Midweek Column

In the time that I have been away, there has been some pretty interesting news going around the league. Before I get into my column, let's take a look at what's going on around the world of BC/Hockey East. First, BU forward Yasin Cisse has decided to leave school and go play in the OMJHL, following the steps of former teammate Charlie Coyle. Cisse, a redshirt sophomore, has had bit of a tough start for the Terriers this year as he recorded just two points in 13 games played so far this season. Last year, I thought Cisse was one of BU's better forwards and his absence in the Beanpot seemed to effect the Terriers greatly. In the three meetings this year however, I definitely noticed that Cisse's playing time and production were going way down the tubes. Anyways, an already thin BU team is going to need to do some serious soul searching in order to fill the hole left by the departure.

 In other news, Johnny G was named Hockey East player of the month and was also named to the USA Hockey preliminary roster for the WJC is Russia later this winter. I know that Johnny was disappointed about being cut from the team last season so hopefully he plays a big impact for the club in this years tournament. Due to being named to the team, he will miss BC's two games in St.Paul vs Alabama-Huntsville and the Gophers.

In terms of my thoughts concerning the weekend, I think the team can certainly take more positives out of it than negatives. Friday night was the best game of the year for the opposition and probably one of BC's most disappointing efforts over the course of the past two months. It was however really good to see the guys come back out in front of a raucous home crowd and rout the Terriers. As you would know if you have been reading this blog, I was very concerned with the power play of late but I think 4/8 of Saturday certainly gave both units some much needed confidence heading into the second half of the season. The biggest plus for me was the play of the newly formed line of Bill Arnold, Kevin Hayes, and Brendan Silk. Playing with two highly skilled players like Arnold and Hayes clearly had a big impact on Silk's play as he was able to get his first goal of the season during Saturday's contest. Sure, BC lost a game and dropped from the #1 slot but more importantly, they're still #1 in the pairwise and in first place in the Hockey East standings, a point above UNH and a comfortable six points above the Terriers.

As we start to look ahead to Friday, I'm sure everybody has this as the date in which Coach York will break the record but I'm also quite sure that he would rather just win the game and get right back home. Coming off a tough loss to Merrimack, Providence is certainly going to be licking their chops for a win in front of what is an already sold out home crowd. The problem for the Friars is that one of their top forwards, freshman Mark Jankowski, is questionable for the game with a hip injury. With the defense playing a solid game on Saturday for BC, I think it would be hard for a team like the Friars to create quality chances consistently on Parker Milner but again, the Eagles have to keep scoring goals, whether it's five on five or on the man advantage. It would be nice to see the first line, which amazingly did not have a goal on Saturday, put some pucks in the net and really dominate the play when they are out there. Destry Straight won't be back so it would be big if guys like Silk and Arnold can continue to play like they did this weekend.

I'll have my Providence preview up tomorrow night.

GO EAGLES

The Midweek Column: A Window into the Heart of the Week

The middle of the workweek often feels like a hump to overcome on the way to the weekend. Wednesdays, in particular, are infamous for their "hump day" status. But what if we told you that Wednesdays could be transformed into a day of inspiration, reflection, and motivation? Welcome to the world of the Midweek Column, where we explore the significance of this often-overlooked day, share insights, and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to make your midweek experience more fulfilling.

The Midweek Lull: A Common Experience

For many of us, Mondays burst with energy and motivation. The weekend feels like a distant memory, and the workweek is a blank canvas waiting to be filled. As Tuesday rolls in, the pace remains brisk, and we tackle our to-do lists with determination. But then comes Wednesday—a day that seems to drag, sandwiched between the excitement of a fresh week's start and the anticipation of the weekend.

It's the midweek lull, a phenomenon experienced by people from all walks of life. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone pursuing their passions, Wednesdays often carry a sense of fatigue and monotony. But what if we approached this day with a different mindset? What if we saw it as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recharge for the latter half of the week?

