BC is 1-2 against BU this season but have outshot the Terriers by a total of 97-76 in the three games. Like I said, in the second meeting of the year in which BU won, BC dominated the game but Parker Milner was off his game and Kieran Millan put together an amazing performance. Just a night later, Brian Billett stoned the Terriers and Millan put up a hilarious display of goaltending in a game in which BC won 6-1. It is all about the goaltending. There is another big factor to consider for tomorrows game. Charlie Coyle and Corey Trivino were both in Terrier uniforms for all three of those games vs BC. Combined, Coyle and Trivino recored 9 points in three games vs the Eagles (Trivino had three goals). Also missing for the Terriers will be defenseman Alex Privitera and forward Yasin Cisse, both of whom have played a big role in what BU has done vs BC this year. Will these four guys being out make a huge difference ? I really think so. I believe with Cisse out, it gives the BC line of Sit-Hayes-Kreider a huge advantage over the BU line of Rosen-Courtnall-Hohmann. (Assuming that's the matchup)
While the Eagles have won four in a row, the Terriers are coming off an embarrassing lost to a UMass team that had not won in an opponents barn before Friday @ BU. When I look at BU, a couple of guys jump out at me. The first guy that scares me is defenseman Adam Clendening, who in my opinion is the second best defenseman in the league behind Brian Dumoulin. Clendening is the man that makes their power play roll with his smart decision making and hard shot from the point. Another Terrier that stands out to me is forward Wade Megan who currently leads all BU forwards in goals scored this season with 14. Megan had a breakout game on Monday versus Harvard as he recorded 2 goals for Jack Parker's team.
In terms of how BC matches up vs BU, I think we match up very good with them. BU doesn't have a lot of guys that can match the speed of guys like Kreider, Almeida, and Gaudreau so if BC can do a good job of breaking out the puck and getting the transition game going, it should be a win for the good guys. The one thing that worries me is Parker Milner. I know he has been great the last couple games but he has not been too good vs the Terriers over the course of his career with a 0-3 record. Both teams also have power plays that are lethal when ever they get the chance. BC's power play is at a whopping 39% conversion rate since the Maine weekend and BU has the #2 power play in the conference. Both teams also have the #1 (BC) and #2 (BU) penalty kills in Hockey East so it should be interesting to see how those units matchup. It should be another great one between the two ancient rivals but hopefully it is the Eagles that once again claim they run this town.
Players to watch
1. Alex Chaisson has great size and a deadly shot along with a good set of play making abilities. Second on the Terriers in scoring.
2. Adam Clendening. Like I said, he really makes this team go. He is one of the best puck movers in the league.
3. Wade Megan. He seems to be coming around after a big game vs Harvard on Monday. One of the better forwards on BU
Keys for the Eagles.
1. Keep it up. The team has got to continue to avoid turnovers and stay out of the bix because when they don't do this, they always seem to find ways to win.
2. The Transition game. BC has to kill BU when it comes to the transition game in order to win thsi game.
3. Goaltending. Now more than ever, Parker Milner needs to keep up his solid play as of late in order for the team to gain another Beanpot title
Stats
1. BC is 13-27 all time vs BU but have won three in a row versus the Terriers.
2. Coach York is just two wins away from 900. When he gets there, he will join former Michigan State coach Ron Mason as they only two coaches to ever get to 900 victories. Coach York also has a 23-12 record in the Beanpot.
3. BC is unfortunately 113-127-17 all time vs the Terries. BU is only Hockey East team that BC trails in an all time series.
4. The BC senior class is 7-7-1 vs BU and are 2-1 vs BU all time in the TD Garden.
Prediction- BC 5 BU 3. The speed of the Eagles is too much for BU to overcome.
BC vs. BU Rivalry Hits Center Stage...Again: A Hockey Tradition Rekindled
In the rich tapestry of college sports rivalries, few matchups ignite as much passion and fervor as Boston College (BC) vs. Boston University (BU) in men's ice hockey. This rivalry, deeply ingrained in the hearts of fans, players, and alumni, is a time-honored tradition in the world of collegiate athletics. In this article, we will explore the storied history, the electric atmosphere, and the captivating moments of the BC vs. BU hockey rivalry, while also addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide an in-depth understanding of this iconic clash.
