Boston College Hockey Routs Providence 7-0, Sweeps Season Series

[Ed. note -- Added highlights]

BC's Steven Whitney scored the game-winner just 31 seconds into the game as the Eagles blasted Providence 7-0 in front of 7,419 fans at Conte Forum. The Eagles tallied five goals in the first period, including a pair of even strength goals just 11 seconds apart from freshman Danny Linnell and Bill Arnold. Barry Almeida and Johnny Gaudreau also got in on the first period scoring, all even strength goals (though Almeida's tally came 11 seconds after the BC power play expired).

The Eagles top line finished with four goals and 10 points -- LW Barry Almeida (1 goal, 3 assists), C Bill Arnold (2 goals, 1 assist) and RW Steven Whitney (1 goal, 2 assists).

After a scoreless second period, Arnold extended the lead to 6-0 with his second goal of the game not a minute into the period. Johnny Gaudreau made it 7-0 on his second goal of the game.

First year Providence coach Nate Leaman was impressed.

"They have nine forwards who can absolutely beat you," said Leaman, whose Friars (12-16-4, 10-12-3) remain on the verge of earning their first Hockey East playoff spot since 2008, albeit the hard way. "I have no doubt they're the best team in the country."

Parker Milner was once again brilliant in net. He stopped all 25 shots in 49:14 before giving way to senior Chris Venti, who stopped four shots to preserve the shutout. Over the weekend, Milner stopped all 54 shots faced, backstopping the Eagles to back-to-back shutouts and will likely repeat as Hockey East defensive player of the week. Since getting pulled after the 9-5 loss to BU back on December 2, Milner is now 10-0-0, including a winner of nine straight starting with the 4-3 victory over UNH on January 27 -- the start of BC's current win streak.

Milner improves to 19-5-0 on the season and 32-9-1 in his career.

Classy move by York giving Milner a much needed rest and throwing in senior goaltender Chris Venti for the games final 9 and change. The win was the 100th class victory for seniors Barry Almeida, Tommy Cross, Paul Carey, Edwin Shea, Tommy Atkinson and Chris Venti. 100-42-10. That's a lot of wins.

The consecutive shutouts of Providence were the first since the Eagles accomplished a similar feat during the 1999-2000 season, blanking the Friars 6-0 on January 23 and 4-0 on February 11. The Eagles have won 11 consecutive meetings between the two programs and are unbeaten against the Friars in the last 15 meetings (13-0-2).

The Eagles (23-10-1, 17-7-1 Hockey East) conclude the regular season with two home games against Vermont (6-25-1, 3-21-1 Hockey East) on Friday, March 2 (7:30 PM) and Saturday, March 3 (7 PM). Both games will be televised by CBS Sports Network.

Go Eagles!