Friday
Northeastern @ Providence- I think these are two teams that are as even as you can get in this league but NU has yet to prove that they can win on the road. PC 3-2
UMass @ Maine- I think Maine will play better coming off their win at home but I also believe UMass is the fourth best team in the league. UMass 2-0
Boston University @ Vermont- The Cats are tough at Gutterson and the Terriers are coming off a tough loss at home. I still think BU bounces back even though i'd love to see a Cats victory. BU 5-3
New Hampshire @ Lowell- I am very interested to see who wins this matchup as it will prove if Lowell can get back on track or not. Anyways, UNH is playing real well right now. UNH 4-3
Merrimack @ Boston College- BC doesn't lose at home. Eagles 4-1
Sunday
Colgate @ Merrimack- Should be another low scoring game @ Lawler but i'll go with Colgate, 2-1
Quinnipiac @ Providence- Friars get a two win weekend. PC 4-1
Northeastern @ Vermont- Another tough game to call. I see a tie in this contest.
Lowell @ UMass- I could either team taking two points in this one but in the end, I see a four point weekend for the Minutemen. UMass 4-2
New Hampshire @ Boston University- The winner of this game could very well separate themselves from the bottom half of Hockey East and join the drivers seat along with BC. Wildcats 3-0
Tuesday
Vermont @ UMass- A six point week for the Minutemen. UMass 2-1
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Previewing the Merrimack College Warriors
When was the last team Merrimack beat the Eagles @ Kelly Rink ? Well, you'd have to go back to the 1997 season. For BC, well, they've got to love the way they match up vs a team like Merrimack tomorrow night. BC is deeper, quicker, more skilled, and gets better goaltending night in and night out. The one worry for BC however will be the way they handle Merrimack's neutral zone trap. The Warriors will basically have all their forwards in the neutral zone with their sticks in passing lanes while the defenseman back up behind their own blue line. It will be up to the forwards to get open tomorrow and the defenseman to make clean passes in between the blue lines in order to avoid turnovers. From game on until now, the biggest improvement in my mind, has been the way BC has broken the puck out of their own zone. Tomorrow will present a little bit of a different look with Merrimack's style of just sitting back and letting the opponent get out of their zone but take it to them in the neutral zone with their trap.
Every game in this league is a must win but with this being the only league game between now and November 30th at BU, two points is crucial in order to maintain a big lead in the league standings. What I look for is for guys like Quinn Smith, Mike Sit, and Danny Linell to start scoring the puck. While the first two lines have been more than enough in each game this year, as the season grows older, guys like these three are going to have to step up and score. Their play has been much, much better as of late but tomorrow, them scoring a goal or two would really be a nice confidence booster heading into Turkey Day. The play of the top six forwards has been absolutely phenomenal and for Merrimack to win tomorrow, they will have to pull a rabbit out of their hat in order to stop them. The last thing that BC needs to do in order to get two points tomorrow is score on the power play as they were 0 for 12 last weekend vs ND and BU. I thought they had some good chances both nights but at times, it seemed like they were trying to make the perfect play by passing through numerous opposing sticks. If the Eagles are able to get their PP going like it was up until last weekend, they should beat a Merrimack team that hasn't scored more than three goals vs BC in the last four meetings.
Keys for the Eagles-
1. Figuring out MC's trap. Generating odd man rushes and scoring chances vs a neutral zone trap like MC has, can be tough. Hopefully BC's speed and skill will be able to help them crack the trap of which they have not faced this year.
2. Scoring on the power play. BC is a better team 5 on 5 but on the man advantage, they really could do some damage. The Eagles faced two good PK's last weekend so hopefully they learn from their mistakes a week ago and start potting a few.
3. Getting scoring from the fourth line. Linell, Smith, and Sit need to start scoring. It's been nine games and not one of them has a goal on the season. In order to keep winning, these guys need to score.
Best Opposing Wins- @ Union, @ Northeastern
Worst Loss- Vs UConn.
