A stretch of tough opponents for Boston College men’s hockey continues as conference foe No. 11 Northeastern Huskies (9-5-1, 7-3-0 Hockey East) comes to town on Saturday night. No. 14 BC (9-6-2, 9-2-0) holds a four-point lead over the visiting Huskies for first place in the conference, making this a pivotal midseason matchup. A win for Northeastern would even the season series at one apiece, and carry strong momentum towards the third and final meeting, a Beanpot tournament game in early February. The Huskies have outscored their opponents 53-37, a goal differential that leads Hockey East. Meanwhile, BC has been outscored by eight, 25-17, at home.
Who is BC playing?
Northeastern University
When is BC playing?
Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Kelley Rink, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
TV, Radio, Stream?
The game can be viewed on ESPN3.
By the Numbers:
BC:
1) The Eagles high-flying offense has scored four goals in each of their last four games.
2) Forward Julius Mattila has recorded at least one point in seven of the team’s last eight games.
3) In Hockey East, the Eagles are ranked second to last in power play percentage at 13.8 percent.
Northeastern:
1) The Huskies have 53 total goals on the season, second in Hockey East behind Connecticut.
2) Adam Gaudette leads the team with 10 goals on the season, and is one of just 15 double-digit scorers in Division I hockey.
3) Northeastern leads Hockey East in both power play goals (18) and conversion rate (26.1%).
Last Meeting?
BC took care of the Huskies in its previous matchup back in mid-November to the tune of four goals in Matthews Arena. Each goal in the 4-1 victory was scored by a different player, thanks in part to Jesper Mattila, who picked up a goal and two assists.
All-Time Series:
BC leads, 166-50-16
BC Wins if…
It can continue to hold down the fort on defense. In the Eagles’ last meeting, Northeastern failed to get the puck past Woll until only three minutes and change remained in the contest, well into garbage time. The Eagles have been solid on the penalty kill, so if they can stall the hungry Northeastern offense with smart puck dumps and line changes, they’ll be well on their way to a crucial conference win.
BC loses if…
Woll struggles again, as the sophomore goaltender has regressed somewhat this season. The Eagles would be looking to go undefeated for the 11th-straight game Saturday night if not for the comeback from Boston University last weekend. The Terriers scored three goals in each of the first two periods, with Woll struggling mightily. The BC offense has been consistent enough, scoring at least three goals in seven straight-games, but it’s is the play on the other side of the rink where the Huskies may look for some momentum. The Eagles are just 3-6-1 when allowing two or more goals, and the Husky offense is nothing to scoff at. Northeastern leads Hockey East in goals per game at 3.53, largely in part to sustained success on special teams.
Featured Image by Julia Hopkins / Heights Editor
