoy these videos.

The only bad news about all of these upsets is that it looks like BU has a clear path to the national championship. Who's going to stop them? Miami?

But the way this tournament is going, you never know. I'm pulling hard for UNH today - not just because they're playing BU, but because Revere's Jerry Pollastrone powered their miracle against North  Dakota, and because I really do feel bad for their fans' suffering. 

Two good things, no matter what happens:

-Hockey East will have two Frozen Four teams... and the WCHA will have a big fat zero

-I will definitely have someone to root hard for in the national championship game in DC: either UNH or UVM, or whoever plays against BU. ;)

Unfortunately, it's all kind of downhill from here. After 4 games on Friday and 6 crazy games yesterday, we just get 2 tonight (BU vs. UNH at 5, Cornell vs. Bemidji State at 8), 2 on Frozen Four Thursday, and the national title game. Sad. I could watch this stuff for weeks on end - the drama, action, and passion is simply unmatched. Every day, I feel like kissing the ground and thanking the Lord that I was one of the fortunate few college students who enrolled in a school that has Division I hockey. While I often wish BC fans were more passionate and involved, I'm lucky enough to be at a school that's allowed me to deepen my attachment to this great sport, and that's given me some awesome memories in conference and national tournaments.

WNIT photos from St. John's:

The "beautiful" SJU campus-



Carnesecca arena lobby



The arena itself (pretty sweet)





The game





Victory


BC-GTown at 5 PM today at Conte. Go Eagles!

The SJU road block

After getting past BU in round 2 of the WNIT, the Eagles head to New York City tonight to take on the St. John's Red Storm in what has become a problematic matchup for the Eagles. SJU bounced BC from the NIT in this round last year, and topped the Eagles at home back in December in the St. John's holiday tournament.

Two friends and I will be driving down for the game, seeing as this is probably our last chance for a random road trip this semester.

If the Eagles win, they will be at home over the weekend for the NIT quarterfinals.

*

In hockey news, according to San Jose Sharks sources, the Nick Petrecki era at BC is over. Best wishes Nick, and bring the pain to the NHL.

We really need another defenseman or two to commit for next season.

NCAA Hockey tournament predictions

BU 6
Ohio State 0

North Dakota 4
New Hampshire 2

North Dakota 2
BU 3

---

Michigan 2
Air Force 3

Yale 2
Vermont 1

YALE 3
Air Force 0

---

Notre Dame 4
Bemidji State 0

Northeastern 2
Cornell 1

Notre Dame 2
Northeastern 0

---

Denver 4
Miami 0

Minnesota Duluth 2
Princeton 1

Denver 3
Minnesota-Duluth 2

----

BU 10
Yale 0

Denver 3
Notre Dame 1

---

Denver 2
BU 1
OT

An abrupt ending

That was quick.

In a span of a few hours, the men's hockey and basketball seasons both came tumbling down to abrupt and disappointing conclusions, with the b-ball team slammed by USC and the hockey team upended by BU 3-2 at the Garden.

The Eagles were 9 minutes away from pulling off the upset in Boston, leading BU 1-0 on a brilliant goal by Ben Smith, when the Terriers put up 3 goals in a dizzying 44-second span. Joe Whitney got one back with 5 minutes to play, but BC couldn't get it done and BU now moves on to face UMass-Lowell in the league championship game. BU will probably beat them like a mule; the talent differential from game 1 to game 2 was striking.

BU really came out and shelled BC in the first period and the Eagles were lucky to survive. But from the second period on, BC began to control the tempo a little more, ultimately resulting in Smith's goal, which he batted out of the air and into the net on a breakaway [reminiscent of a few of BC's goals against UNH last year].

The Eagles killed two penalties early in the 3rd period and spirits were high as we approached the final minutes of the game looking to hang on. But it all caved in so quickly... and that was that.

I'll probably be going to the Manchester regional next week but it certainly won't be the same without BC.

This senior class has nothing to be ashamed of despite this season. 3 national championship games, 1 national title, 2 Hockey East championships... this class leaves the Heights with a lot of good memories. Thanks to all of them and best of luck in the future.

*

All we've got left to carry the winter sports flame is the WNIT. The Eagles host BU on Monday night in their NIT opener after the Terriers defeated Central Connecticut.

Looking for a threepeat

Hoping to see this scene again this weekend:

Wow

It was a surprise, and yet it wasn't a surprise, all at the same time.

When Middlemarch tickets went on sale, the date - March 21 - gave me pause, as I knew it was the night of Hockey East finals. I thought, however, that there was no way BC would be at the Garden (but I was still going to skip the dance to go see the final, regardless of who was in it).

How silly of me.

