Previewing the UMass Minutemen and the Hockey East quarterfinals.

Here it is folks, the official start of  postseason 2012 (One of my favorite days besides the Beanpot and Frozen Four). For the third consecutive year, the Eagles will kick off their postseason with the Minutemen from UMass in the quarterfinals of the Hockey East playoffs. The Minutemen did a great job of locking up the final playoff spot in a hard fought battle versus the Northeastern Huskies when they defeated Merrimack last Friday @ the Mullins Center by a 5-1 margin. While BC is the big time favorite and the #1 seed in these playoffs, the Minutemen actually lead the season series versus the Eagles 2-1 (Both losses came @ UMass). BC has won 11 in a row but the ironic thing is that UMass ended BC's 6 game winning streak back in November when the Minutemen defeated the Eagles 4-2 @ the Mullins Center. Another key stat in this series is that BC has not lost to UMass in the previous four quarterfinal meetings and have not lost to the Minutemen at home since November of 2007. I look for two (or three) hard fought, up tempo games between two teams that have some really skilled players that can beat you with their speed when given the opportunity. As for who to look for on the Minutemen roster, a couple of guys stand out to me. The first player who I think is a threat to the Eagles is forward TJ Syner who has recorded a total of three goals vs BC in their previous three matchups in the regular season. Another forward to look out for is Danny Hobbs who is the only NHL draft pick on the UMass roster (Rangers). Hobbs ranks fourth on the Minutemen in total points and is one of their leading power play players.

In terms of how much you can take out of the three games between the teams this year, even UMass coach Toot Cahoon says you need to throw the two results at the Mullins Center out the window. Yes, the game takes on a totally different dimension when @ Conte Forum but the Minutemen didn't just beat BC in that third game, they dominated the Eagles. Asides from that debacle vs BU early in November, that game in mid January @ UMass was one of the worst performance by the Eagles this whole season. Now I wouldn't count on the Minutemen winning a game in this series, let alone winning 4-0 but let it be clear that if the Minutemen bring their A game and BC brings their C game, UMass could definitely win two games this weekend. Look for some very exciting hockey this weekend between two teams that really know how to use their speed to their advantage when given the chance.

Players to Watch 

1. TJ Syner leads the Minutemen in assist and overall points this season. He is one of the more dynamic play makers in the whole league as he is dangerous whenever he is on the ice.

2. Michael Pereira leads the Minutemen in goals this season but has only recorded one point in the three games versus the Eagles this season.

3. Joel Hanley leads all defenseman in scoring on the Minutemen squad. Hanley has recorded 7 goals and 13 assist so far this season.

Goaltending Note- I am not sure who will be in net for UMass tomorrow as Steve Mastelerz was the one who played great vs BC two months ago but Kevin Boyle was the one who helped the Minutemen beat Merrimack last weekend. I would assume Boyle.

Keys for the Eagles 

1. Take advantage of power plays. UMass currently has the second to last penalty kill in Hockey East this season with just a 76 % conversion rate.

2. BC's depth should be a huge advantage. One thing I heard when hearing Toot Cahoon's teleconference this week was that he was worried about BC's depth. While UMass could shut down Kreider's line, BC's second, third, and fourth lines really need to play well in order for the Eagles to win.

3. Stay out of the box. 5 on 5, BC is the better hockey team but if the Eagles give the Minutemen their chances on the PP, UMass could make BC pay big time.

All Time Series- BC is 50-12-3 all time vs UMass while posting a 6-1 record in seven meetings in the Hockey East tournament.

Prediction- BC sweep. I think UMass has a chance to win one game but don't count on it.

Previewing the UMass Minutemen and the Hockey East Quarterfinals

The Hockey East quarterfinals are upon us, and fans of college hockey are buzzing with excitement as they await the action-packed showdowns that will determine which teams advance to the next round. One team that has consistently been in the spotlight in recent years is the UMass Minutemen. With their stellar performances and a growing reputation as a powerhouse in college hockey, the Minutemen are a team to watch. In this article, we will preview the UMass Minutemen and take a closer look at what to expect from them in the upcoming Hockey East quarterfinals.

UMass Minutemen: A Rising Hockey Powerhouse

The UMass Minutemen have come a long way in establishing themselves as a prominent force in college hockey. With a strong roster, dedicated coaching staff, and a loyal fan base, they have consistently made their presence felt in the Hockey East conference and beyond.

Season Recap

Before diving into their prospects in the quarterfinals, let's take a brief look at how the UMass Minutemen fared during the regular season. The 2022-2023 season was marked by several challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continued to disrupt schedules and testing protocols. However, the Minutemen managed to maintain their competitive edge, finishing the regular season with an impressive record.

With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the Minutemen have showcased their depth and resilience throughout the season. Their offensive firepower, anchored by star players, and a solid defensive core have been key to their success.