All Time Series- BC is 57-20-5 all time vs MC and is 23-0-2 in the last 25 games @ Conte Forum vs the Warriors.
Best Opposing Line- Collins-Scotti-Toomey
Prediction- BC 4 MC 1
GO EAGLES !
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Midweek Column: Rolling
The play of Parker Milner is pretty hard to put into words. Some of the saves he made this weekend, especially in Friday's game vs Notre Dame were out of this world. As of today, Milner is fourth in the league in save percentage (.933), third in GAA (1.88), and first in winning percentage (.889). The stats can be a little misleading however as I have yet to see a goalie that can match Milner's ability to make key saves at key junctions during games. There are so many key components that enable a team to win games in this league but when you have a club that scores like BC and has the goaltender that can make up for any defensive lapses, it makes for a real dangerous combination. The third goal in the first game of the year @ NU was one I'm sure Parker would like to have back but other than that, I can't think of a really "bad" goal he has let in all season. You see goals like the one Kevin Hayes had on Sunday and you just think (while it was a great goal no doubt) about how goalies should be in a position to make that save. It always seems that with Milner, he is always in the right position to make a save and more often that not, he does. With the way he is playing right now, it will be tough for any opponent not to get frustrated by the fact they can't get the puck by him.
On the defensive side of things, one thing that really hit me this weekend was how much Mike Matheson plays. I don't know the exact minutes but I'd be willing to say he plays more minutes than anyone on this team. Not only is he a gifted offensive defenseman, he is as reliable a "defensive" defenseman as you can have. For example, in the first period of Sunday's game, a BU player blocked a shot of his and started in on a breakaway. Not to be outdone, Matheson gave a phenomenal effort and was able to catch the Terrier forward at the BC blue line and prevent a great scoring chance. He along with Pat Wey, are becoming the Tommy Cross and Brian Dumoulin of this years Eagles. When healthy, Wey is a solid offensive defenseman but is as solid a "complete" defenseman as you will find in this league. His +6 rating for the year certainly backs it up. Combined, Matheson and Wey are +14 on the year and we've only played 9 games.
Overall, you have to be pleased with the way this team is playing right now. When I was driving home from BU on Sunday night I listened to the radio and one announcer stated "BC might just have the top 5 forwards in the league". I thought about this for a bit and soon came to a point where I certainly believe that BC has the top five forwards, best goalie, and best defenseman (Matheson) in Hockey East. Of course, theres that BC bias in me and I have yet to see every team in the league but right now, it would, in my opinion, be hard to argue that there are a better group of players in the whole league than those seven. Obviously, we've only played about a quarter of the season but right now, the Defending Champs are certainly still the kings of the court in Hockey East.
Hitting the links-
Johnny G won Hockey East player of the week (what else is new)
BC was named College Hockey News "Team of the Week"
GO EAGLES !
Darcy Out at Northeastern
Yesterday it was announced that Northeastern freshman forward Cam Darcy (South Boston, MA) would be leaving the school. The school said Darcy left for "personal reasons" but sources have indicated to us that Darcy left school because of issues realting to his academic performance. It's an unfortunate situation for the team and for the kid but hopefully he gets everything ironed out in the USHL and returns to the college game.
I will have a midweek column up later.
GO EAGLES.
I will have a midweek column up later.
GO EAGLES.
Darcy Out at Northeastern
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Boom.
 |
| Destry Straight celebrates his first period goal thanks to a great pass from Kevin Hayes. |
As for the first line, I thought they did a good job of hanging in there in the first two periods and finally started to go after it in third when they were eventually awarded with a Johnny G goal. It was clear that BU was out to try to kill all three of these guys, especially Steven Whitney, but I thought all three did a good job of staying course and lighting it up in the third. As for the special teams, well, there were 34 combined penalties on the night and neither team was able to do anything on the PP until BU got a goal late in the contest. As for BC's power play, that is the only part of this team that I am a little concerned about. BU's PK was solid all night but BC definitely struggled to get a bunch of grade A chances on O'Connor. The Eagles had a 1:36 of 5-3 in the second but were not able to get anything going and were not able to score. On the other hand, I thought the PK was superb tonight. The usual PK'ers like Arnold, Whitney, and Mullane were all good but I also thought Quinn Smith was all over the ice tonight when BU was on the man advantage. It showed a lot when the staff had him out there late in the contest when BU was closing in on Milner...they obviously like his toughness in shorthanded situations.