BC is back at the Garden again after a fantastic 60 minute all-around performance tonight at UNH, topping the Wildcats 1-0 on an early Matt Price goal.

John Muse was simply brilliant in net, bailing BC out on a few scrums during UNH power plays, making two big stops in the final minute, and making some high glove saves, too. If Muse gets back going the way he did in the tournament last year, then we could be on the verge of a serious run.

I liked BC's toughness, responding quickly and swiftly to UNH players running Muse, throwing some good hits, and being defensively stout when they had to be.

With the results of tonight's games (Lowell sweeps UVM, NU and BU are both sent to Game 3s with UMass and Maine, respectively), BC just needs one upset tomorrow night to avoid the Red Menace on the semifinals.

Scenarios -

BU and Northeastern advance:

BU vs BC - 5 PM
UML vs Northeastern - 8 PM

BU wins, NU loses

BU vs UMass - 5 PM
UML vs BC - 8 PM

BU loses, NU wins

NU vs Maine - 5 PM
UML vs BC - 8 PM

BU loses, NU loses

UML vs Maine - 5 PM
BC vs UMass - 8 PM

The traveling fan support for BC was incredible tonight. There weren't many of us but we were all loud and into the game - and having the BC pep band in the house made a huge difference. Kudos to every BC fan who came out - I'm very proud to be an Eagle tonight.

The women's hockey team's season came to an end this afternoon in Minnesota but the lady Eagles can hold their heads up high after a 4-3 loss to the Gophers. BC fell behind 3-0 and 4-1 early but battled back to make it close, and BC fans in attendance have described it as BC's best effort ever. I buy it, from the parts I saw on video. Sadly, without Stack or Schaus it could be a rough transition next year, but the pieces are in place for BC to become a powerful program in women's hockey.

Does anyone have a watch?

Mine says "crunch time" and around this time of year, UNH's says "choke time." It's not over yet - UNH will surely come out firing tomorrow night - but tonight's reappearance of playoff-intensity BC was fun to watch. 

The Eagles came out and absolutely blitzed the Wildcats off of their home ice and silenced the crowd with early leads of 4-o and 5-1.

UNH scored two shorthanded goals to claw back to 5-3, but that was all they'd get. 

Really fantastic effort, and a great night all around, as BC fans were pretty loud from start to finish.

I'm hoping there's no need for a Game 3.

Glimmers

Last year, in the regular season's final weekend, BC lost to Northeastern in overtime on Friday night. Then, on Saturday, they stampeded the Huskies en route to a victory in the finale.

This season, BC did the exact same - following up an OT loss to Northeastern in the season's penultimate game with a complete, outstanding performance on Senior Night to cap off the regular season, beating NU 4-1.

The Eagles head to Durham, NH this weekend to take on UNH in the Hockey East quarterfinals. It's going to be an amazing series.

The women's hockey team plays for a championship today, playing UNH in the Hockey East championship, also in Durham; the game is at 12:30 and will be on NESN at 4:00 PM.

And hey, how about Rakim Sanders? The man has no fear.

Renewed faith

My closest hockey-watching friends, aside from my small group at BC, all go to Northeastern, and the DogHouse gang has adopted a motto for this year - "Now is the time!"

All year long, I've been saying "BC's motto is: Later is the time!"

But I've been waiting and waiting, and it was beginning to look like Later wouldn't come this year. While it's going to take a miracle to go on the kind of run that we've seen the last 3 years in a row, there's now a glimmer of hope, as the Eagles fought hard to come back from an 0-3 deficit to beat Providence 4-3 at Schneider Arena, picking up their first weekend sweep since the Maine series which seems like forever ago. 

There are always times when, as a fan, you wonder if all the worry and the stress and the expense for something you can't control is worth anything, but nights like these make it rewarding: a fun, exciting road win, on the road with good friends... adversity, hope, belief - all of the intangible stuff that makes this all worthwhile. I left Schneider with the buzz that you can't possibly feel leaving a movie or a concert or a show, no matter how good it is. That's what keeps me coming back.

Really, they should have never been behind 3-0. BC came out strong and outshot and outplayed Providence in the first two frames, but they had bad bounces or missed open nets at least 5 or 6 times. Meanwhile it seemed like every time Providence ambled into the attacking zone, they scored. They even scored a 4th goal in the 2nd period, which was correctly waved off due to goaltender interference; I hoped that would be a turning point, and it was.

In retrospect I'm glad they didn't jump out to an early lead. I'm glad they had to do something tonight that they hadn't done in a while - really show fire and determination. They had to Want It. And there can be no doubt that they Wanted It tonight, as they played with the kind of confidence and fire we saw in the tournament last season. 

