Men’s college hockey series of the week: Boston College vs Minnesota

A clash of conferences. Not just any two conferences, but two of the best in college hockey, Hockey East and the Big Ten. While the Hockey East Conference has been historically dominant, they have six teams ranked in the USCHO poll, while the Big Ten boasts seven teams.

But this time, both teams have not started as strongly as fans would have anticipated. This series is one that is a springboard to get back on track and to dominate for the rest of the season.

The usually dominant Hockey East dynasty, No. 11 Boston College, is looking to get in the win column for the first time this season. The losses of New York Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault, Hobey Baker Award and Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard and goaltender Jacob Fowler, a 2023 third-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens, proved to be heavy as the Eagles dropped their first game by a score of 4-3 to the No. 8 Quinnipiac Bobcats.

While the Minnesota Golden Gophers have the win that Boston College doesn’t, they still weren’t able to secure the series against a Michigan Tech team that is unranked in the USCHO poll.

The loss of goaltender Liam Souliere led to a combined eight goals allowed against the Huskies. Additionally, the losses of St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud and Hershey Bears defenseman Ryan Chesley will force young talent on this Minnesota roster to step up.

If the Eagles want to go into 3M Arena and get a sweep, they have to tighten up on defense and in net. Quinnipiac was able to beat Boston College with strong passing and catching their defense when they seemed to be asleep.

BC will also have to lean on Boston Bruins’ prospect James Hagens to build off of his one assist he had against the Bobcats.

In order for the Golden Gophers to protect their home barn, they will need a similar approach to the Eagles. While Minnesota needs to be better defensively, it will have to put Nathan Airey back in net, unlike it did against its loss in game two when Luca Di Pasquo was between the pipes.

In terms of skaters, young star and Montreal Canadiens prospect LJ Mooney will have to continue his offensive dominance to aid his teammates in scoring chances.

3M Arena is expecting a tightly packed barn for both games against Boston College. For those who can’t make it, you may be able to watch the game from home on BIG+.

Max Malec is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mvm7264@psu.edu.