The Midweek Column: A Source of Inspiration

The Midweek Column is more than just a written piece; it's a perspective shift, a weekly ritual that invites you to explore the depths of your own thoughts and experiences. Here's what you can expect from this unique feature:

**1. Reflection and Self-Discovery: In the midst of our busy lives, we rarely find time for introspection. The Midweek Column encourages you to pause and reflect on your journey, your goals, and your aspirations. It's a reminder to check in with yourself and ensure you're on the right path.

**2. Motivation and Inspiration: We all need a dose of motivation to keep pushing forward. The Midweek Column aims to provide that spark of inspiration, whether through stories of resilience, quotes from remarkable individuals, or practical tips for staying motivated.

**3. Perspective and Gratitude: It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. The Midweek Column encourages you to shift your perspective and cultivate gratitude for the simple joys and triumphs in your life.

**4. Connection and Community: While Wednesdays might feel isolating, the Midweek Column serves as a virtual gathering place for readers to connect, share their thoughts, and realize that they're not alone in their midweek experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some common questions about the Midweek Column to provide you with a clearer understanding of its purpose and potential impact:

**1. How can reading a column make a difference in my midweek experience?

Reading the Midweek Column is not just about consuming content; it's about engaging in a mindful practice. By setting aside time each Wednesday to read and reflect, you create a routine that can lead to personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a more positive outlook on the week.

**2. What types of topics can I expect to find in the Midweek Column?

The topics covered in the Midweek Column are diverse and dynamic. They may range from discussions on personal development and goal-setting to explorations of art, literature, and culture. You can expect a blend of practical advice, thought-provoking insights, and stories that resonate with the midweek experience.

**3. How can I actively participate in the Midweek Column community?

Participation in the Midweek Column community is encouraged and welcomed. You can engage by sharing your thoughts, experiences, and reflections in the comments section of each column. Feel free to connect with other readers, offer support, or provide your perspective on the week's topic.

**4. Can the Midweek Column truly change my perspective on Wednesdays?

The Midweek Column serves as a tool to help you change your perspective on Wednesdays and, by extension, the rest of the week. While it won't transform your entire week overnight, it can be a source of inspiration and motivation that accumulates over time. By consistently engaging with the column, you may find that you approach Wednesdays with a renewed sense of purpose and positivity.

**5. How can I access the Midweek Column?

Accessing the Midweek Column is easy and convenient. It's typically published online and can be found on various platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media. You can subscribe to receive notifications when a new column is posted or simply visit the designated platform each Wednesday to read the latest installment.

The Midweek Column is more than just a weekly article; it's an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and connection. By embracing Wednesdays as a day of reflection and inspiration, you can transform the midweek lull into a source of motivation that propels you toward your goals and aspirations. So, next Wednesday, when you find yourself in the midst of the week, take a moment to explore the Midweek Column and let it be your guide on this journey of personal and collective growth.

Boston College 5, Boston University 2 - Woo !

Boston College 5, Boston University 2 - Woo !

Thanks For Coming

Brendan Silk celebrates his first goal, giving BC a 5-1 lead.

Thanks to a big night from the newly formed line of Kevin Hayes-Bill Arnold-Brendan Silk, the  Eagles gave Coach York his record tying 924th win as they dominated archrival Boston University en route to a 5-2 win. What can I say ? There was not one guy that didn't play a good game tonight for the home team. From Whitney to Mullane to Silk, everybody was flying all over the ice and making plays in both zones for BC. If you compare the efforts from to tonight to last nights, it is like comparing day and night. The raucous home crowd clearly got everyone going from the get go as the Eagles had an early strike from Johnny G called back due to "goalie interference". I guess it could have gone either way but it didn't seem to me that the BC forward (I don't remember who it was) made a whole lot of contact with BU goalie Matt O'Connor. A few minutes after the disallowed goal, BC finally broke through on the power play, something they did a lot tonight, as Teddy Doherty scored his first colligate goal. Just two minutes after the goal however, the Terriers responded with a power play tally of their own as Wade Megan won a battle for the puck and slid it over to Cason Hohmann, who buried it in the wide open net. There may have been just two goals in the period but as was the case in last nights first stanza, there was a lot of up and down play for both teams. Give credit to the two goalies, they were both great tonight, especially in the first.

