Scoreboard Watching: Three Weekends Left

22 Points Up For Grabs Through Tuesday

As we come down the home stretch of the 2009-10 season, it's remarkable just how cluttered Hockey East still is.  The Terriers sit smack in the middle of the mess, just four points behind BC for the 4 seed, yet just three points ahead of UVM for the 8th and final spot. 

A grand total of 10 points separates #1 from #8, meaning that every game is still pivotal for every team.  That makes it really fun for us fans. 

UNH can become the first team to officially clinch a playoff spot this weekend by either earning a point, or by way of Merrimack losing or tying.

Let's take a look at this weekend, and how it will impact the Terriers going forward.
UNH will play host to the Catamounts of Vermont for two games this weekend in their quest to become the first Hockey East team to officially clinch a post-season spot.

After an insane 10-1-2 stretch from November through to the end of January, UNH has fallen off the pace just a bit.  They have gone 2-3 in their past 5 games, with the losses coming by way of a two game sweep at the hands of Maine and a loss at Merrimack.  They were able to get by Mack in OT, and they poudned the Friars 5-2 last weekend.

Vermont has been inconsistent as well, and their late season tailspin heated up this week when they booted Senior Forward Justin Milo from the team.  You have to expect that the turmoil that is UVM hockey will only get worse with their apparent clubhouse chaos out in the open.

I don't believe BU has a shot at the one seed, so I will be rooting for UNH to completely dismantle UVM this weekend.  Aside from the fact that UVM is three points back from BU, they are the Terriers' next opponent.  We don't want the Catamounts to have an ounce of momentum going into the two game set at Vermont next week.  Crush their spirit, Wildcats.  Crush it.


BC and Northeastern are meeting up for a home and home on Friday and Sunday this weekend.  Despite a loss to Lowell last weekend, BC is one of the hottest teams in the Conference.  They've won 5 of 6, inlcuding their Beanpot win over BU, and they are clicking on all cylinders.

Northeastern has found its groove offensively during a four game winning streak, outscoring opponents 17-5 in that span.  Freshman goalie Chris Rawlings is an absolute horse, and he must give Huskies fans a whole lot to be optimistic about going forward.

I don't care about the standings.  NEVER ROOT FOR BC.


UMass Amherst and Merrimack will also play a home and home this weekend.  The Warriors had a surprising three point weekend against UVM last weekend.  Amherst has lost three in a row, and five out of their last six.  Right now, BU and Amherst are knotted up at 22 points, so it would be in our best interest to root for the Warriors to stay hot against the Minutemen.


UMass Lowell is visiting Maine for two games this weekend.   Maine, the former hottest team in Hockey East and the Darlings of the conference, aren't looking quite so hot since BU doused them twice at Agganis last weekend.  UML isn't so hot either, the losers of 3 of 4.

If you want BU to solidfy a home spot, and possibly move up to third in the conference this weekend, you would do well to root for the River Clowns this weekend.


We'll worry about Tuesday on Tuesday.