Merrimack 1
The Terriers received a three point night from senior Wade Megan as they escaped North Andover with a win. Jack Parker's squads have been talented, but seemed to play uninspired and inconsistent hockey in recent years. BU looked poised and ready to play all night on Friday. Merrimack also looked good, creating some good opportunities, but a lot of shots right at BU goaltender Matt O'Connor made it tough to score. The key impression from this game is that both teams look to be top half teams in the league, but kudos to the Terriers taking two points on the road.
UMass-Amherst 4
Providence 0
Michael Pereira was held scoreless in the first five games. He registered his first point of the year on Sunday in a loss at BC. The top returning scorer for the Minutemen broke out in a big way Friday scoring a goal and adding two assists. Kevin Boyle continued his impressive play in net, stopping all 17 shots he faced for the shutout. PC was a trendy pick, after upsetting Lowell in the Hockey East Quarterfinals last year and adding a star studded recruiting class. The Friars have lost two in a row, but not all is lost on Providence. Nate Leaman's squad will most likely be up and down with such a young roster, but they'll be there fighting for home ice.
UMass-Lowell 2
Maine 1
The River Hawks picked up their first conference victory in their fourth attempt, downing a struggling Black Bears team. Picked to finish second in the conference in the pre-season coaches poll, UML has gotten off to a slow start. Another win in the series finale could give Norm Bazin's club some much needed momentum to right the ship. An already injury depleted Maine squad possibly lost Joey Diamond due to an injury Friday night. The top returning scorer for Tim Whitehead's squad left towards the end of the first period and did not return. Not much else can be said for Maine except a loss Saturday night will continue the misery in Orono.
Boston College 3
Notre Dame 1
The Eagles stymied Notre Dame, led by their top line. Johnny Gaudreau scored twice, including the game winner and the empty netter to seal the deal while Pat Mullane scored the first goal. Parker Milner was once again superb between the pipes for Jerry York's squad. It was a tight checking affair, as the Fighting Irish like to play a tight, clampdown, defensive style.
HOCKEY EAST THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT
#1 Star - Wade Megan (BU): The left wing on BU's speedy top line scored a goal and added two assists as the visiting Terriers downed Merrimack. The South Kent school product seemed to always be barreling down the left side.
#2 Star - Johnny Gaudreau (BC): The dynamic sophomore scored twice for the Eagles in a big non-conference showdown. The speedy New Jersey native is fun to watch and is always making thing happen on the ice.
#3 Star - Michael Pereira (UMA): Two Connecticut natives in the three stars tonight, as the former Avon Old Farms star, scored a goal and notched two assists in the Minutemen's 4-0 shutout victory over PC. It was a breakout game for Pereira, who had struggled in the early going of this young season.
