Jan. 28, 2010

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SERIES HISTORY VERSUS BOSTON COLLEGE... In 155 all-time meetings between the two teams, Boston College leads, 98-45-12, including a 57-19-3 mark at BC. The Eagles have captured the first two meetings between the two teams this season, including a 4-1 triumph at Kelley Rink on January 12. Last season, PC went 0-2-1 against the Eagles with two of the games going into overtime. PC is seeking its first win over the Eagles since a 3-2 victory at Kelley Rink on February 29, 2008.

SCOUTING BOSTON COLLEGE... The Eagles are coming off two losses this weekend, including a 3-1 setback at UMass Lowell on January 23. Ben Smith scored the lone goal for BC, while John Muse recorded 26 saves. Brian Gibbons leads the team in scoring with 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists), while Cam Atkinson is second with 23 points (14 goals, nine assists). Muse has played in 15 games and has posted a 2.66 goals against average and a .901 save percentage.

BEAUDRY AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS... Goaltender Alex Beaudry (Cumberland, Ont.) comes into this weekend ranked in the top 22 nationally in two statistical categories. He ranks seventh nationally with a .927 save percentage and 22nd with a 2.40 goals against average. In addition, he is first in Hockey East in save percentage, second in goals against average and saves (611).

FRIAR QUICK NOTES... • PC has played in back-to-back overtime games for the first time since the 2007-08 season. • The Friars just ended a stretch in which they played six games in a span of 12 days. • Alex Beaudry averaged 35 saves for the second consecutive week and had back-to-back games with 39 stops. • After the game at BC, PC will play three straight home games, its longest home stand this season. • The Friars have defeated four ranked teams this season, including then No. 3 UMass Lowell on November 24. Last season, PC recorded one win over a ranked opponent.

FRIAR PENALTY KILL AMONG THE BEST... The Friars have thwarted 27 of their opponents’ last 28 power-play chances including nine straight chances. The Friars had a streak in which they killed off 18 straight penalties, but the streak ended on January 19 at Northeastern. PC ranks 13th in the country on the penalty kill (90-105 - 85.7%).

STINGY DEFENSE... Providence College ranks second in Hockey East in team defense, allowing 2.65 goals per game. PC also ranks second on the penalty kill (85.7 %) and third in goals allowed (61).

SECOND PERIOD SUCCESS... In the last six games in which the Friars have scored 11 goals, nine have been scored in the second period. PC scored three times against Maine (1/16) in the second, including one on the power play. The night before, PC also scored three goals in the second versus Boston University with two coming on the man advantage. For the season, PC has scored 24 of its 52 goals in the second period.

LAST TIME OUT... The Friars are coming off a 2-1 overtime loss at Merrimack on Saturday, January 23 at Lawler Arena. Junior Ian O’Connor (Londonderry, N.H.) scored his sixth goal of the season late in the second period. However, Merrimack scored 1:03 into overtime to secure the win. Alex Beaudry made 39 saves for the second consecutive night.

FRIARS AGAINST NATIONALLY RANKED TEAMS... PC is 4-7 against ranked teams this season. The Friars have posted wins at then No. 7 Notre Dame (3-2), at No. 17 Massachusetts (2-1), against No. 3 UMass Lowell (4-2) and No. 16 Maine (1/16). The Friars have been defeated by No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 17 Massachusetts and No. 15 Vermont. Most recently, PC was defeated by No. 16 UNH on January 22. Last season, PC finished with a 1-10-2 record against ranked opponents. The one win came at No. 2 Boston University on January 13.

O’CONNOR ON A ROLL... Ian O’Connor has scored one goal in three consecutive games and is on a four-game point streak. For the season, O’Connor ranks third on the team with six goals and is eighth with eight points.