Tonight, BC will look to get the ship righted vs downtown rival, Northeastern. While the Huskies have been struggling for the majority of this season, they did indeed get a huge victory over Boston University last night @ Agganis Arena by a score of 6-5. I think this game is pretty hard to preview because while Northeastern is coming off a huge victory vs one rival, it may be tough to do the same thing on back to back nights. On the other hand, the Eagles SHOULD be ready from the get-go tonight after yesterdays utter disaster @ home. On the defensive end, Colin Sullivan will return to lineup after being benched by the staff last night. Brooks Dyroff will move back to forward which means Cam Spiro will most likely be the odd guy out. Other than that, I don't think BC will make many changes to their forward or defensive lines but I wouldn't be surprised if the first and second lines played a lot more tonight than they did vs UMass. If you watched closly, during the second period of yesterdays game, the staff benched the first line after a bad turnover by Johnny G in his own zone that resulted in a 2 on 1 chance for UMass. If BC is going to have any chance tonight, that line needs to be 5 times better than it was vs the Minutemen.
As for Northeastern, they're currently in eight place in Hockey East with a 4-8-2 league record and a 7-10-2 record overall. While their record is not too stellar, the Huskies do have some quality wins over teams like BC, BU, and a tie vs UNH. In terms of statistics, NU is led by star freshman Kevin Roy who recorded two points last night vs BU and had a +1 rating. While Roy, Saponari, and Ferriero make up a pretty good first power play unit, Northeastern will be without two guys they had the first time around vs the Eagles as forwards Cam Darcy and Joe Manno both decided to leave the school just before the holiday break. Not unlike BC, the Huskies main issue so far this year has been their play in their own end. They currently rank 8th in scoring defense, 6th in terms of penalty kill, and 6th in terms of power play. While they may have some difficulties on defense and in the net, Northeastern certainly has a couple of guys that can match up to BC's top 6 forwards. If you've followed BC Hockey over the course of the past couple of years, you know that pretty much every year the Eagles seem to have problems at Matthews Arena. Sure, the first meeting of the year was also BC's first time out there but in reality, NU outplayed the Eagles last time on their home ice. Will the departures have an effect on the game ? Probably not. Will BC need to play one of it's best games of the year in order to win ? Certainly. When it comes to teams like BC and BU, Northeastern always seems to take their game up one or two notches and BC needs to know that they will tonight.
All in all, I'd be lying to you if I told you I wasn't a bit nervous about tonight's game. Is it a MUST win ? Pretty much. Getting swept by UMass and Northeastern would be an absolute killer for this team in terms of the Hockey East and pairwise standings. I do think however, that after last night's debacle, the Eagles will be ready to play tonight from start to finish.
Scouting Northeastern
Hockey East rank- 8th
Pairwise ran- Not ranked
Leading Scorers- Kevin Roy (10-13-23), Cody Ferriero (8-6-14), Vinny Saponari (4-10-14)
Best Wins- vs BC, @ BU
Worst Losses- vs Bentley, @ Vermont
All Time Series- Boston College is 156-47-14 all time vs Northeastern
Keys for BC-
What I said earlier.
1. Less penalties
2. First line needs to start scoring
3. Get on the board first. BC scoring the first goal would be huge
Go Eagles.
"Unleashing the Huskies: A Comprehensive Preview of the Northeastern Huskies"
In the world of collegiate sports, the Northeastern Huskies represent a powerhouse of athletic prowess, commitment, and resilience. Nestled in Boston, Massachusetts, Northeastern University boasts a storied tradition of excellence in a variety of sports. In this comprehensive preview, we will take a closer look at the Northeastern Huskies, their athletic programs, key players, and what to expect in the upcoming season. Additionally, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic university and its sports legacy.
Northeastern Athletics: A Legacy of Excellence
Northeastern University, founded in 1898, has a rich history in collegiate sports. The Huskies compete in NCAA Division I athletics, and they are members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and Hockey East Association, among others. Over the years, the Huskies have achieved remarkable success in various sports, consistently competing at a high level.
Previewing the Northeastern Huskies
Northeastern Men's Hockey
Hockey Dominance: The Northeastern Huskies' men's ice hockey program has been a force to be reckoned with. They have won multiple Beanpot championships and have consistently competed in the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament.
Key Players: Keep an eye on star players like Tyler Madden and Jordan Harris, who have been instrumental in the team's success. Their skill, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure make them standouts in collegiate hockey.
Coaching Excellence: The coaching staff, led by head coach Jim Madigan, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the program. Their guidance and strategy have been pivotal in the Huskies' recent success.
Northeastern Women's Basketball
Rising Stars: The Northeastern Huskies women's basketball team has shown great promise in recent seasons. With a mix of talented newcomers and experienced veterans, they aim to make a mark in the CAA.
Coaching Leadership: Head coach Kelly Cole has been instrumental in developing the team's talent and instilling a winning culture. Her strategic approach and dedication to player development are key factors in the team's progress.
Community Engagement: Beyond the court, the Huskies actively engage with the community, fostering a strong fan base and representing Northeastern's commitment to excellence on and off the court.
FAQs About the Northeastern Huskies
Let's address some common questions to provide a deeper understanding of the Northeastern Huskies:
Q1: Which other sports are prominent at Northeastern University?
A1: In addition to ice hockey and basketball, Northeastern has competitive programs in sports such as soccer, baseball, track and field, and rowing, among others.
Q2: How does Northeastern University support student-athletes academically?
A2: Northeastern places a strong emphasis on the academic success of its student-athletes. The university provides resources like academic advising, tutoring, and study facilities to help athletes excel in their studies.
Q3: Are there opportunities for fan engagement and attendance at Huskies' games?
A3: Absolutely! Northeastern encourages fan support at games and events. Whether it's the excitement of a hockey match at Matthews Arena or a basketball game at the Cabot Center, there are ample opportunities for fans to get involved.
Q4: What role does community service play in Northeastern Athletics?
A4: Community service is a core part of the Northeastern Athletics program. Student-athletes actively participate in community outreach initiatives, emphasizing the importance of giving back and making a positive impact.
Q5: How can prospective student-athletes get involved with the Northeastern Huskies?
A5: Prospective student-athletes can connect with Northeastern's athletic department and coaching staff to express their interest and explore opportunities to join the Huskies' athletic programs.
The Northeastern Huskies represent a proud tradition of excellence in collegiate sports. With a commitment to athletic achievement, academic success, and community engagement, Northeastern University stands as a model for comprehensive excellence. As the Huskies continue to excel in hockey, basketball, and a range of other sports, they inspire not only their dedicated fans but also future generations of student-athletes. The upcoming season promises more thrilling moments and opportunities to witness the indomitable spirit of the Northeastern Huskies in action, both on and off the field.
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