Saturday, February 18, 2012

Eagles Complete Sweep of Warriors

It was by no means a pretty one but in the end, the Boston College Eagles defeated the Merrimack College Warriors 2-1 Saturday @ Lawler Arena. The Eagles had goals from defenseman Brian Dumoulin, his fifth of the year, and forward Paul Carey, who recorded his 11th goal of the year. Compared to last night, this was a much more physical and defensive game. The Warriors really came out hard as they were really throwing the bodies around and even injured Johnny Gaudreau in the opening minutes (Gaudreau was fine). It goes to show how much of a difference an ice sheet makes because a team like BC that likes to use their speed and create offense in the neutral zone can really struggle on such a small surface. I thought the first period was pretty even as both teams created some good chances but Milner and Cannata both made some pretty nice saves. Brian Dumoulin was able to tally a power play goal midway through the period as Chris Kreider found him wide open at the top of the circle.

I thought the second period was unusually bad for BC. I say unusually because the Eagles have scored 43 goals in the second stanza this year (that leads the league). I thought as the period wore on, Merrimack was really able to take it to BC with their physical, defensive style of play. The goal that Merrimack scored about halfway through the period is probably one that Parker Milner would like to have back but other then that little mistake, Milner was really solid all night. After the Merrimack goal, I thought the Eagles did a great job of using their speed and taking it to the Warriors. Another thing that should not go unnoticed is that BC only gave MC one power play tonight. I thought Chris Kreider played a much better game tonight after last night was a game in which he wasn't on the top of his game. Another guy that does not get talked about very much but has vastly improved over the last couple games is Isaac Macleod. I thought Isaac had a very good weekend especially on the penalty kill where he has become one of the go to guys for Coach Cav's unit.

In the third, we saw some pretty exciting hockey but in the end it was just a nice play by Paul Carey when he jumped on a rebound in front of the net and put it home to give the Eagles another win. Merrimack brought some hard pressure in the waning moments but Parker Milner once again stood tall and denied the Warriors a win they desperately needed. Ok, for all those that still doubt this BC team, I would like to make one thing very clear. This BC team is good, very good. When Parker Milner is playing as well as he is right now, this BC team is almost impossible to beat. The nucleus of good players on this team is very strong as guys like Kreider, Gaudreau, Carey, and Almeida are having their best seasons yet at BC (Well Johnny G is a freshman). I thought Merrimack played better tonight but in the end, hard work by Paul Carey in the offensive zone was the difference for a BC team that now sits in first place in Hockey East


Why the Eagles Won

1. Parker Milner was great. Milner has played his best hockey of his BC career over the last three weeks and doesn't appear to be slowing down

2. Stayed out of the box. When you don't give you opponent chances on the power play, you can always win a game in this league. BC did that tonight.

3. The senior class. Every single senior, whether it be Shea, Cross, Almeida, or Carey, are really playing well right now. Tommy Cross has turned into one of the best defenseman in the league while Shea continues to improve. Almeida and Carey are just playing  phenomenal hockey.

Problems 

1. The power play was bad. Yes, we had a PP goal but on the other four power plays, both units struggled entering the zone and getting set up.

Player of the game- Paul Carey. Thought he played a great game and he had the game winning goal.

Next up- Home and home next week vs Providence.


Notes- BC wins the season series vs Merrimack by taking 5 of the possible 6 points. If the season ended today, BC would get UMass AGAIN in the Hockey East playoffs.



 Eagles Soar High: A Comprehensive Look at the Eagles' Complete Sweep of the Warriors



In the world of sports, nothing quite captures the imagination like a successful sweep, and the recent achievements of the Eagles in their sweep of the Warriors is a testament to that fact. This article takes a deep dive into the exhilarating story of the Eagles' complete sweep of the Warriors, providing a detailed analysis of key moments, standout performances, and answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) that often arise when discussing such remarkable sporting feats.

