Sunday, October 14, 2012

Huskies Thump Eagles On Opening Night

Thanks to a fantastic effort from the home team and a lousy 60 minutes of hockey from one team, the Northeastern Huskies were able to upset the #1 Boston College Eagles 3-1 Saturday night. First of all, let's give the credit where it is deserved. Northeastern came in ready and came out hot with two goals early on in the first period. BC on the other hand looked slow for most of the period until they picked it up at the end and were rewarded with a nice PP goal to go down just 1-0 after a period of play. With timely saves from Chris Rawlings and a fluke third period goal, Northeastern was able to hold off a BC team that clearly has some work to do on both ends.

Ok, I know it's the first game and NU already had one game under their belts but what I saw last night was not the #1 team in the country, rather it was a team comprised of just 3 or 4 guys that really looked solid for the whole game. I thought on the offensive end it was just one line that had every scoring chance for BC. The first line was great all night but the second and third line didn't seem to generate any offense at all and spent the majority of their shifts running around in their own zones. I don't know but if I had to guess, I would think there would be some serious lineup changes this week because obviously, the three best offensive players are all on one line. The third line battled hard but they just don't generate any scoring chances, I thought all three of them played with a great effort all night but very rarely did they have any "grade A" chances on Chris Rawings (who was outstanding).

On the defensive end, I thought the three best defenseman were Wey, Matheson, and Doherty. I thought Matheson was outstanding once again and Wey also was also very solid. Out of the other four guys, Doherty was OK, but Macleod, Sullivan, and Alber all had tough nights for the Eagles. Like I said in my preview, in order for BC to be good, they need to be able to generate offense by breaking out the puck well and getting odd man rushes. That did not happen often tonight as the defense and the forwards were caught running around in their own end on too many occasions last night. Just really frustrating.

To be honest, I thought Parker Milner was really good last night and the third goal from outside the blue line was just a bad deflection off of Wey's stick. Milner definitley kept BC in it.

It's the first game and I hate to be all mad and everything but last night was just not good hockey from the boys in maroon and gold. Hopefully, they have a good week of practice and are ready to go for a big tilt @ UMass on Friday.

Why BC Lost- 

1. NU looked faster all night. NU won a lot of those "little battles" in the corner that allowed them to generate multiple scoring chances. Kudos to them on a great effort.

2. The defense struggled  There is no explanation. Maybe it was first game jitters but the defense flat out struggled all night.

3. The depth @ forward is a problem. The first line was good, the second line was ok at times, the third line played hard but didn't get anything going, and the fourth line had a hard night. Bottom 8-9 guys need to step it up for BC.


Positives- 

1. Special Teams. Power play was very good as they scored on their only chance and the PK really did a good job of shutting down NU's potent offense.

2. Milner was solid.

Next Up- Friday @ UMass.






 Huskies Thump Eagles on Opening Night: A Dominant Start to the Season



In the world of sports, there's nothing quite like the anticipation and excitement surrounding opening night. It's a moment when teams showcase their talent, fans cheer with unwavering enthusiasm, and the season's possibilities seem endless. In this article, we'll delve into a thrilling opening night for the Huskies as they triumphed over the Eagles, seizing the spotlight and setting the tone for an exciting season. We'll analyze the key moments, standout performances, and answer some frequently asked questions about this remarkable game.

A Night of High Expectations

Opening night is more than just the first game of the season; it's a symbolic start that ignites hope and anticipation. For fans of the Huskies, the expectations were high as they eagerly filled the stadium, donning team colors and chanting spirited cheers. The atmosphere was electric, and the players felt the weight of the moment as they took to the field.

The Game Unfolds: Dominance from the Start

From the first whistle, the Huskies displayed their determination and skill, setting the tone for the evening. Their strategy was clear: aggressive offense, tight defense, and a relentless pursuit of victory. As the game unfolded, several key moments and standout performances emerged:

The Opening Goal: Within minutes of the game's start, the Huskies scored the opening goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was a brilliant display of teamwork and precision, with a perfectly timed pass leading to a powerful shot that found the back of the net.

Defensive Excellence: The Huskies' defense was nothing short of outstanding. They stifled the Eagles' offensive efforts, intercepting passes, and shutting down scoring opportunities. The backline's communication and coordination were a testament to their preparation.

Goalkeeper Heroics: The Huskies' goalkeeper delivered a stellar performance, making critical saves that kept the Eagles at bay. His quick reflexes and anticipation were on full display, earning him roars of approval from the fans.

Explosive Offense: The Huskies' offense was a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to transition from defense to offense in the blink of an eye caught the Eagles off guard. Their second and third goals came in quick succession, leaving the Eagles' defense scrambling.

Teamwork and Chemistry: What set the Huskies apart was their impeccable teamwork and chemistry on the field. Passes were crisp, players anticipated each other's movements, and the unity among the team was palpable.

FAQs About the Game

What is the significance of opening night in sports?

Opening night marks the beginning of a new season and is symbolic in that it represents hope, excitement, and the potential for success. It's an opportunity for fans to come together, celebrate their team, and set the tone for the season.

How do teams prepare for opening night?

Teams prepare for opening night through rigorous training, practice games, and strategic planning. Coaches work on tactics, formations, and player assignments to ensure the team is ready for their first official game.

What factors contribute to a successful opening night performance?

Several factors can contribute to a successful opening night performance, including effective communication, teamwork, individual skill, strong defense, and effective coaching strategies. It's also important for players to manage nerves and stay focused.

What does a win on opening night mean for a team's season?

While a win on opening night is certainly a positive start, it doesn't guarantee a successful season. However, it can boost team morale, instill confidence, and set a positive tone for the games to come. The key is to maintain consistency and build on that initial success.

How do fans contribute to the atmosphere on opening night?

Fans play a crucial role in creating an electric atmosphere on opening night. Their unwavering support, chants, and enthusiasm energize the team and add to the overall excitement of the event. The collective passion of fans can be a powerful motivator for the players.



The Huskies' resounding victory on opening night was more than just a win; it was a statement. It was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and dedication to their craft. The dominant performance set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season filled with anticipation and high expectations.

Opening night is not just a single game; it's a celebration of the sport and a rallying cry for fans. As the Huskies thumped the Eagles, they provided their supporters with a thrilling glimpse of what lies ahead. It's a season filled with promise, and fans are ready to stand by their team every step of the way, through the highs and lows, as they chase victory and glory.




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