University of Vermont vs. No. 5 Boston University
The last time we saw the University of Vermont, they were getting pasted on home ice by Boston College. Tonight, they’ll face off at home against BC’s main rival, No. 5 Boston University (7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN). For Vermont, their season hasn’t improved since that 6-1 beat down splitting a weekend series at New Hampshire.
For Boston University, hockey’s been the furthest thing from discussion for them of late. Defenseman and Red Wings prospect Max Nicastro was arrested and charged with allegedly raping a female student on campus and has since left school.
Meanwhile, BU has started a task force to look into the hockey program and coach Jack Parker (pictured) has to get his team focused on winning games. With the Terriers losing three of their last four games, including an overtime loss in the Beanpot Tournament final, BU isn’t sailing into the end of the season they way they hoped.
Fortunately for BU, Vermont has won just six games this season but four of those at home. Tim Thomas, Martin St. Louis, and Viktor Stalberg aren’t walking through that door this year for the Catamounts.
No. 9 Denver University vs. No. 14 North Dakota
The second game of the doubleheader (10:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN) features a WCHA throw down between No. 14 North Dakota at Magness Arena to take on No. 9 Denver. North Dakota arrives in Denver on a bit of a streak.
In their last seven games, the Fighting Sioux have gone 5-1-1 and have gotten solid seasons from Islanders prospect Brock Nelson (pictured) and Canadiens prospect Danny Kristo. Nelson’s 20 goals and Kristo’s 33 points give them a lot of offensive power to deal with. With those two Team USA World Junior stars, the Sioux have plenty of talent.They’ll need it with how iffy their goaltending has been this season.
When we last saw Denver a couple weeks ago, they were busy disposing of Minnesota and Panthers prospect Drew Shore has been a huge part of that. Shore’s 18 goals and 24 assists lead the way for the Pioneers while Wild prospect Jason Zucker follows close behind with 17 goals and 20 assists of his own. With the scoring ability Denver brings to the game, North Dakota will have their hands full in the altitude of Denver.