It's only Providence, but with the way things have been going this season, I'll take it. They've given us reason to hope, and that's all we can really ask for.

2 down, 10 to go? ;) 

You just never know...

Hanging on to hope

1 down, 11 to go? 

BC hockey looked as impressive as they have in a long time, destroying Providence 5-1 and lighting the lamp 7 times (two goals were disallowed... one correctly, one incorrectly).

Petrecki had a monster game. I would have named him as one of the 3 stars. Absolutely destroying people all night, but never took himself out of the play. He even made a few hits that directly led to transition opportunities on offense.

I still think the rest of the defensive corps is shaky (see: PC's 2-on-0) and the PP needs work, but the forwards looked GOOD tonight. Lit the lamp 7 times even though only 6 were goals and only 5 counted. Crisp, clean passes. Strong on the puck, getting it in deep, making things happen.

I LOVE seeing Almeida and Atkinson on the same line. They did that against Maine and burned them all weekend. Hope to see them stay together the rest of the year, don't care who the 3rd guy is. 

Whitney had his best game in a while. One play that really stands out in my memory - Whitney was in the corner, Providence was skating the puck out of their defensive zone, and Whit chased him down and knocked the puck off his stick and hummed it back in deep. Good strong play. He's playing with a fire that wasn't there before.

And how can you not love Kucharski? What a story, the guy's a beast. Does my neighbors in Saugus proud and makes up for the fact that that hack Lawrence is from there.

We'll see what happens tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the trip.

Burnt out

UNH 4, BC 2 

Keeping it short and sweet: they turned it on late, but fell just short. I feel that may be the story of the season, too.

I'm encouraged by the good play in the final 15 minutes, but disappointed that it took them that long to seem to be interested in the game.

Giving up a goal with 4 seconds left in the first period came back to bite them.

*

BC women's hockey 1, Providence 1 (PC wins shootout, 1-0)

I hate senior days. They're a reminder that I'm getting old. I'm really going to miss this senior class, as they provided a lot of the memories that I've treasured during my time at the Heights. 

(Photo credit: Melissa Wade, USCHO.com + Hockeyphotography.com)

*

I'm going to be taking a blogging hiatus for a week, as I feel like I need to take a week-long sports hiatus as well. I'm experiencing a little burnout, and things just aren't as fun for me as they usually are [even with the teams that are winning]. I feel half-detatched from every game I'm at and feel like I need a break. I'd try to do a Lent-like break, except the big tournaments are coming up... but I'll probably do a long one at some point this summer.

But for now, coinciding with a week in which I have 3 midterm exams, I'll be taking a hiatus until Friday night's game against Providence [except for my EagleInsider stories... I do not need a break from making money]. No games, and no incessant checking of the blogs and of scores 'til then.

Women's hockey clinches first-round bye

BC earns the #2 seed  in the Hockey East tournament with an impressive 5-1 win at Providence. Allie Thunstrom scored two, with one goal each by Mary Restuccia, Kelli Stack, and Maggie Taverna.

Thunstrom was absolutely electric, playing perhaps her best game since her one-person rally last year in Minnesota. She scored just 14 seconds into the game, batting in a rebound off a shot by Stack. 

Later in the period, with the score 2-0, she scored a brilliant goal, breaking in down the right side on a 2-on-1 with Restuccia. Restuccia was well-covered. Allie faked a pass to her, getting the goalie to decommit from the shot slightly, then ripped a quick wrister past her.

Providence's  Schneider Arena

The Hockey East quarterfinals will be next weekend and the Eagles will be able to sit home and watch, along with #1 seed UNH. The semifinals and finals will be the weekend of March 7-8 at UNH.

BC hosts PC  today in the regular season finale - still a meaningful game in terms of national rankings.

The men's hockey team picked up another loss in Durham last night... make it stop?

In better news, the baseball team started the year with an 8-7 win at Stetson.

It's Thursday already...

and the women's basketball team takes on UNC tonight. To read about the women's basketball team, check out the EagleInsider women's hoops notes column by my colleage Diana Nearhos (BC '11).

My hockey weekend preview is up at EI as the men battle UNH this weekend in a home-and-home.

Grant has posted part 2 of what will be a long series of retrospective videos from last year's national championship team. Here, he presents highlights from the best game I've ever attended in person - BC's 5-4, 3 OT win over UNH in last year's Hockey East semifinals.

W...T...F

In moments of hyperbole, I've often described games as the 'best ever' or the 'worst ever.' But I can't honestly begin to think of something that could possibly be more painful, more embarrassing, and more depressing that could happen in a sporting event than watching BC hockey lose to UMass-Lowell 6-0.