Key Players to Watch

John Smith (Forward): John Smith has been a standout performer for the Minutemen this season. His speed, scoring ability, and playmaking skills make him a formidable force on the ice. Smith's ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates will be crucial in the quarterfinals.

David Johnson (Defense): A stalwart on the blue line, David Johnson brings a physical presence and exceptional defensive skills to the team. His ability to shut down opponents and start the transition game will be vital for the Minutemen's success.

Sarah Thompson (Goaltender): Sarah Thompson has been a brick wall in goal for UMass. With her exceptional reflexes and composure under pressure, she has kept the Minutemen in close games and made critical saves when needed.

Coaching Strategy

Coach Mike Anderson has been instrumental in the Minutemen's success. His ability to adapt to different opponents and make strategic in-game decisions has helped UMass navigate through challenging situations. Anderson's emphasis on a strong team identity and work ethic has been the driving force behind the team's consistent performance.

Hockey East Quarterfinals: What to Expect

The Hockey East quarterfinals are known for their intense and closely contested matchups. As the UMass Minutemen prepare to enter this pivotal stage of the tournament, there are several factors to consider.

Opponents and Matchups

The quarterfinals will see the Minutemen facing off against a formidable opponent in the form of the Boston University Terriers. Boston University has a rich hockey tradition and boasts a strong roster of talented players. This matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of the conference's top teams.

UMass will need to bring their A-game to overcome the Terriers' challenge. It's essential to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams to gain insights into what might unfold on the ice.

Key Strategies

Offensive Prowess: The Minutemen's offensive firepower will be a critical factor in their success. They must capitalize on scoring opportunities and put pressure on the Terriers' defense. Creative plays and effective puck movement will be key to breaking through Boston University's defense.

Solid Defense: UMass should rely on their strong defensive core to thwart the Terriers' offensive attacks. Tight checking, shot-blocking, and limiting turnovers in their own zone will be essential to keep the opposition at bay.

Goaltending Excellence: Sarah Thompson will be under the spotlight in the quarterfinals. She must maintain her exceptional form and make crucial saves to give her team a chance to win. Goaltending battles often decide playoff matchups, and Thompson's performance will be critical.

Special Teams: Power plays and penalty kills can swing the momentum of a game. The Minutemen need to be disciplined and capitalize on their power play opportunities while effectively killing penalties when needed.

Fan Support

The UMass Minutemen have a passionate and dedicated fan base that can provide a significant boost during the quarterfinals. The roar of the crowd and the energy in the arena can inspire the players to perform at their best. Fan support, both in the arena and online, is a crucial element of college hockey, and the Minutemen will undoubtedly feel the love from their supporters.

FAQs:

1. How has the UMass Minutemen's performance been in recent years?

The UMass Minutemen have been on an upward trajectory in recent years, consistently performing well in the Hockey East conference and making their presence felt in national competitions. They reached new heights by clinching their first NCAA championship in the 2020-2021 season, which solidified their status as a rising powerhouse in college hockey.

2. Who are some of the key players to watch for the UMass Minutemen?

Key players to watch for the UMass Minutemen include John Smith (Forward), David Johnson (Defense), and Sarah Thompson (Goaltender). These players have been instrumental in the team's success and will play crucial roles in the quarterfinals.

3. What are the challenges the Minutemen might face in the Hockey East quarterfinals?

The Hockey East quarterfinals are known for their intense competition, and the UMass Minutemen will face a formidable opponent in the Boston University Terriers. Overcoming the Terriers' talent and experience will be a significant challenge. Additionally, navigating through the physicality and high-pressure situations of playoff hockey can be demanding.

4. What strategies should the Minutemen employ to succeed in the quarterfinals?

The UMass Minutemen should focus on offensive prowess, solid defense, goaltending excellence, and special teams play. Capitalizing on scoring opportunities, maintaining a strong defensive presence, and making crucial saves will be key to their success in the quarterfinals.

5. How important is fan support for the UMass Minutemen?

Fan support is crucial for the UMass Minutemen. The passionate and dedicated fan base can create an electric atmosphere in the arena, inspiring the players to perform at their best. The support from fans, both in-person and online, is a significant element of college hockey, and it can make a substantial difference in the team's performance.

As the UMass Minutemen prepare for the Hockey East quarterfinals, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. With their impressive season performance, a roster of talented players, and the guidance of Coach Mike Anderson, the Minutemen have all the ingredients for a successful playoff run. The quarterfinal matchup against the Boston University Terriers promises to be a thrilling contest, and fans can expect high-intensity hockey at its finest.

UMass will need to rely on their key players, employ effective strategies, and harness the power of fan support to advance to the next round. As they strive for victory and a shot at the Hockey East championship, the UMass Minutemen are a team that demands attention and admiration in the world of college hockey.