The Boston College men’s hockey team entered its series at Minnesota last weekend behind one of the nation’s highest-powered first lines.
The Eagles’ (4-1-0, 2-0-0 Hockey East) one-two-three punch of senior center Jeff Farkas, junior winger Mike Lephart and sophomore Jeff Giuliano had 18 points before facing Minnesota.
The trio continued its tear against the Gophers (1-4-1, 0-1-1 WCHA), although they split the series with a 6-5 loss in overtime Friday and a 4-1 win Saturday.
Farkas, Lephart and Giuliano accounted for four goals and six assists in the series, but most of the damage was done by Farkas. The senior earned five points from two goals and three assists.
“Farkas is a great player,” Gophers coach Don Lucia said. “A player like that really separates himself from everyone else out there.”
Milestone for Mottau
Eagles defenseman Mike Mottau was credited with his 100th-career assist on Saturday. The senior is the 10th Boston College player to hit the milestone.
Mottau (no goals, 7 assists, 7 points) entered the weekend needing just two assists. The blueliner recorded the first on Friday — assisting Farkas on defenseman Bobby Allen’s third period power-play goal which tied the game at five.
On Saturday, Mottau took his place in Eagles history, assisting senior center Blake Bellefeuille on a third period power-play goal.
Eagles coach Jerry York said Mottau is the best defenseman he has ever coached.
“The Hobey Baker award never goes to a defenseman,” Eagles coach Jerry York said. “He’s certainly is a top, top player.
“That’s a lot of assists for anybody, let alone a defenseman.”
WCHA standings
Denver (5-1-0, 3-1-0) and Wisconsin (5-1-0, 3-1-0) share first-place rights in conference standings with six points.
The Gophers stand alone in eighth with one point.
In the crease
ù The Gophers have scored first in four of six games this season. Minnesota has outscored its opponents 7-2 in the first 20 minutes.
ù Lethargic second periods have plagued the Gophers this year. Over the weekend, Minnesota was outscored by the Eagles 4-2. Thirteen of the 24 goals allowed by the Gophers this season have been recorded in the second period.
Sarah Mitchell covers men’s hockey and welcomes comments at [email protected].