A Legendary Hockey Rivalry
The BC vs. BU rivalry is a classic tale of two Boston-based institutions, each boasting a storied ice hockey program. These two powerhouses have been trading blows on the ice for decades, and every face-off between them carries an air of anticipation and excitement. The rivalry transcends the boundaries of sport and becomes an integral part of Boston's sports culture.
A Rivalry Rooted in History
The roots of this epic rivalry trace back to the early 20th century when both BC and BU established their hockey programs. The schools' close proximity and shared hockey tradition laid the foundation for intense competition. However, it was the annual Beanpot Tournament, featuring BC, BU, Harvard, and Northeastern, that truly fueled the fire of this rivalry. The Beanpot became the battleground where BC and BU would annually meet to determine bragging rights in Boston.
The Beanpot: Epic Showdowns
The Beanpot Tournament is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events in college hockey, and it provides the stage for BC and BU to renew their rivalry. Held every February, this tournament showcases the talent and passion of Boston's collegiate hockey teams. The atmosphere at TD Garden, where the tournament is played, is electric, with fans from both sides filling the arena to capacity.
Over the years, BC and BU have delivered unforgettable moments at the Beanpot. From stunning upsets to dramatic overtime victories, these clashes have become the stuff of legend. The intense competition in the Beanpot serves as a microcosm of the broader rivalry between the two schools.
Notable Moments and Players
The BC vs. BU rivalry has produced its fair share of iconic moments and legendary players. Here are a few standout instances:
The Shot Heard 'Round Boston: In the 2018 Beanpot final, BC's Austin Cangelosi scored the game-winning goal in overtime, securing a dramatic victory that reverberated through the city.
Eichel vs. Demko: The rivalry reached new heights when BU's Jack Eichel faced off against BC's Thatcher Demko in the 2015 Beanpot final. Eichel, the eventual Hobey Baker Award winner, and Demko, a standout goaltender, delivered a thrilling showdown.
BC's Dominance: Boston College has had stretches of dominance in the rivalry, including a period in the early 2000s when they won multiple national championships and Beanpot titles.
The Atmosphere: Unmatched Passion
The BC vs. BU rivalry isn't just about the players on the ice; it's also about the fans in the stands. The student sections for both schools, known as "The Dog Pound" for BU and "The Superfans" for BC, bring an unmatched level of passion and energy to every game. Their chants, songs, and heckling add to the intensity of the rivalry.
The rivalry also extends to alumni and local residents, who proudly wear their school colors and engage in friendly banter. The atmosphere surrounding BC vs. BU games is electric and is often a highlight of the college hockey season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the BC vs. BU rivalry so intense?
The rivalry is intense due to the close proximity of the schools, their rich hockey traditions, and the annual Beanpot Tournament, which serves as a focal point for their clashes.
Is the rivalry limited to men's ice hockey?
While men's ice hockey is the most prominent aspect of the rivalry, it extends to other sports and competitions between the two schools.
What are some of the famous traditions associated with BC vs. BU games?
Traditions include the singing of school fight songs, chants, and the presentation of the Beanpot Trophy, which is a cherished symbol of victory in this rivalry.
Has the rivalry produced NHL talent?
Yes, many players who have participated in the BC vs. BU rivalry have gone on to successful NHL careers, including Jack Eichel, Chris Kreider, and Johnny Gaudreau, to name a few.
Are there any notable women's hockey games between BC and BU?
Yes, the rivalry extends to women's hockey as well. BC and BU women's teams have faced each other in thrilling matchups with national implications.
The BC vs. BU hockey rivalry is a true spectacle in the world of college sports. It's a tradition that has stood the test of time, generating excitement and fervor with every puck drop. The Beanpot Tournament serves as the annual battleground where these two hockey titans clash, creating moments of pure drama and inspiration. Beyond the competition, this rivalry is a testament to the enduring spirit of college sports and the pride that both institutions and their fans take in being a part of something so special.
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