The Massachusetts hockey team was no match for the Boston College Eagles on Friday, suffering an embarrassing 8-1 loss in front of a sold-out TD Garden crowd.
The Eagles' talent was on full display as the first-round NHL Draft pick scored six goals, including one by Amherst native Ryan Leonard, and also had an assist.
“We just didn't feel like our team tonight,” Massachusetts head coach Greg Carvel said. “BC is a great team and has a very strong offense.”
The Minutemen took their first lead of the game when junior forward Lucas Mercuri sent one point past Boston College goaltender Jacob Fowler. But the goal didn't shake Eagle's confidence.
“I think the best part of our game was when we conceded the first goal,” Boston College head coach Greg Brown said. “The energy on the bench was great and our players were really positive.” Ta.
After freshman forward Aidar Sniev took a tripping penalty, the Eagles' deadly power play worked, and Leonard immediately capitalized on it to tie the score.
After Leonard's goal, the University of Massachusetts was unable to pull off a big five-minute power play, and the momentum shifted completely to Boston College heading into the second period.
“Even if you nullify a five-minute penalty, you're not going to get tired of doing that,” Brown said. “It feels really good because we were shorthanded for a long time. So it gave us a boost.”
The Eagles' three remaining first-round freshman draft picks, Gabriel Perreault, Cutter Gauthier and Will Smith, all scored in the second period, as did Eagles forward Andre Gasseau, giving the Eagles a 5-1 lead. We entered the final frame. .
In the third period, the Minutemen struggled to limit BC's offense, but the Eagles scored three more goals, including Perreault and Gauthier's second goals of the game.
“You have to do your best against that team, but we weren't even close to that from the start,” Carvell said. “I told the players this week that we have to get off to a good start in this game, but I don't really know what to make of this game.”
The Minutemen will take the ice again Thursday afternoon in the NCAA Tournament against the Denver Pioneers. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.
