Merrimack at BC Preview

By Ben Meisenzahl

The BC Eagles (18-10-2) are looking to shake off Monday night’s Beanpot semifinal loss to BU when they battle the Merrimack Warriors (10-13-5) in a 6:00 PM puck drop at Conte Forum. The Warriors have had a very up and down year that’s included a loss to Hockey East’s last place UMass team and a weekend sweep of previously top-ranked BU. The Eagles meanwhile still hold a 3 point lead in Hockey East standings heading into this matchup, and are looking to finish strong in a final stretch that includes 5 of 6 games at either TD Garden or Conte Forum. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these teams brings to this matchup.

Merrimack Warriors

The Warriors are a team that may not necessarily play the most exciting style of hockey, but they have taken advantage of their times in the spotlight. Merrimack ranks second to last in Hockey East in goals scored per game, averaging a mere 2.25. Goalie Drew Vogler ranks second to last in the conference in save percentage and 10th in goals against average (GAA). Overall, their power play is second to last and their penalty kill is dead last. So what makes this team dangerous? Well, they always show up for the big games. They have 6 wins against ranked teams and 2 ties, one of which came against BC in late October at Lawler Rink. The Warriors come out firing in these games, averaging over 30 shots per game against ranked opponents. They also become much more effective on the power play and penalty kill in these games. In 3 games against BU and BC this year, Merrimack has scored 5 power play goals and even 1 shorthanded goal. Their leading point scorer junior Brett Seney, a New Jersey Devils prospect, has scored 2 of these goals and is currently tied for second in the conference with 4 game-winning goals this year. He’ll look to get involved against a BC power play and penalty kill that have struggled lately.

Boston College Eagles

The Eagles have gotten into a habit of playing close games this year, as they’ve only won 4 Hockey East games by at least 3 goals, mostly due to it being a competitive conference. These have often involved late comebacks, as BC has been notorious for starting off well this year and taking their foot of the gas. Teams like UConn, Northeastern, Arizona State, and New Hampshire have played BC to games decided by less than a 2 goal differential. Yet they lead Hockey East, scoring 3.76 goals per game and are second in goals allowed, only giving up 2.24 per game. Before Monday’s loss to BU, the Eagles offense exploded, scoring 6 goals in 3 of their previous 4 games. Expect offensive-heavy guys like Matty Gaudreau, Colin White, and Austin Cangelosi to come out firing early on against an average team. However, there is some cause for concern, as BC has given up 3 power play goals in as many games and also 2 shorthanded goals in that span. This could certainly enable Merrimack to stick around for awhile, maybe even the whole game. But the Eagles have only lost back to back games twice this year, and are looking to avenge an early season tie against these Warriors. Expect them to come out firing and hold off a team that plays many close games.

Prediction: BC 3 Merrimack 2