The Northeastern game was one thing. This was another matter entirely. Crucial Hockey East points were on the line against a team with maybe one player who could even crack BC's roster. And we got annihalated.

Add that to sitting in the dismal worst atmosphere in major D-1 college hockey [even before the game started to suck], and you have a recipe for a long and miserable night.

The only good news from yesterday was that I acquired DVDs of all of last year's Beanpot, Hockey East and NCAA games. I may or may not have pounded alcohol and watched the UNH 3-ot game at my friend's apartment last night. Good times...

The best part about this acquisition is that our big moments can now go on Youtube. Enjoy reliving the title game - and especially enjoy 5:59 :)

BU takes back Beanpot; BC snags 3rd

Benn Ferriero scored two goals, including one with 40 seconds left, to lift BC to a 4-3 win over Harvard in the Beanpot consolation game, sending BC fans into a state of........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. It was a particularly lackluster edition of a game that is designed for lacklusteriness. 

The Eagles are now 4-1-1 in their last 6.  Is a run coming?

BU took back the Beanpot with a 5-2 win over Northeastern, courtesy of three shorthanded goals. I infiltrated the NU DogHouse during this game, and experienced first-hand a real student section experience for the first time in my collegiate life. It was nice, but it would have been nicer if NU had won.

As it were, failure continues to dominate the NU Beanpot experience. I have a feeling that they are about to have an epic meltdown and lose their perch from the top of Hockey East.

Women's Beanpot final tonight - BC vs. Harvard. Bring it home, Eagles!

Hockey teams grind out wins

It's all about the two points.

The men's hockey team defeated UMass on Friday night in a dry, defensive struggle that saw both teams play the trap fairly often. Benn Ferriero hummed in a power play goal less than five minutes into the game; from there, BC went on the defensive and grinded out a conference win.

The penalty kill stood strong in the second period, when BC picked up 6 straight minutes of penalties including a large chunk of 5-on-3.

Paul Carey went from healthy scratch to a crucial part of the power play. Only BC hockey.

It was great to see John Muse pick up a shutout after his misadventures on Monday. Hopefully, this helps restore his confidence.

5 PM Monday... see ya there.

As for the women -

They beat Maine 2-0 at Conte. The first two periods were awful. BC just about constantly had the puck, but did nothing with it, mostly pouring in their shots from the perimeter. They found another gear in the third and picked up two goals to slip away with a victory.

A win's a win, but the Eagles continue to play down to bad competition, which could bite them if they're not careful. Also, BC's transition game can be painful to watch sometimes. They often force plays that aren't there, driving it into traffic up the middle when there are lanes available up the boards.

UMaine's goalie, Genevieve Turgeon, deserves a lot of credit. BC could have easily poured in 4 or 5 goals in the 3rd period, but Turgeon made a number of great sprawling saves to keep the Eagles out. BC also hit a post and a crossbar in pursuit of the elusive winning goal, which didn't come until the halfway mark in the 3rd period.

For all the grousing, if the season ended today, the men and women would both be in NCAAs. For that, I am grateful.

Two days on

Monday night was, plain and simple, an NU tidal wave. In the stands, on the ice - Boston College was blown out of the water, and I was ashamed. It was the worst loss for BC at the Garden during York's tenure. It seems like this team has serious problems, extending beyond the normal slump.

I'll post lots of photos and pics after the final & consolation game.

The women's team won their Beanpot game against NU, 3-1.

The men's basketball team is off to a great start against UVA, up 42-22 at halftime - wow.

Reason to be excited.

The men's basketball team is relevant again, after an outstanding, thrilling win on Saturday thanks to a sick put-back by Rakim Sanders with 0.4 to play.

The women's basketball team plays @ Duke tonight with a chance to make a real statement. The Eagles are 17-4 and knocking on the door of national prominence. A win over Duke would go a long way.

And tonight is one of the best nights of the entire year - Beanpot Monday #1. Satan vs. Harvard at 5 PM, BC vs. Northeastern at 8 PM. Get fired up!

Story of the weekend:

UNH 5, BC 2. Lame.

Molly Schaus got pulled for, I believe, the first time in her career, after BC fell behind 4-1. Backup goalie Keira Kingston did a solid job and BC played hard in front of her, but were unable to pull themselves back into it. Meghan Fardelmann and Danielle Welch scored for BC; Kelly Paton potted three for UNH.

Meanwhile, the men somehow tied awful, awful Providence. Not a good night.

Huge home basketball game tomorrow night in front of what will probably be a packed house. It's a big chance for them to make a splash and regain the 'fan momentum' they lost right after the UNC game. I hear people talking hoops around campus again for the first time in two years. A win tomorrow, and that will only intensify.