If, like me, you spent the better part of your Friday evening outside freezing in the quest for free candy, here's some notes on Friday night's college hockey action:
-If you haven't seen it yet, watch Minnesota Duluth's Kasimir Kaskisuo make this incredible save behind his back. That's probably the save of the year.
The bad news for the Bulldogs is that their fifth major penalty in as many games cost them tonight. Miami capitalized on a late power play to steal a 3-2 victory. The good news for Bulldogs is that I'll be in the building tomorrow night for the third straight Saturday following a Friday night loss, and the last two have gone pretty well for UMD
-Jack Eichel continues to be incredible. He had a goal, an assist, and a game-high eight shots on goal for Boston University in their 4-1 win over #9 Providence. The Terriers are now 4-0-0 on the year. Here's Josh Kummins' game story on the resurgent Terriers.
-The Big Ten continues to struggle. MIchigan Tech beat Michigan 4-1 in Houghton, Ferris State beat Michigan State 1-0 in East Lansing, Ohio State tied Canisius and even top-ranked Minnesota took their first loss, falling 4-1 on the road to St. Cloud State. Penn State had the lone win for the conference, coming from behind in the third period for a 3-2 win over Bentley.
I can't even say that any of those losses are surprises. Minnesota was going to lose a couple games this year regardless, and there's certainly no shame in losing to St. Cloud in St. Cloud. Especially when the atmosphere at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center was an electric as it was tonight.
The others though? They just simply aren't that good. It's no fluke that Michigan Tech beats Michigan because Michigan Tech is a better team right now. Same with Ferris State beating Michigan State.
-The biggest surprise of the night was RPI jumping out to an early lead and trouncing rival Union 6-1.
-Since giving up eight goals to Michigan last Friday, UMass Lowell has held Michigan State to one goal, and then shut out New Hampshire tonight. Wins against Boston College and at New Hampshire are a very good start to Hockey East play for the River Hawks.
-Alabama-Huntsville picked up a hard-fought 1-1 tie against Northern Michigan. Unfortunately for the Chargers, this game was a non-conference game, so they don't pick up any WCHA points for it.