Johnny Hockey Leads BC Past Dartmouth

Johnny G had 5 points for BC.

In the history of Boston College Hockey, there have been a lot of really good players such as Gionta, Gerbe, Leetch, Emma,Gibbons, and Mullen. Well now we can add another legend to that group. Thanks to a 5 point effort from Johnny G, the Eagles defeated the #1 team in the pairwise standings by a 6-3 margin in front of 7,583 fans @ Kelly Rink. First things first, I thought the Eagles, led by the big three, did their best job of manifesting their talent in the third period in which they outscored the Big Green by a 3-0 margin and outshot them by a slim 9-8 count. Before running away with the game late, the Eagles had to hang in a first period in which they were totally outplayed and were lucky to get out of it tied 1-1. As Coach York pointed out in his post game presser, "it just wasn't BC Hockey" as Dartmouth generated a lot of quality chances on net but like he usually is, Parker Milner was there to make the stops. I thought the defensive zone play, spearheaded by the play of the defenseman, was really sour tonight. Besides Patrick Wey, I thought every defenseman really struggled staying with their assignments in their own end and were often bailed out by a Milner save. It was however good to see BC get on the board early in the contest as Pat Mullane put home a sweet pass from Patch Alber to make it 1-0 3:40 in. After the goal, it was all Big Green all the time in the first. They outskated, outplayed, and eventually outshot BC by a 17-11 margin. Giving up 17 shots in one period is certainly a concern as the play of the defenseman must improve in time for next weekend. The first quarter of the second period was all BC as they were rewarded with an early goal from Pat Brown who popped in a rebound off a Brooks Dyroff shot from inside the blue line. Out of all the positives you can take away from todays game, the play of the third line is definitely one of the biggest ones. They struggled in the first (like every other line did) but in the second and third they got back to playing well in their own end and generating some solid chances in the offensive end. I really liked the way Pat Brown and Brooks Dyroff played tonight. Both of them have obviously gained a lot of confidence from not just playing night in and night out but from starting to put pucks in the net. It's definitely a good sign of things to come.

About 10 minutes after the Brown goal, as BC continued to outplay the Big Green, Johnny G struck for the first time as he scored, in typical Johnny G fashion, a highlight reel goal that in my opinion, is one of the best goals he has scored at BC. You'll have to see the highlights because I can't put it into words. So, the Eagles are up 3-1 and are dominating the play late in the second period... game over right ? No way. The Big Green came flying right back as they scored a power play goal with under two minutes remaining in the period and soon followed it up by capitalizing on yet another BC defensive zone collapse with under a minute to go in the period. There were a lot of good things about tonight but the play of the defenseman was really, really concerning. Two of the Dartmouth goals were just pure defensive zone breakdowns caused by one of the defenseman forgetting to pick up their man. It's just one game but if they continue to play like that, bad things will happen. Give credit to Dartmouth though, they battled hard in the first 40 minutes and probably should have been up heading into the third. Little did they know what Johnny G had in store for them.

The third period was not just one of the best periods of the year by the team, it was the best period of the year that a single player has had up to this point. Simply put it, Johnny G just dominated the Dartmouth defense which started just 18 seconds in when he found a wide open Pat Mullane from behind the Dartmouth net. Just a mere 2 minutes after that, he put the game away thanks to another out of this world pass to Steven Whitney who also had one of his better games of the year. Look, everybody will tell you that three guys can't win you much but let the word go forth that yes, these three guys can indeed win lots of games for this team as they already have. Johnny G can't be stopped when he goes into that gear he went into today during the third period. In my time watching BC Hockey, I have only seen two guys, Brian Gionta and Nathan Gerbe, have the ability to just take over a hockey game like Johnny G does. BC scored 6 goals tonight...guess how many points Johnny G had tonight ? 5. The first line was a combined  +15 on the night as all three of them were +5 individually. That's Atkinson-Gibbons-J.Whitney type numbers. Asked after the game who he would compare Johnny to, Dartmouth coach Bob Gaudet answered the one and only Paul Kariya. Not bad company for a guy that's only been here for a year and a half. Just amazing.

All in all, the staff has got to be pretty pleased with the way the forwards played tonight. I thought all four lines were really solid tonight. They didn't have a point on the night but the fourth line of Danny Linell-Mike Sit- Cam Spiro was pretty effective in both zones. Danny Linell has certainly made some strides since the start of the season as he seems to have some more confidence in his ability to use his speed and get around opposing defenders. Although they only had one power play, I thought the power play once again struggled to get any grade A chances on Dartmouth goalie Charles Grant as BC did not get one shot in that lone power play opportunity. The penalty kill gave up that one goal late in the second but was able to kill off the other 3 Big Green man advantages. 10 straight wins and just 1 loss so far this season looks mighty good heading into the big weekend but there is a lot of room for improvement, especially in the defensive zone. In the end, the play of Johnny G was just eye opening for everyone in the building, including the Dartmouth defenseman and goaltender. Hopefully it continues against the Terriers.


Why BC Won-

1. Johnny G took his game up to that dangerous level. When he is playing like he was in the third period, he is as good as anyone I have ever seen in this sport.

2. Secondary scoring continued. Loved the way the third and fourth lines played tonight. They both continue to improve in all aspects of the game.

3. The Eagles dominated the third period. The first line took over...led by you know who.


Problems-

The play of the defenseman was very concerning. Besides Pat Wey, I thought every defenseman struggled at times tonight...especially in the first period. Needs to improve for next weekend.

Player of the game- Who do you think.

Next Up- I don't need to tell you.

GO EAGLES !

