UMass pushed Boston College again but in the end the Eagles were able to jump on a couple mistakes and eliminated the Minutemen from the Hockey East playoffs, ending their season.  Sadly, the biggest mistake belonged to Justin Braun whose errant pass in the defensive zone was picked off by Matt Lombardi who skated in for the game-winner.  It’s unfortunate that is the way the collegiate career of one of the best to ever pull on a UMass sweater had to end.  UMass could have erased that gaff with a late goal but in the end, with the season on the line, they could only muster three shots in the final period and the season that started off with a bang ended with a whimper.

The team may have stopped playing but Fear The Triangle goes on.  I’ll have a lot more season wrap-up posts in the days to come.

Fear The Triangle Player of the Game – James Marcou
Marcou’s two assists made him UMass’ all-time leader for assists with 96.  It took him only three years to pass the mark previously held by Rob Bonneau.  The record comes in what could be Marcou’s last game as a Minuteman as he could forgo his senior year and sign a free agent deal with an NHL club.

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Both coaches remarked on how physical the game was in the Republican recap.

Here’s the game story from the Gazette.

The Herald and Globe also have game recaps.

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UMass’ series was the only sweep this season as the other series are tied at one apiece.  Should make for an interesting Sunday night across the region.

Congratulations to the UAH Chargers who became the first team to punch their ticket for the NCAA tournament.  Not bad for a team that can’t find itself a conference for next season when the CHA folds.  Hopefully this will help the CCHA realize their error.