Let's not forget Parker Milner. To be honest, with maybe the exception of Johnny G, he is the most valuable player not only on this team, but maybe in this whole conference. BU didn't get a whole lot of fantastic chances thanks to the BC defense but when they did, Milner was there. I don't know what has changed but one year ago vs these guys, he gave up 5 goals and was benched for a couple of weeks. What a difference a year makes in terms of his play and his confidence.
All in all, it is always great beating that team and their fake fans. It was clear that the opponent was out there to head hunt the whole second half of the third period which is nothing unusual. Sure, BC had their share of penalties but some of the things BU does when they know they are going to lose is pathetic and it doesn't belong in the game. Thankfully, the good guys won and will remain the kings of Comm Ave.
Why BC Won
1. Kevin Hayes and Bill Arnold were spectacular. Led by these two guys, BC was able to slowly but surely ware down BU as the game grew older. The speed and skill became too much for the Terriers.
2. Parker Milner is too good. Definitely my player of the weekend...he had 25 saves tonight.
3. The penalty kill. BC had some really key kills out there tonight, most notably when BU had a 6-4 after Arnold went to the box for hitting from behind late in the game. Great effort by the Eagle penalty killers.
4. Just a real solid effort by everybody. Whether it was a guys like Johnny G, Mullane, Hayes, or even guys like Brooks Dyroff and Quinn Smith, everyone gave it their all tonight.
5. BC is getting much better in their own zone. Also should note that Mike Matheson is the best defenseman in Hockey East right now and it's not even close.
Problems-
The power play was not good. On a scale from 1-10, i'd put my worries at a 4 but I'm sure that both units will start generating more opportunities and goals as the season progresses.
Players of the Game- Hayes(#1), Arnold (#2), Milner (#3).
Next up- Friday night vs Merrimack @ Conte. Just one game next week.
It's a great night to be an Eagle.
GO EAGLES !!
The Sonic Boom: Unveiling the Phenomenon, History, and Future of Boom
The term "Boom" has captivated human imagination for decades, conjuring images of supersonic aircraft and thunderous sounds. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the phenomenon of the sonic boom, its history, technology, and its potential future in the realm of transportation. This article is your guide to understanding the Boom, from its inception to its potential transformation of global travel.
Chapter 1: What is a Sonic Boom?
A sonic boom is the shockwave produced when an object travels through the air at a speed greater than the speed of sound (approximately 767 miles per hour or 1,235 kilometers per hour at sea level). The shockwave creates a sudden, loud noise resembling an explosion or thunderclap. This phenomenon occurs when an object breaks the sound barrier, a term coined to describe the point at which an object exceeds the speed of sound.
Chapter 2: The Physics of Sonic Boom
Understanding the physics behind a sonic boom is crucial to appreciating its significance. When an object travels through the air, it creates pressure waves. At speeds below the speed of sound, these waves propagate outward, much like the ripples in a pond when a stone is dropped. However, when an object surpasses the speed of sound, the pressure waves combine into a single, concentrated shockwave. This shockwave is what we perceive as a sonic boom.
Chapter 3: History of Sonic Boom
The history of sonic booms is entwined with the development of supersonic flight. The term "sonic boom" was coined during World War II when Allied pilots flying at high speeds first reported hearing loud noises when flying near or above the speed of sound. However, the fascination with breaking the sound barrier dates back even earlier to the pre-World War II era.
Chapter 4: The Sound Barrier Breakers
Several iconic aircraft have played pivotal roles in breaking the sound barrier, each contributing to our understanding of supersonic flight and the sonic boom. Notable aircraft include the Bell X-1, which was the first aircraft to officially break the sound barrier, and the Concorde, a commercial airliner that regularly flew at supersonic speeds.
