BC Hockey vs. Michigan State: Final Thoughts/Predictions

It's been both a long and a quick two weeks for BC hockey, if that makes any sense. The problems this team has had and the slump they're in has snowballed in a hurry. They have a golden opportunity to snap out of it tonight against a Michigan State team that is 3-5-0 on the season.

BC Roster Notes

The good news for BC, I guess, is that after scoring 2, 1, and 0 goals against Denver, Denver and BU, BC has scored three goals twice in a row. That said, I wouldn't be shocked to see some changes to the lines tonight.

Projected Lines

Destry Straight - Chris Calnan - Adam Gilmour
Zach Sanford - Ryan Fitzgerald - Alex Tuch
Cam Spiro - Michael Sit - Matthew Gaudreau
Quinn Smith - Austin Cangelosi - Brendan Silk

Defensive Pairs

Michael Matheson - Scott Savage
Ian McCoshen - Noah Hanifin
Teddy Doherty - Travis Jeke

In Goal

Thatcher Demko or Brad Barone

GAME FACTS

Game Time: 7:00 PM
TV: None. Michigan State is apparently unaware that it's 2014 and most teams stream their games. Dumb.
Radio: WEEI 850 AM, BCEagles.com

Record: Boston College 4-5-0, Michigan State 3-5-0

Goal Differentials:
BC: 27 GF, 25 GA, +2 GD
MSU: 19 GF, 20 GA, -1 GD

Last Time Out: Michigan State is coming off a weekend split last week with UNH in Durham.

Common Foes: It feels like Michigan State has played more Hockey East games than BC has this year. They've split with UMass and UNH, and lost to both BU and Lowell a few weeks back.

Players to watch: Mackenzie MacEachern, a St. Louis Blues draft pick and a sophomore, has 8 points in 8 games. Matt Berry, a senior, also has 8 points.

Blast from the Not-Too-Distant Past

BC defeated Michigan State in the 2011 icebreaker, opening up what would eventually be a championship season. Sadly, video basically doesn't exist of this game. But why not enjoy highlights of BC crushing North Dakota the next night to capture the title?

The Pre-Game Watering Hole

This seems to be a record season for games being played in places I've never been. Anyone been to East Lansing?

Scoreboard Watching: Out-Of-Town Notes

It's kind of a "meh" weekend on the Hockey East scoreboard. Two particular games of note: BU is traveling to Maine tonight for a tough clash at the Alfond. Additionally, Northeastern continues its search for win #1 with a two game home-and-home against UNH.

Random Factoid

Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos' daughter, Andie Anastos, plays for the BC women's hockey team.

Predictions

Joe Gravellese:

BC 3, Michigan State 1. Pleez?

I see BC coming out with a stout defensive performance tonight. If Demko is healthy and ready to go I think BC gets the win. If he's still ill and misses the game, I don't have a prediction.

Brian Favat:

5-2 Eags with an eng. Let's break Outta the funk.

New "Dan Rubin" Guy:

Too busy getting married this weekend to make a prediction.

Grant Salzano:

4-1 BC.

AJ Black:

BC wins 5-2. Offensive wakes the eff up, and no more defensive brain farts please.

BCI Prediction Standings

Another win for AJ! He picked a 5-2 BU win, and BU won 5-3.

STANDINGS

AJ 3
New Guy 1
Joe Grav 0.33
Enzo 0.33
Beerfart 0.33

Is tonight the night when BC's four game losing streak is snapped?  Will BC finally score a power play goal? Leave your thoughts below.