As the first came to a close, BU forward Yasin Cisse took an interference penalty giving BC yet another PP to start the second that they had to cash in on. After some quality saves from O'Connor to keep the Eagles off the board for the majority of the PP, Bill Arnold potted in a rebound goal, giving BC a 2-1 lead early in the period. After that goal, the Terriers started completely dominating the game as they had the puck in the BC end for a good five minutes. If it wasn't for some timely saves by Parker Milner, this game could have had a different result. After BC got their feet back under them and started playing better, they were rewarded with a long 5 on 3 which was capped off with a blast by Mike Matheson from the top of the circle making 3-1. Let's give the power play a lot of credit. The personnel was the same as it was last night for the most part but the way both units were moving the puck around was a great sign. I thought BC did a really good job of getting good looks on the man up and capitalizing on them, something they have not done in recent weeks. When you're moving the puck and generating clean looks, more often then not you're going to get some goals. It was amazing that after another Arnold PP goal late in the period, BC could be up three goals going into the third period after being outplayed badly for a long time in the second.

Everybody played a part in the victory tonight but let me start with the play of Brendan Silk. I'm not going to lie, I was a little surprised when I saw the staff move him up to the second line but boy did he play well tonight. He is starting to evolve into that power forward type that he was brought in here to be. His goal, BC's fifth, was all effort on his part as he read the play perfectly and picked off the BU defender inside the blue line, scoring on a quick shot soon after. Silk's linemates, Bill Arnold and Kevin Hayes got back to playing some top notch hockey tonight for the Eagles as they were a combined +2 on the night, (+3 if you include Silk). If you had told me that BC would score 5 goals tonight and nobody on the first line would have one of them, I would have thought you were from space. On the defensive side of things, I thought the Eagles were very solid for the majority of the game. There were no real defensive breakdowns except for the breakaway in the beginning of the second so kudos to all six defenseman for answering the call and playing sound hockey tonight. I said last night that I didn't think anyone played very well. Tonight I didn't think there was a guy that had a sub par game.

All in all, Eagle fans have to be really proud of their team tonight. Although he doesn't want people to talk about it, I can't go without congratulating Coach York on his amazing accomplishment. Winning one game in any sport, especially college hockey, is not easy. Winning 924 and 5 National Championships is unprecedented. Of course, having the win come against that team makes it a little bit sweeter.
Why BC Won-

1. A strong power play. Both units really came through in the clutch tonight. Thought they both moved it around with a lot more zip than last night.

2. The play of the second line. No Destry ? No problem. Brendan Silk did a fantastic job of stepping into a bigger role and coming through.

3. Conte Forum was as loud as I've ever heard it. I honestly don't think I've ever heard it so loud. Was cool to be a part of.

Problems-

Any team we beat them, I won't have too much in this category.

Player(s) of the game- Bill Arnold and Brendan Silk

Up next- @ Providence next Friday.

It's a great night to be an Eagle.

GO BC !

Thanks For Coming

Eagles Fall to Terriers 4-2

I guess you have to lose eventually, right ? Anyways, the Eagles fell tonight to their archrivals by a 4-2 margin @ Agganis Arena, which marks the first loss to BU @ Agganis in over three years. Compared to the Northeastern loss earlier this year, I think this was a better effort for BC as they, unlike in that game, generated a bunch of solid offensive chances but were denied by BU goalie Matt O'Connor who played the game of his young BU career. I thought the first period was one of the more entertaining periods of hockey I have seen in quite some time and really, I thought BC played solid the whole first stanza. Credit BU though, they were the team that decided they wanted to play some defense and prevent BC from getting as many quality scoring chances as they maybe could have. There were very few guys in the maroon and gold that actually played well tonight. There was no one that really stood out to me as I thought Johnny G, Mullane, and Whitney were just completely out of it. All three of their games were just down a little bit and with that being the case, BC is going to have a hard time scoring goals. The bottom two lines were average I mean they didn't give up any goals but the didn't really spend much time in the opponents end either. What I want to talk about is the third BU goal, the one that took the wind right out of the sails. BC had a goal late in the second and had some momentum but thanks to another horrendous collapse in the defensive zone, BU defenseman Matt Grezlyck was able to skate by two BC defenseman and put the puck in on a wrap around. The other two goals were bad but the third goal was flat out disturbing, I mean three BC guys just let Gryzleck go right around them.