Chapter 5: The Faqs about Sonic Boom
*1. Is a sonic boom dangerous to people on the ground?
Sonic booms are not typically dangerous to people on the ground. However, they can be startling and annoying. The level of disturbance depends on various factors, including the altitude of the aircraft, its speed, and the distance from the observer to the flight path.
*2. Can you hear a sonic boom from space?
No, sonic booms cannot be heard in space because they require a medium, such as air, to propagate. In the vacuum of space, there is no air, so sound cannot travel.
*3. How do pilots deal with sonic booms?
Pilots of supersonic aircraft are well aware of the sonic boom phenomenon. They typically take measures to minimize the impact of the boom, such as flying at high altitudes or over sparsely populated areas when they need to exceed the speed of sound.
*4. Is it possible to eliminate sonic booms entirely?
Research into mitigating sonic booms is ongoing. NASA and other organizations have been working on developing aircraft designs that produce quieter booms, often referred to as "low-boom" aircraft. These designs aim to distribute the shockwave in a way that reduces its intensity on the ground.
*5. How fast does an object need to travel to produce a sonic boom?
The exact speed required to produce a sonic boom depends on various factors, including the altitude and temperature of the atmosphere. In general, an object needs to exceed the speed of sound, which is approximately 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour) at sea level, to create a sonic boom.
Chapter 6: Supersonic Travel: A Glimpse into the Future
The quest for faster and more efficient modes of transportation has spurred interest in supersonic travel. While the Concorde was retired in 2003, recent developments in technology have reignited the dream of commercial supersonic flight. Companies like Boom Supersonic are working on the development of a new generation of supersonic airliners that promise to be quieter and more environmentally friendly than their predecessors.
Chapter 7: Boom Supersonic - Leading the Way
Boom Supersonic, a Colorado-based aerospace company, is at the forefront of the modern supersonic travel revolution. Their flagship project, the Overture, is designed to be a 55-seat commercial airliner capable of flying at speeds of Mach 2.2, or roughly 1,450 miles per hour (2,335 kilometers per hour). With advancements in aerodynamics and engine technology, Boom aims to create a supersonic aircraft that can dramatically reduce flight times and bring back the excitement of supersonic travel.
Chapter 8: Addressing Environmental Concerns
One of the key challenges facing the development of supersonic aircraft is addressing environmental concerns. The Concorde faced criticism for its high fuel consumption and emissions. Boom Supersonic and other companies in the industry are working to design supersonic aircraft that are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions. Noise reduction is also a significant focus, aiming to make sonic booms less disruptive to people on the ground.
Chapter 9: The Regulatory Landscape
The return of supersonic travel also raises questions about regulations and airspace management. Governments and aviation authorities will need to establish guidelines for supersonic flight to ensure safety, manage noise pollution, and minimize disruptions to communities.
Chapter 10: Conclusion - The Sonic Boom Redefined
The sonic boom, once considered a symbol of speed and technological prowess, has evolved from its early days of surprise and disruption. Today, it represents the potential for a new era of supersonic travel that could revolutionize the way we experience long-distance journeys. With advancements in technology and a commitment to addressing environmental concerns, companies like Boom Supersonic are on the cusp of making supersonic travel a reality once again. The future of boom is not just about breaking the sound barrier; it's about breaking the barriers of time and distance, bringing the world closer together in ways we've never imagined.
FAQs
*1. Is a sonic boom dangerous to people on the ground?
Sonic booms are not typically dangerous to people on the ground. However, they can be startling and annoying. The level of disturbance depends on various factors, including the altitude of the aircraft, its speed, and the distance from the observer to the flight path.
*2. Can you hear a sonic boom from space?
No, sonic booms cannot be heard in space because they require a medium, such as air, to propagate. In the vacuum of space, there is no air, so sound cannot travel.
*3. How do pilots deal with sonic booms?
