#1 Boston College Hockey Takes Down Maine, 4-2

Despite not playing their best hockey in a very hostile environment, the Eagles (5-1-0) outlasted the Black Bears (1-7-0) (!) to win 4-2 (ENG) up in Orono.

Despite Maine outshooting BC 30-23, the game was basically even from beginning to end with each team having their share of dominant stretches. BC got on the board first right off the bat in the 2nd period on a Kevin Hayes power play cannon shot from the top of the right faceoff circle. Unfortunately, Maine answered right back on the very next shift to tie it 1-1 when the BC defense lost track of Merchant on the back door who whipped in a one timer.

Later in the 2nd, Isaac MacLeod would score his first career goal on a shot from the very top of the right point. The San Jose Sharks draft pick doesn't make a frequest appearance on the scoresheet due to his style as a stay-at-home defenseman, but the shot found its way through traffic and past Martin "Omelette" Ouellette.

Unfortunately, Maine again found twine just seconds later to tie it at two after a shot found Connor Leen's leg and deflected into the net. The play was reviewed but there wasn't really much question -- there wasn't any kicking motion -- and the goal would stand.

Into the third we would go and BC took the lead for good on a Johnny Gaudreau #GaudreaubeyBaker power play goal. BC would score another power play goal on the empty netter at the end of the game after Maine put the extra attacker on the ice too soon before Omelette got off the ice.

Some items of note:

1) The BC special teams are ridiculous this year. BC was 3-for-6 on the power play tonight (!) with MacLeod's shot from the point the only goal scored even strength. The penalty kill kept Maine off the scoreboard for a 3-for-3 night on the kill. Though, to be fair, that's not exactly something to write home about -- Maine is an incredibly horrible 1-for-39 on the power play this year (what?!).

2) Johnny Gaudreau is sooooo fun to watch. His goal wasn't anything special (he basically cleaned up on a puck in the crease) but the kid just loves to dance in on goal on a one-on-one with a defensemen, like he did against Ferris State. He hasn't been successful yet, but when he does it's going to look oh-so-pretty. He may be the best, most smooth puckhandler I've seen in my time watching BC.

3) Of course, the big problem we've all been complaining about, penalties, didn't really rear its ugly head tonight. Maine only had three power plays, and three of our five penalties came on one play, a horrible set of Hockey East officiating in which perennial class-act Joey Diamond crosschecked Brooks Dyroff's face into the crossbar from behind, and BC somehow went on the penalty kill after the ensuing scrum. Huh?

BC takes on UMass at home in yet another Sunday afternoon game (groan) this weekend.