Over the past decade in college hockey, there's been no team better at quashing opponents' hopes and knocking them out of contention than the Boston College Eagles. Tonight, this group's ability to defeat a desperate team will be put to the test. UMass-Lowell pretty much has to win this game. They're sitting on the wrong side of the PWR bubble, with time running short. BC will get Lowell's best effort tonight. Will BC rise to the occasion?
#11 Boston College Eagles vs. #18 University of Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks
Friday, February 20, 7:30 PM, Conte Forum
Streaming/Radio Info
All of BCI's content previewing the game
Game Notes from BCEagles.com
Game Notes from UMass-Lowell
Team Offense Rankings
Boston College: #13, 3.07 goals per game
UMass-Lowell: #8, 3.42 goals per game
Team Defense Rankings
Boston College: #27, 2.43 GA/game
UMass-Lowell: #35, 2.65 GA/game
Obligatory Game Day GIF/Video
It's Senior Night at BC and a time to thank another class of seniors for their contributions to the program. These guys were members of the 2012 national championship squad and when they graduate, there will be nobody left on the roster with a championship ring, unless this year's team makes a semi-improbable run to the title this season. So on that note, let's relive the national title game from 2012, because it's always a good time to do that, and let's thank this year's seniors for being part of that crew who brought another banner to the Heights.
The Last Word
It's so hard to predict this game, man. Lowell must be feeling much better about themselves after snapping out of a long cold streak with a 7-1 win over UMass. But it was UMass. BC has been shaky in recent weeks and will no doubt want to put in a strong performance in their final regular season home game.
Another noteworthy thing about this matchup: these are two teams who are nationally perceived as defensively stout and responsible squads. And yet in terms of national stats, it's the offense leading the way for both. BC-Lowell games are usually not wide open affairs as both coaches traditionally employ a counterattacking style, so there's usually a lot of chess being played on the ice.
But I sort of have a feeling this one might open up. Give me Boston College 3, UMass-Lowell 3, in a tie that keeps both teams alive but leaves both wanting more.
Predictions
Last week's co-winners were Grant and Brian. Nobody was even close to being right, really, as we all had BC sweeping, but Grant and Brian get the vulture points for picking BC to win by 2 on Saturday (they won by 1; New Guy and I had BC winning by more, and nobody else got their entry in on time).
Name | Pick | Score | Points this season |
Brian Favat | 4-2 BC | 5.16 | |
A.J. Black | 3-3 | 3.00 | |
Joe Gravellese | 3-3 | 2.83 | |
New Guy | 3-1 UML | 1.66 | |
BCMike22 | 1.66 | ||
Grant Salzano | 3-0 BC | 1.50 | |
airforce987 | 1.50 | ||
BCJacket5 | 1.00 | ||
CoachJF | 1.00 |
Staff Prediction Summary:
BC (2) - Lowell (1) - Tie (2)
Leave your thoughts and predictions on the series below. Can BC get the win on Senior Night?