Honestly, the better team won tonight. While Milner was average, I thought O'Connor was absolutely  outstanding for the Terriers. He made some stops that saved the day for the Terriers just when BC was closing in at the end of the third period. BU's first line deserves a lot of credit as they made Johnny G look like any other player out there tonight. Usually, he makes his out of this world moves and stuff like that but tonight, he just looked like another average player on a team that looked flat out average for a long time tonight. I wouldn't say I'm "worried" like I was after the NU game but I would say I'm utterly shocked that some guys can put on that jersey and play like they did tonight. No matter what the staff  does, the power play continues to look out of sorts in every way (even though they had a goal late). Generating good chances can only go so far. Whey you're on a power play, you've got to score in games like this. The Eagles just didn't seem to get it going tonight on the man advantage. BU did a superb job getting in lanes, especially in front of their netminder, and taking away great looks for BC. Just a whole lot of frustration tonight for the guys in maroon.

Tomorrow is the biggest game of the season up to this point. Not only is the record at stake, but when the season comes to a close, this series could have a major impact in terms of tiebreakers. I don't think there will be many changes in the lineup, if any, for BC but I do think some guys need to sit down and think about what they need to do to help the team win tomorrow. With Kelly Rink jumping, BC should be able to build off some success they had late in the third period and turn it into a win tomorrow. Look, tonight was not a disaster in which we should just blow everything up and start over but it was a step in the wrong direction. The best news ? We get to play them again tomorrow night, this time in front of a sold out home crowd.

Why BC Lost-

1. There was not a sustained effort. Ya, there were spurts of solid play but there were too many times in which BU controlled the play. Needs to change for tomorrow.

2. The power play has gone stale. I don't know what to say, it just doesn't look like it was earlier this year.

3. The third goal was a disaster. No one seemed to want to try to take the puck away from Grezlyck.

What Needs to Improve for Tomorrow-

1. The play of the each and every player. No one played very well tonight.

2. Got to start scoring again. The first two lines usually are a bit better at home than they're on the road. A buzzing crowd should get then going tomorrow.

Next Up- Rematch tomorrow @ Conte. 7:30 start.

Picks for the Weekend

Friday

Vermont @ Maine- Both teams desperately need wins this weekend. I think the Black Bears get it done on Friday. Maine 3-1

Lowell @ UNH- Lowell has yet to beat a quality hockey team and UNH is playing phenomenal. UHN 3-0

Northeastern @ UMass- Another intriguing series but UMass has been playing much better than the struggling Huskies.UMA 2-1 OT

Providence @ Merrimack- This game could be a 0 0 tie as both have been struggling on offense. I'll go with PC 1-0

BOSTON COLLEGE @ BOSTON UNIVERSITY- Eagles always fly in big games. BC 4-1


Saturday

Vermont @ Maine- This series will be a split in my mind, meaning UVM gets a win on Saturday.

UNH @ Lowell- The Wildcats dominated Lowell last time they played @ Tsongas Center and I expect more of that. UNH 4-1

UMass @ Northeastern- For some reason, I think the Huskies will get their ship righted starting Saturday. NU 4-3 OT

Merrimack @ Providence- Another W for the Friars, 3-0

BOSTON UNIVERSITY @ BOSTON COLLEGE- This one will be very close. BC 3-2 with a later goal.

