Empty net goal notwithstanding, it’s fitting that UMass last game of the season ended up being another one goal loss.  Again UMass went toe to toe with one of the conference’s and nation’s best teams but fell just short and the 2010-2011 season has come to a close.  Boston College, behind a hat trick from Jimmy Haye,s will move on to the Hockey East Semifinals next week.

UMass did something that we haven’t seen in a while, jumping out to a lead just 21 seconds into the game on an unassisted goal by Chase Langeraap.  This was exactly what UMass needed if they were going to have a chance so it was great to see at the time.  But from there on out there were a lot of missed opportunities and penalties that ended up being UMass’ downfall.  The two too many men penalties were just killer, especially the second one which occured in the second period where UMass spent way too much time killing penalties.  As a result of all that time in the box they only had three total shots on the period (I believe all occuring on the power play).  And of course BC tied the game on that too many men penalty as well.   If UMass is able to generate 30 shots against BC, this game could’ve had a very different result.  But 20 shots makes it tough to beat any time, especially someone like BC where you’re trying to match their high offensive output.

Paul Dainton had another great game in net, coming up big when needed to keep his team in the game.  The team in general moved the puck pretty well, especially considering Brendan Gracel did not dress due to reasons unknown (to me).  It was good to see Mike Marcou tie the game at 2-2 in the second.  It’s certainly been a tough year for Marcou between injuries and disappointing play, but he had one of his best games of the season last night and I’m glad to see him head into the offseason on a positive note.  The defense as a whole had another good game and should be commended on limiting BC’s chances in the series.

Not much else to say.  Usually I use these recaps to highlight positives or negatives for the team to build off or correct for the next game.  But unfortunately there is no next game.  I would like to say a final thank you to seniors Shawn Saunders, Brian Keane, Chase Langeraap, Doug Kublin, Mike Lecomte, Marc Concannon, and Paul Dainton.  It was clear the guys who were able to dress this weekend were not going to let their UMass careers end without a fight and absolutely played their hearts out.  Thanks guys and good luck in the future.

Fear The Triangle Player of the Game – Chase Langeraap
Turning a BC turnover into a goal just seconds into the game set the tone for the night and immediately gave UMass a legitimate chance to win.  He didn’t stop there though playing good defense and also leading the team in shots with five.  He made his last game one of his best.

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The team is done but I’m not.  Some of the recruits are still playing, a few of the seniors will likely be signing professional contracts, and of course Hockey East and the NCAA both have to crown champions.  So make sure to keep checking here for all that.  I’ll also be writing some season recap posts in the next few days as well.

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Dick Baker says the team left everything they had on the ice in his recap.

Dainton says they knew if they scored first they’d have a chance to win in the Gazette recap.

Here’s the story from the Boston Herald.

Joe Meloni of College Hockey News has a piece on Dainton and the state of the program that’s a must read for all UMass fans.