WORCHESTER, MA – The Northeast Regional gets underway Saturday afternoon at 1:30 when Alaska takes on top seeded Boston College followed by North Dakota and Yale at 5:00. All four schools come from different conferences with BC and UND coming in as the favorites to meet in Sunday’s Regional final.
With already 2 upsets in the East Regional, no one should be taking anyone for granted. Just ask Denver and Cornell. Nationally BC was ranked second in the polls while UND was ranked fourth., Yale eighth, and Alaska thirteenth.
Here is a brief preview of each game.
BC vs Alaska
If there is a game that some will feel that will become a blow out it might be this one. BC comes in the Hockey East’s top scoring offense and second best defense. Alaska on the other hand finished in 5th place in the CCHA and is only in the tournament having won the CCHA tournament. The Nanooks did not score a ton during the season but they were fairly stingy on defense with the conferences second best defense.
Cam Atkinson comes in as BC’s top scorer and along with Brian Gibbons. Alaska will rely on Dion Knelson to provide the spark on offense. In net both teams have solid goaltending. Getting the early lead will be crucial for the Nanooks. You can bet if BC gets up early they have the ability to run and hide the rest of the game.
Prediction: Look for the Eagles to come out on top 5-2.
North Dakota vs Yale
The Fighting Sioux comes into the tournament as the fourth team from the WCHA to make the F4. They have a solid blend of offense and defense and could win the whole tournament despite finishing only fourth in their conference.
Yale on the other hand was the ECAC’s best year long with the highest scoring team in the nation and have a fairly stingy defense. If anyone can beat UND, its Yale. Neither team will come in intimidated by the other so look for a high scoring game. It should be one of the highest scoring games of the tournament.
Prediction: Look for the Sioux to win an exciting game 5-4.
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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