There are two teams marked with a perennial "L" in Hockey East. Two teams that look like a bye week on the schedule. Two teams that have mastered the art of missing the playoffs in Hockey East.
Providence is living up to their reputation beautifully this season. They are a dreadful 5-17-3 in Hockey East play, and besides having Boston University's number, they really haven't been able to beat anybody at all this year. PC jumped out to a quick 6-3 overall start, then they remembered exactly who they are.
Even Their Mascot Sucks
On the other hand, we have PC's cellar dwellar buddy Merrimack, which is looking to climb out of the depths and into relevance this year. They are oh so close to doing just that, as they control their own destiny heading into the final weekend they sit one point up on UMass. Friars. Warriors. Someone must win. Unless they tie.
One player can turn a team around. Don't believe me? Why don't you take a look at Merrimack.
From worst to not so bad at all, thanks to some random kid from France. Stephane Da Costa has helped to turn the tide for the Warriors this season. I imagine that somebody went to Paris and tricked him, telling him that Mack was the best team in all the land, and that's how he ended up in North Andover instead of on Comm Ave or Chestnut Hill. Either that, or Merrimack just has the greatest scouts ever.
Da Costa Talks to Hockey East Online
Either way, Da Costa's 42 points have not only put him in the running to be the HE rookie of the year, but they have also helped to put his team on the map. Last season, Mack went 9-21-4. They drew 1164 fans to their senior night victory over UMass. In their most recent home game this year, Mack drew 2547 to an arena that I didn't think could seat 1500.
Fabulous Frenchie
Mack hs already set a school record by winning 12 home games this season, and the excitement about the team is palpable on campus. Excitement over an 8th place team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2004! And pretty much the only significant change on the team is this Freshman from France. Crazy.
As far as Mack as come in garnering excitement and building a significant team in Division I, Providence has done little to advance their cause this season.
PC has found a way to win a mind-boggling 3 times since November. Seriously. They are 3-15-2 since November 24. That's a failure of epic proportions for a team that probably thought it couldn't get much worse than their 7-22-5 record last season. Although this 10 win season is technically an improvement, make no mistake; it's bad in Providence.
Somehow, the Friars score a measly 2.09 goals per game, worst in the Conference. The lone consistent bright spot has been sophomore goalie Alex Beaudry, who has a 2.80 GAA with a .918 save percentage.
Hard Luck Alex
Providence has mastered the art of the choke. The third period has been by far their worst, as they have been outscored by a mark of 34-19 in the final frame (and 2-0 in OT). They simply cannot finish games. Pretty much the only team they have beat this season has been BU (twice).
Based on these two teams' histories, it's incredible that this game is relevant. But it is very, very important to determining the playoff landscape of Hockey East. Unfortunately, it won't be close.
THE PICK: Mack will rise to the occasion, and they will certainly win their fan appreciation night at home on Saturday. In fact, I can't imagine them winning that game by less than three goals. Friday night could go either way. PC has been slightly better at home, going 6-6-3, while Mack has been an absolutely dreadful 2-13-1 on the road. Mack will earn two points, at least, but it will most likely be for naught when they are swept out of the first round on the road next weekend.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment