If there's one good thing you can say about Denver's 6-1 throttling of Boston College on Saturday night, it's that BC can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel from it's hellishly difficult start to the season.
After starting the year with seven straight games against teams in the top 13 of the USCHO poll (and four of them against teams in the top 5), the Eagles emerge a bit battered with a 1-5-1 record, but at least things get easier from here.
On the ice against Denver, though, it was really not a good night. The Pioneers went up 1-0 in the first period and 3-0 after 2 and never looked back, blowing the game open with another three goals in the third.
BC once again did themselves no favors on special teams. The Eagles took another 7 penalties, and DU cleaned up on their opportunities going 3 for 6 on the man advantage.
The young BC team at least looks like they have the compete level necessary to play at this level, although they just may not quite have the skill yet. There are a lot of freshmen and sophomores who look like the type of guys who will develop into great 4 year players, but there's no one at the moment to lead the way.
It's going to be a work in progress. It's frustrating to have to start the year with the schedule they've had given the inexperience, since you get the feeling they would have a better shot against some of these teams once they've had some time on the ice to get acclimated to D1 hockey. But still, it's disheartening to see them come through this stretch with only one win — these are the teams they'll have to beat should they make it to the NCAA tournament.
Next up, thank God, is a home and home against Merrimack. It'll be a good opportunity for the Eagles to find their legs and hopefully get back on track.