Men’s Hockey East Weekly Preview
By: Marisa Ingemi
Last Week in Review
Last night the Boston University Terriers opened up the second half of their season with a huge 6-5 victory over the Harvard Crimson. BU came back from down three goals in the final four minutes of the third period to take the victory.
Only two other games took place this week in the conference, both on Tuesday. Connecticut defeated Arizona State in the desert, 5-2. UMass, meanwhile, did not have the same fortune, taking a loss to #12 Yale 3-2 in overtime.
What to Watch For
Providence vs Boston College: This is a rematch from two weeks ago. The Eagles do get Colin White back from the World Junior Championships, but goaltender Thatcher Demko is injured. The teams will play in a home-and-home series, and with both teams the cream of the Hockey East conference, home ice is going to make a world of difference.
UMass-Lowell vs New Hampshire: UNH has won five of its last seven games and has been the hottest team in the conference. With several teams at the top sputtering as the second half of the season begins, the Wildcats might have an opportunity to make some noise. UMass Lowell has lost three of its last four games.
UMass-Amherst vs Boston University: UMass defeated Army last week to break a streak on no wins since November 7th. The Terriers won on Thursday and have gotten a little luck on the injury front, with both Ahti Oksanen and Matt Grzelcyk healthy enough to play. The Terriers have a chance to go on a roll this second half.
Predictions
Providence vs Boston College: Both of these teams are elite in the country and have both faced a rough patch around the same time. Home ice is going to be the difference in this series. No Demko puts BC at more of a disadvantage here, so there could be a Friars sweep.
Prediction: Split
UMass Lowell vs New Hampshire: UNH is one of the hottest teams in all of college hockey. They have just one loss since November 24th. While the Riverhawks have been struggling out of the gate of the second half, they do have six straight wins against the Wildcats. UNH has a potent offense, but the potential is there to be stifled once again by the Riverhawks defense, which is one of the best in the country.
Pick: UMass Lowell
UMass vs Boston University: BU is feeling good after the win at Harvard on Thursday night, and the Terriers return to Agganis, where they have played well all season. UMass is not a bad team, but they are not good enough to stop the Terriers newfound momentum.
Prediction: Boston University