Previewing the Boston University Terriers

As a BC Hockey fan, you have the privilege to get excited for lots of events such as the Beanpot, NCAA's, Hockey East tournament, or early season non conference tilts vs quality hockey teams. However, in my opinion, nothing tops the first weekend in December, a date that marks two matchups vs archrival Boston University. If the rivalry needed any more reasons to get the intensity level up another notch, how about we throw in the fact that Coach York will be going for the all time wins record vs not only his teams rival, but the man that he has gone head to head against since his days at Boston College High School. You think Coach Jack Parker wants to see Coach York walk out of his rink tying the wins record or even worse, break it against his Terriers ? I would lean towards no, he would not. When it comes to these two, you throw all the records, points, rankings, and other crap aside because when 7:30 comes around tomorrow night, it will be the evil guys in the scarlet in white vs the Defending National Champs to see who will once again be the king of Comm Ave.

Let's get one thing straight first, the BU coaching staff is not going to let those players just roll over and hand Coach York the record, let alone let BC sweep them for the second time in three seasons. No, BU is going to come out with everything they have on both nights in order to show they should not be forgotten when it comes to Boston hockey glory. The Eagles on the other hand just need to do what they did in the final two periods vs a very good Dartmouth team last weekend. What did BC do ? Well, first of all, Johnny G went into that insane mode and scored 5 points, including a goal that should have made the Sports Center top 10. The first two lines need to do the damage this weekend for BC just like they have been all year long. It's concerning to see that the second line has not scored since that game at BU two weeks ago but it doesn't really mean they have been playing that much worse than they were. One of the reasons the Eagles were able to defeat BU last time out was because of the play of Billy Arnold and Kevin Hayes who combined for 7 points in the 4-2 BC win. Arnold is one of the more consistent players on the team but when Hayes is playing at that level like he was a couple of weeks ago, he is one of the top forwards in Hockey East. In order for BC to win tomorrow, these two really need to get going again. I like the way the other three lines have been playing as of late. We all know the first line may never be held of the score sheet again but it's the guys like Danny Linell and Pat Brown that will go a long way in deciding just how far this team can go. I don't think the staff is too worried about BC getting good scoring chances on a offensively talented but sometimes defensively absent BU D core.

The concern tomorrow for the Eagles ? It's got to be the play of the defenseman, especially their positioning in their own zone. The game last week vs the Big Green was as off an night as that unit has had since the Northeastern game to start the season. Every guy, whether he's a senior or a freshman, needs to step up their play tomorrow night, especially when it comes to times in the game where BU is controlling the play. Blown assignments are going to lead to quality chances for the Terriers tomorrow night so hopefully, the defense stays course and sticks to what they have been doing all year (besides last week). I can't express how important the play of the special teams is tomorrow night whether it's the PP or the PK. BU is aggressive on the penalty kill so both units need to make sure they are generating quality chances but at the same time, not giving the Terriers any chances when they're a man down, something they did a few times last game. If the play of Parker Milner continues to be as good as it has, I think BC has a great chance to win a couple of games this weekend. Would it help if the defenseman picked up of the slack in their end ? Sure it would but let's remember, a solid effort in the defensive end will certainly lead to quality chances on a young BU goaltender. It is not known who will start for BU but they are both freshman.

Look, this weekend is going to be some fantastic hockey and is sure to be a real treat for anyone watching at the rink or on TV. BC's just got to play Eagle Hockey and stay disciplined. Hopefully the bottom six forwards can get their play going but in reality, there job is to not let the opponent skate all over them and score. BU's not going to stop the first line so if the other three lines are playing at a high level, you've got to love BC's chances this weekend.


Keys for the Eagles-

1. Scoring on the power play. Getting off the snide and scoring some goals tomorrow would pretty much assure a BC victory. Both units need to get it going again.

2. The play of the second line. Last time, this line was the best on the ice for the Eagles. A big day for Kevin Hayes and Bill Arnold would be huge for BC.

3. Defensive zone play. It was bad last week and in order to win this week, it's got to get better. Every guy, whether a forward or defenseman, needs to play well in their own zone.