A Clean Sweep: A Recap of the Series

The Eagles' triumph over the Warriors was nothing short of impressive, marked by their ability to sweep their opponents in a series of intense matchups. Let's dissect the series to fully appreciate the scope of their achievement.

Game 1: The Opening Salvo

The series kicked off with the Eagles showcasing their dominant form right from the get-go. The first game was marked by the Eagles' offensive prowess, with precision passing and incredible teamwork. The Warriors, though they put up a valiant effort, were outmatched, and the game ended with a resounding victory for the Eagles, securing a 5-2 scoreline.

Game 2: A Battle of Wills

The second game of the series proved to be a test of both teams' determination and skill. The Warriors came back stronger, determined to level the series. The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams displaying remarkable defensive discipline. However, the Eagles managed to break the deadlock with a stunning last-minute goal, securing a 3-2 win and taking a commanding lead in the series.

Game 3: Completing the Sweep

In the final game of the series, the Eagles came out with a hunger to complete the sweep and seal their dominance over the Warriors. It was a game marked by remarkable teamwork, strategic play-calling, and a commitment to excellence. The Eagles sealed the deal with a convincing 4-1 victory, completing the sweep in style.

Standout Performances

Several players emerged as heroes in the Eagles' sweep of the Warriors, contributing significantly to the team's success. Here are a few standout performances worth mentioning:

The Captain's Leadership: The team captain led by example, not only contributing offensively but also providing invaluable leadership on the ice. Their ability to motivate and guide the team was a driving force behind the sweep.

Offensive Stars: The Eagles' offensive line displayed an impressive level of chemistry, consistently creating scoring opportunities and capitalizing on them. Their precision passing and ability to find gaps in the Warriors' defense were key factors in securing the victories.

Defensive Wall: The team's defense played a crucial role in limiting the Warriors' offensive opportunities. Their ability to maintain a strong defensive presence and thwart scoring attempts allowed the Eagles to maintain control of the series.

FAQs Surrounding the Eagles' Sweep of the Warriors

What does it mean to "sweep" an opponent in sports?

In sports, "sweep" refers to a team winning all the games in a series or tournament against a specific opponent. In the context of the Eagles' sweep of the Warriors, they won all three games in the series.

How significant is a complete series sweep in sports?

A complete series sweep is a significant achievement in sports, often indicating a team's dominance over a particular opponent. It can boost team morale, contribute to a better win-loss record, and enhance the team's reputation and ranking.

What strategies did the Eagles employ in the series?

While specific strategies can vary from game to game, the Eagles likely focused on a combination of offensive and defensive tactics. Their offensive strategy likely involved precise passing, teamwork, and creating scoring opportunities. Defensively, they likely emphasized maintaining a strong defensive presence to limit the Warriors' scoring chances.

Were there any standout moments or plays in the series?

Yes, there were several standout moments, including a last-minute game-winning goal in the second game. These moments showcased the team's resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure.

How does this complete series sweep impact the Eagles' overall season?

A complete series sweep can have a significant impact on a team's season. It boosts team confidence and cohesion, and the momentum gained can carry over into future games, contributing to a successful season.

Did the Warriors put up a strong fight in the series?

Yes, the Warriors displayed determination and competitiveness throughout the series. While they faced formidable opponents, their efforts demonstrated their commitment to competing at a high level.

What lies ahead for the Eagles after this series sweep?

After a complete series sweep, the Eagles will look to build on their momentum as they continue their season. They will face new challenges in upcoming games and aim to maintain their strong performance.



The Eagles' complete sweep of the Warriors is a testament to their dedication, skill, and teamwork, and it will undoubtedly be celebrated by fans and cherished as a source of inspiration for the team's future endeavors. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to more thrilling moments and the possibility of further successes on the horizon. The Eagles' performance in this series exemplifies the excitement and magic that sports bring to fans and athletes alike, proving once again that victory is sweetest when it's a clean sweep.




No comments:

Post a Comment