Pilots of supersonic aircraft are well aware of the sonic boom phenomenon. They typically take measures to minimize the impact of the boom, such as flying at high altitudes or over sparsely populated areas when they need to exceed the speed of sound.
*4. Is it possible to eliminate sonic booms entirely?
Research into mitigating sonic booms is ongoing. NASA and other organizations have been working on developing aircraft designs that produce quieter booms, often referred to as "low-boom" aircraft. These designs aim to distribute the shockwave in a way that reduces its intensity on the ground.
*5. How fast does an object need to travel to produce a sonic boom?
The exact speed required to produce a sonic boom depends on various factors, including the altitude and temperature of the atmosphere. In general, an object needs to exceed the speed of sound, which is approximately 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour) at sea level, to create a sonic boom.
Previewing the Boston University Terriers
For BC, this is the night that will show us more than anything about this hockey team. They have played very well in their last couple of road games @ Lowell, @ Maine, and @ UMass but tonight they will enter an atmosphere unlike any other. If Parker Milner plays like he has all year then I would say BC should win rather easily because I think that BC will be able to generate some real good chances on a young goaltender that has not faced a team like BC so far this year. The key for BC in order to win is they need to stay out of the box. BU's power play ranks 6th in Hockey East but they have a lot of talented players on both their units, especially on the defensive side of the puck with Noonan and Grezlyck. BC can't just sit back and let Milner make every save he can like they did in the third period on Friday vs Notre Dame. Instead, they need to attack these defenseman, put them on their heels, and force them to turn the puck over because of their speed. Notre Dame coach Jeff Jackson said after the game on Friday that because BC has so much speed up front, they will attack you and therefore you are vulnerable to lots of turnovers and bad decisions Hopefully, that happens tonight. The same thing goes for BC however as the young defenseman cannot afford to turn the puck over at the blue line and give the Terriers odd man rushes that will result in grade A chances on Milner.
All in all, I expect this to be a great hockey game between two rivals that have been going at it for over a century. One trademark for BU under Parker has been that they take lots of penalties. Friday night was not pretty in terms of the power play for BC but tonight, when BU goes to the box, BC is going to have to put one or two in on the man advantage. I don't think the power play was bad on Friday because they generated some great chances in which Summerhayes was there to make the stop. If BC can limit shots from the point and do more of the backdoor man and get shots from the top of the circle down, chances for goals are pretty good. Basically, this game is most likely going to be very tight in the third and if BC can use it's speed and experience in big games, compared to a very young BU team...they will come out on top.
Keys for the Eagles-
1. Taking the crowd out early. A young BU team will try to feed of their energetic crowd, so in order for BC to take that away, they've got to get it going early.
2. Winning the battle of special teams. Take less penalties, score on power plays.
3. Attacking this freshman goaltender. Whether it's O'Connor or Maguire, look for BC to really attack this young and inexperienced goaltender tonight.
4. Limit offensive and neutral zone turnovers. When opponents score vs the Eagles, it's usually because they forced a turnover in the BC end. BC needs to limit that tonight.
All Time Series- BU leads BC in the all time series 127-114-17. However, BC is 8-2-1 at Agganis Arena.
Best Opposing Line- Megan-Hohmann-Rodrigues
Prediction- BC 4 BU 2
GO EAGLES !!!!
Previewing the Boston University Terriers: A Deeper Look into Boston's College Athletic Powerhouse
Nestled in the heart of one of the most iconic and historically rich cities in the United States, Boston University (BU) is a prominent institution known not only for its academic excellence but also for its prowess in the realm of college athletics. The Boston University Terriers, with their storied history and competitive spirit, have been making waves in collegiate sports for decades. In this comprehensive preview, we'll delve into the world of BU athletics, examining their history, standout teams, and what the future holds for the Terriers.
Chapter 1: The Legacy of Boston University Athletics
Boston University's athletic tradition is as rich and storied as its academic excellence. Founded in 1839, BU has a long and distinguished history in sports. Over the years, the Terriers have excelled in a wide range of sports, from ice hockey to basketball, soccer, and more. BU athletes have not only achieved greatness on the field but have also represented the university and the city of Boston on national and international stages.
Chapter 2: Notable Sports Programs
BU's diverse athletic offerings have produced a multitude of successful teams and athletes. Here, we take a closer look at some of the standout sports programs within the Terrier's athletic portfolio.
a. Men's Ice Hockey
Boston University's men's ice hockey program stands out as one of the most storied in NCAA history. The Terriers have claimed several national championships, and their rivalry games against Boston College, known as the "Battle of Comm. Ave," are legendary in college hockey circles.
b. Women's Ice Hockey
The BU women's ice hockey team has also made a name for itself, competing at a high level in the NCAA. Their impressive skill and teamwork have earned them numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base.
c. Men's Basketball
While BU may be renowned for its hockey programs, the Terriers' men's basketball team has had its moments of glory. With a commitment to excellence, they have competed at the highest level in collegiate basketball.
d. Soccer, Lacrosse, and More
BU's athletic diversity extends to sports like soccer, lacrosse, and many others. These programs have consistently showcased the university's commitment to developing well-rounded athletes.
Chapter 3: Top Athletes and Coaches
The Terriers' athletic success is driven by the dedication and talent of their athletes and coaches. Over the years, BU has produced some remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world of sports.
a. Jack Parker - Ice Hockey Legend
Jack Parker, a BU alumnus and former coach, is an iconic figure in college hockey. His leadership guided the Terriers to multiple championships and developed numerous NHL players.
b. El Haji Diouf - Soccer Sensation
El Haji Diouf, a former BU soccer star, made waves in the sport with his exceptional skills. His journey from Senegal to Boston University is an inspiring story of determination and talent.
c. Women's Hockey Greats
The BU women's hockey program has seen its share of outstanding athletes who have gone on to represent their countries on the international stage.
Chapter 4: The BU Terrier Fanbase
The Terriers have a passionate and dedicated fanbase that spans generations. BU's athletic events, especially hockey games at Agganis Arena, are known for their electric atmosphere, making them a must-visit for sports enthusiasts.
Chapter 5: Future Prospects and Challenges
As Boston University continues to uphold its commitment to athletic excellence, it faces a set of challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of college sports. Factors like recruiting, facilities, and NCAA regulations will shape the future of BU athletics.
Chapter 6: FAQs about Boston University Athletics
*1. What is the history of the Boston University Terriers mascot?
The Boston University Terrier mascot, Rhett, was introduced in 1922. The choice of a Boston Terrier dog as the mascot reflects the breed's association with Boston and its nickname, "The American Gentleman."
*2. How many national championships has BU's men's ice hockey team won?
The Boston University men's ice hockey team has won several national championships, with the exact number varying depending on the source. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, they had won five NCAA championships.
*3. What is the significance of the "Battle of Comm. Ave" in college hockey?
The "Battle of Comm. Ave" is the intense ice hockey rivalry between Boston University and Boston College. It is one of the most highly anticipated matchups in college hockey, with a rich history of competitive and dramatic games.
*4. Is Boston University known for any other unique athletic traditions?
Boston University is known for its "BU Beanpot" tradition, an annual ice hockey tournament that also features Harvard University, Boston College, and Northeastern University. The Beanpot is a beloved Boston sports tradition and a highlight of the college hockey season.
*5. How can fans attend Boston University athletic events?
Fans can purchase tickets for BU athletic events through the official Boston University Terriers website or at the venue's box office. Ticket availability and pricing may vary depending on the sport and event.
: Boston University Terriers - A Legacy of Excellence
The Boston University Terriers represent the epitome of collegiate sports excellence. With a rich history, dedicated athletes, passionate fans, and a commitment to competing at the highest level, BU continues to make its mark on the world of athletics. As the Terriers navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future, one thing remains certain: Boston University will continue to be a powerhouse in college sports, proudly representing the city of Boston and the entire BU community.
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