Boston College Men’s Hockey v. Providence: Preview and Predictions

Boston College had a big weekend last weekend after having its start to the season delayed. BC took on No. 7 Massachusetts in a home-and-home, posted 10 goals on the weekend, and the Eagles emerged with four points against a major conference opponent, and now sniff the top of the USCHO poll. The Eagles enter this weekend six points behind North Dakota, which opened its season Tuesday against Miami and has a difficult weekend against Western Michigan and Denver ahead of it.

The Eagles have a good chance to take the top of the table. Standing in its way are the UMass Lowell River Hawks.

Wait, no; that series got postponed. It’s Providence now.

Get used to it y’all. It’s going to be like that all year.

What to Watch For

1. Staying disciplined: Last year the Eagles struggled in its first game against Providence, creating a low point in what turned into a good year. The turning point in what had been a fairly even game was a five minute major and game misconduct by Ron Greco that led to a power play goal and shift in momentum that led to three unanswered goals that turned the game into a laugher. It’s hard to know what Providence is going to look like on special teams this year (last year the power play was amongst the best in the country), but BC can’t make mistakes and give it more opportunities than necessary.
2. Who will be in between the pipes?: Last year Michael Lackey served as the reliable starter for Providence and turned into one of the better goalies in the nation. This year it’s unclear who will be the starter since there are three players vying for the slot and no starter appears to have been named. Look for Anton Martinsson, a grad transfer from Alaska-Fairbanks, to be the presumptive starter. While nothing is certain, my guess is Nate Leaman will give the preference to the goalie with starter experience.
3. Limit scoring: Hey remember how good Providence’s offense was? Yeah, it returned eight of their nine top scorers. Spencer Knight and the Eagles’ blue line need to be ready.

Random, Possibly Incorrect Fact from Providence’s Wikipedia Page

Providence’s ROTC was founded in 1951

Barley and Hops Based Alcoholic Beverage of the Games

Double Nickel Vienna Lager

Look, this is a beer that is by no means boring, but it is also not overpowering and is very drinkable. Definitely an option for our socially-distanced liquor shoppers in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area.

The Friar Takes Over

Look let’s be honest, you’re not here for the hockey analysis. You’re here for the Friar. Let’s get this over with.

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Photo by Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Prediction

It is entirely possible that something happens where someone looks directly into the eyes of the Friar and instantly there is a rift in the space-time continuum that results in a huge strategic advantage for Providence. Outside of that, I think this is going to be a good test but I do think the Eagles will come away with four points.

Fri. BC 4. PC 1

Sat. BC 3, PC 2