Now undefeated in its last 12 contests, Boston College women’s hockey is gearing up to take on crosstown rival Northeastern in a pivotal weekend series. With wins in their past six games—two of which came against Boston University in a two-game series—the Eagles (18-1-3, 12-0-3 Hockey East) hope to ride their momentum to another pair of victories against a conference opponent. The Huskies (11-9-2, 7-6-1) are looking to extend a winning streak of their own, having won their past two contests.
The second of the two games, which will take place at Matthews Arena, is part of the Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer foundation series, a Hockey East program that helps raise money for cancer research, and has already raised over $40,000 this season.
Who is BC playing?
Northeastern
When is BC playing?
Friday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 13, 12 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Friday: Kelley Rink, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Saturday: Matthews Arena, Boston, Mass.
How to Watch:
The games will be livestreamed on ESPN3, available online at WatchESPN.
By the Numbers:
BC:
1) The Eagles’ high-powered offense has taken at least 32 shots in 11 straight games.
2) Daryl Watts has found the back of the net 14 times in the past eight games. Her four-goal performance against New Hampshire last weekend was simply a microcosm of her impressive freshman campaign.
3) BC has won four of its past five games against the Huskies—the Eagles’ seven-goal win back in late November being the most decisive victory.
Northeastern:
1) Much to do with being part of the ever-competitive Hockey East conference, the Huskies will be playing in their seventh and eighth games this season against a USCHO top-10 opponent, resulting in the second-toughest schedule in all of women’s hockey.
2) Senior McKenna Brand has recorded a point in Northeastern’s last six games, most notably the game-winning goal against UConn on Tuesday.
3) The Huskies are undefeated this season (10-0-2) when ending any period with a lead.
Last Meeting:
In the only other meeting between the two teams this season, a Nov. 28 matchup, the Eagles cruised to a 7-3 victory. The win, part of the Eagles’ current unbeaten streak, featured at least two BC goals in each period, in large part thanks to a hat-trick from Caitrin Lonergan.
BC wins if…
It gets off to a hot start. The Eagles will look to pile on goals just as they have all season, and if they can do it early, the Huskies will be in trouble. Northeastern is 2-9-0 when allowing the first goal, and will be facing one of the top offensive teams in the country. If history is any indication, BC will likely notch two wins against Northeastern by scoring four or more goals in each game—a feat it has accomplished in six-straight contests.
BC loses if…
The Huskies are the ones able to get ahead early. When scoring the first goal of the game, Northeastern is 9-0-2, and will undoubtedly be playing aggressively against a BC team that has embarrassed its opponents of late. Experienced goaltender Brittany Bulgalski has seen a lot of the Eagles, and after a 30-save performance against UConn, the junior has the opportunity to keep her team above the .500-mark in the conference.
Featured Image by Taylor Perison / Heights Staff
