As JSMF#1 pointed out yesterday, two (of three) teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with multiple Boston College hockey ties have been eliminated. The Los Angeles Kings were on the wrong end of two overtime losses, falling to the Sharks in six games, while the Pens were bounced by the Lightning in seven.
We've quickly gone from ten BC alum in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to just three. So who are we rooting for the rest of the way?
The Canucks got off to a 1-0 start in their Quarterfinal series with the Predators. BC alum Cory Schneider backstopped Vancouver for a total of 97 minutes over three games -- including starting game six -- to help the Canucks beat the Blackhawks in seven games. Schneider made 36 of 41 saves in the Quarterfinals. Combined with former Eagle Andrew Alberts, the rooting interest is Vancouver over Nashville.
In the other Western Conference semifinal, Detroit's Patrick Eaves faces the San Jose Sharks. Eaves has two goals in the Red Wings' four games against the Coyotes. For the Sharks, Benn Ferriero is still listed on the roster but he hasn't seen any time this postseason. Rooting interest: Detroit.
Back East, I'm sure there are plenty of BC fans who are also Bruins fans, which is fine by me considering they are facing the Flyers. Next year's captain Tommy Cross is a B's prospect, so that makes it even easier to root for the Bruins over the Flyers. Rooting interest: Boston.
In the other Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, the top seeded Washington Capitals face the #5 seeded Tampa Bay Lightning. There are no Eagles on either teams roster, but Caps prospect Patrick Wey probably tips the scales towards DC. Rooting interest: Washington.