Re: Boston College Eagles 2011-2012 season thread
Just like we love to channel our inner Jack Parker and pounce when players don't show up, we also have to give credit when players up their game. The first weekend of the season, I wasn't sure if Kevin Hayes made the trip out to N.D. But, as ineffective as he was in BC winning the Ice Breaker, he has been as effective since returning home. That line of Hayes, Arnold, and Kreider are not only skilled, they are beasts. They will be very tough to play against physically, from a size, toughness and speed perspective, for most teams. They looked like men against boys Friday night against Umass. If they all stay hungry, they should create huge match-up problems.
5-1 anyone impressed yet? I know the NU game wasn't up to some people's standards, but they won a close game on the road, at a tough barn, six games into the season, against a competitive NU team. I'd say, Wey's injury aside, the positives outweigh the negatives. Certainly want to work on playing physical without taking penalties, but with all the questions coming into the season, it's tough to complain about some small developmental areas.
Keep it going in the right direction. UML will be another good test. A team they should beat on paper, but it's on the road and as we know, anything can happen in this league. The teams that succeed and pull away from the pack, beat the teams they should, home or on the road.
#12 has a nice stat line. He's picked it up but I still catch him standing still here or there in the neutral zone. I just want to see that hustle in all 3 zones.
After 6 games:
Positives:
- Freshman class. Not a huge class but an impact player from the start in Gaudreau. He is simply filthy. Straight is bigger than I expected and has shown some good signs. Linell just had a great game the other night. Both of these last two look to be impact players down the road as early as 2nd semester maybe. Billet? Gotta get him in there... maybe Saturday if they already secure 2 points. Begert will also be dressing I assume so we might get a look at him for a few months sparingly.
- Arnold. INCH can say, "You heard it here first" as they had the quotes from York about Arnold. He is on fire right now. Playing well in all 3 zones, plays a nice complete game. Fantastic player.
- Milner. I don't anticipate goaltending being a problem.
- Shea/Macleod. Both have been steady at least, which is about what we need from them. Might need one to step up here and elevate with Wey gone. Consistency is key. As long as these two can be consistently ok they will help the D out a lot. Macleod has definitely improved from last year, looks more comfortable, and less hesitant.
- Some good players still haven't contributed much such as Whitney and Carey. This team firing on all cylinders will be scary.
- Wins in tough environments. Will pay dividends down the road.
- Kreider. In great shape, dominating down low and in front of the net. Giving us some production.
- Facing adversity at NU and overcoming it.
Negatives:
- Kreider. Penalties are Petrecki-like and that foolishness isn't going to cut it for much longer.
- Power play: Not bad but not great. Needs some work. Having a few of the guys with one-timers getting set up and using them will be the biggest thing IMO. Whitney and Cross have great one-timers, esp Whitney. It's a huge asset in college on the PP and there aren't many guys at this level with a great one-timer.
- Wey injury. To be honest I was expecting more from him before the injury but this will be a possible issue for a few months.
Wait and See:
- 4th line. We'll know more as the season progresses how these guys can do as a shutdown line.
...........great come back for our guys tonight. I didnt get to see it but a huge disparity in the shots..........did we control the play the way the shots suggest? and we have a superstar in the making with Arnold