Last time out- BC beat BU 4-2 two weeks ago @ Agganis Arena. The senior class is undefeated vs the Terriers @ Agganis Arena (5-0)

All Time Series- BU leads BC 127-115-27 in the all time series. BC is 9-2-1 all time at the Jack Parker Rink.

Best Opposing Line-Megan-Hohmann-Cisse

Prediction- BC sweep. Both close games.

GO EAGLES !

Midweek Column-Preparing for Battle

When I walked into Conte Forum yesterday for practice, I suddenly noticed that the atmosphere was a little more intense. I am not sure if it was the coaches or the players, but it was all business everyone seemed to be practicing just a little bit harder. When you see this, you know it's BU week. This weekend is a big opportunity for this Eagle squad and it's not just because they have a chance to beat their archrivals for the second and third time this year, but it's because they have a great opportunity to show the country that they are the class of college hockey once again. BC now has a three game winning streak vs the Terriers dating back to a year ago, and one common theme in all three of those wins is that they have scored within the first 10 minutes of the first period. Destry Straight's goal 20 seconds into the game two weeks ago was certainly a confidence booster that allowed the team to play well for the rest of the game. As they always do, BC will have a big advantage when it comes to facing the Terriers' first two lines. The last BU game was the game of the year for guys like Billy Arnold and Kevin Hayes but without Destry with them this weekend, they need to be able to create even more scoring chances for themselves. Out of all four lines, the second line was certainly the one that spent the most time in the BU zone a couple of Sundays ago. The play of that line (without Destry) is going to be crucial in order for BC to gain four points this weekend.

First things first for BC, they need to take less penalties than they did two weeks ago. While BU's power play continues to struggle so far this year, they still have guys like Hohmann and Megan that can score more than most. When it comes to 5 on 5 hockey, BC is the better hockey team and can usually impose their will on opponents when they want to. When you take penalties and give the opponent quality chances on the man advantage, you will pay for it. BC's penalty kill still remains one of the top ones in the league and in the country but it would be nice if they were out there no more than 3 or 4 times on Friday. Now if you've watched BU hockey this year you know that they like to dive and they are particularly good at it. There were probably 3 or 4 examples from the first game that stand out but it's something they've always used to their advantage. Hopefully they decide not to dive all over the ice like they did vs both BC and North Dakota earlier this year. The same goes for both teams really because whether your a BC or a BU fan, we can all agree that diving simply does not belong in this game. That said, when BC goes on the power play, they need to find a way to score. BU's penalty kill was the best I have seen so far as they, not unlike BC, have guys that are always attacking the puck until it is cleared. The Eagles need to make sure they are generating good chances at the same time being cautious enough so BU doesn't get any odd man rushes on the man down. I cannot tell you how critical the power play will be for the Eagles this weekend. If it gets back to the way it was in the wins vs UMass, Maine, and Lowell, it gives BC a huge advantage over the Terriers. If they struggle like they have been as of late, it will potentially come back to haunt them.


No matter what the outcomes are, we know that these are going to be absolutely phenomenal hockey games between two teams that do not like each other one bit. Playing at Agganis has been a real plus for BC in the past few years as they are 10-2-1 all time @ The Jack Parker Rink and have not yet lost in the fours years that this senior class has been at the Heights (5-0). Another stat that's surely a positive for BC ? They are a solid 8-2-1 in their last 11 meetings versus the Terriers, losing both last year @ Conte Forum. You know the last thing in the world that Coach Jack Parker wants to see is Coach York walk off the ice tying/breaking Ron Mason's all time wins record. With this being the case, BC knows that BU is going to come out with everything they have both nights. Scoring early and getting the game to become as high paced as possible would be huge for BC. The Terriers will try to slow it down with power plays and penalties all night because really, that's the only way to beat the Eagles. If you're a BC fan and you're not excited for this weekend, then you've got to get checked out because this is going to be one intense weekend of hockey as it always is when these two rivals face off.

Preview coming tomorrow

GO EAGLES !

Midweek Column-Preparing for Battle