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| Monday, March 19 Updated: March 23, 3:40 PM ET Boston College primed for a title By Brian A. Shactman ESPN.com |
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BOSTON -- For the No. 2 ranked Boston College hockey team, not winning an NCAA title since 1949 isn't quite like the cross-town baseball team's "Curse of the Bambino". The year 1918 is much more prominent in Boston's consciousness. But even though the Eagles didn't trade away any legends -- and hiring and losing Mike Milbury just doesn't do it in the drama department -- there is an inkling of what must feel like a curse. Great teams and great players have donned a BC hockey uniform over the years -- Brian Leetch, Kevin Stevens, Craig Janney, Bill Guerin, to name a few more recent ones -- but not since the middle on the 20th century has an Eagles team been deemed the best college hockey team in the country. And this year's BC seniors might be the most successful class in school history, with 114 wins and three consecutive trips to the "Frozen Four." However, no NCAA titles. Just heartache and some unfulfilled promise.
The two times Boston College's seniors made the finals, the games were in New England -- Boston (1998) and Providence (2000). Both times, the Eagles led in the third period and lost. "When you get there, you have to get some bounces," admitted coach Jerry York about the disappointing losses. Somehow, however, this year seems different.
And that doesn't even mention sophomore Krys Kolanos (24-23-47) and senior stalwart Clemmensen (.910 save percentage, 2.17 GAA) "We share a lot with our past teams -- we're quick, and we can play offense and defense," York said. "(But) We're probably a bit deeper this year than we've been the last couple of years as far as being able to play four lines." Deep ... and consistent, too. "The consistency in our play -- we haven't been up and down like our teams in the past," said Gionta, whose own consistency is marked by his third nomination as a Hobey Baker Award finalist. "We're clicking on all cylinders. From our freshmen to our senior class, everyone's contributed. And I think that's what it's going to take down the stretch." The Eagles have championship experience, and with the Beanpot title and Hockey East championship, even the freshman class is battle-tested. The players and coaches aren't shy about their confidence regarding another berth in the finals -- York and several players have said a return is all part of the plan. "We fully expect to be back in the championship game this year," said Clemmensen after the Beanpot. "That's our major objective -- have a team that is capable of winning a national championship," York said. "We've had teams capable of winning them. To me, that's almost more important because that means you have a great program and it's not a one-year situations. We want to knock on the door every year. If we do that enough times, we'll bring some hardware home." Perhaps, the third time will be the charm, and York's team can knock that NCAA door down. Certainly, all the pieces and karma seem to be in place. Brian A. Shactman is a staff writer for ESPN.com. |
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