 Johnny Hockey Leads BC Past Dartmouth: A Spectacular Hockey Showdown

In the world of college hockey, there are few names that resonate as strongly as Johnny Hockey. Johnny Gaudreau, the talented forward who made a name for himself at Boston College before achieving stardom in the NHL, continues to captivate fans with his electrifying skills on the ice. In this article, we will dive into a thrilling matchup where Johnny Hockey, along with his Boston College Eagles, faced off against Dartmouth College, showcasing a game filled with passion, skill, and unforgettable moments.

Chapter 1: The Rise of Johnny Gaudreau

Before we delve into the exciting showdown between Boston College and Dartmouth, it's essential to understand the journey of Johnny Gaudreau, the man behind the "Johnny Hockey" moniker. Born on August 13, 1993, in Carneys Point, New Jersey, Gaudreau developed a love for hockey at a young age. Standing at just 5'9" and weighing 157 pounds during his time at Boston College, he defied the odds with his extraordinary talent and work ethic.

Gaudreau's college career at Boston College was nothing short of remarkable. Playing for the Eagles from 2011 to 2014, he recorded impressive statistics, including 175 points in 119 games. His electrifying style of play, characterized by exceptional speed, agility, and stickhandling, made him a fan favorite. Johnny Hockey's unforgettable college years laid the foundation for a successful NHL career that would follow.

Chapter 2: The Dartmouth Rivalry

Boston College and Dartmouth College have a longstanding rivalry in college hockey. Their matchups are eagerly anticipated by fans on both sides, as they often provide thrilling displays of talent and intensity on the ice. With this context, the showdown between the Eagles and the Dartmouth Big Green was set to be an exciting event.

Chapter 3: The Game Begins

The puck dropped, and the game was underway. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans from both sides cheering on their teams. The first period was a closely contested battle, with both teams having their fair share of scoring opportunities. Boston College's goaltender made some crucial saves, keeping the Eagles in the game.

Chapter 4: Johnny Hockey Takes Center Stage

As the game progressed, it became evident that Johnny Gaudreau was on a mission. His unparalleled speed and creativity on the ice were on full display. In the second period, Gaudreau made a breathtaking rush down the ice, weaving through Dartmouth defenders with ease. His precise stickhandling left spectators in awe, and he delivered a perfect pass to a teammate, resulting in a goal that gave Boston College the lead.

Gaudreau's ability to elevate his play in crucial moments was a testament to his exceptional skill and leadership. His teammates fed off his energy, and the Eagles continued to put pressure on Dartmouth's defense.

Chapter 5: Dartmouth's Response

Dartmouth, however, was not to be outdone. They showed resilience and determination, refusing to let Gaudreau's heroics define the game. With strong offensive efforts and a tenacious defense, Dartmouth managed to tie the game in the third period, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Chapter 6: Overtime Drama

As regulation time came to an end, the score was deadlocked at 2-2. Overtime brought a heightened sense of anticipation, as sudden-death hockey can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Fans from both teams were on the edge of their seats.

It was in this high-stakes moment that Johnny Hockey once again rose to the occasion. Just minutes into overtime, Gaudreau received a pass from a teammate and showcased his incredible puck-handling skills. With a lightning-quick release, he fired a shot past the Dartmouth goaltender, sealing a dramatic victory for Boston College.

Chapter 7: Post-Game Reactions

The game ended with Boston College prevailing 3-2 in overtime, thanks to Johnny Gaudreau's heroics. Both teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship, with players from Dartmouth acknowledging Gaudreau's exceptional talent. Post-game interviews revealed the mutual respect and admiration between the players on the ice.

Chapter 8: The Impact of Johnny Hockey

Johnny Gaudreau's performance in this game was nothing short of spectacular. His ability to take over a game and lead his team to victory was a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination. This matchup against Dartmouth showcased why he is considered one of the most exciting players in college hockey history.

Gaudreau's success at Boston College served as a launching pad for his NHL career. He would go on to play for the Calgary Flames, where he continued to dazzle hockey fans with his skills. His achievements in the NHL, including multiple All-Star selections, underscored the impact he had on the sport.

Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions

Now, let's address some common questions about Johnny Hockey and his college career:

Q1: What were Johnny Gaudreau's key statistics during his time at Boston College?

A1: Johnny Gaudreau played 119 games for Boston College and recorded an impressive 175 points. He showcased his scoring prowess with 78 goals and demonstrated his playmaking abilities with 97 assists.

Q2: Did Johnny Gaudreau win any awards during his college career?

A2: Yes, Gaudreau's outstanding college career earned him several prestigious awards. He won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014, recognizing him as the top player in college hockey. Additionally, he was named to the All-American First Team and the Hockey East All-Star First Team.

Q3: How did Johnny Gaudreau transition from college hockey to the NHL?

A3: After his successful college career, Johnny Gaudreau signed with the Calgary Flames of the NHL. He made his NHL debut in the 2013-2014 season and quickly established himself as a star player in the league.

Q4: What impact did Johnny Gaudreau have on the NHL?

A4: Johnny Gaudreau's impact on the NHL has been significant. He became known for his incredible offensive skills, earning the nickname "Johnny Hockey." He has been named to multiple NHL All-Star Games and has consistently ranked among the league's top scorers.

Q5: Are there any memorable moments from Johnny Gaudreau's NHL career?

A5: Yes, Gaudreau has had numerous memorable moments in the NHL, including highlight-reel goals and incredible assists. His ability to make plays in tight spaces and his creativity with the puck have made him a fan favorite.

Johnny Gaudreau's journey from college hockey sensation to NHL star is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. The game between Boston College and Dartmouth showcased Gaudreau's ability to rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory with his electrifying play. His impact on college hockey and the NHL continues to be felt, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of hockey. Johnny Hockey's legacy is one of inspiration and excitement, and his story serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that can emerge from the college ranks.