Should the Warriors win today against UMass they will be only a point behind BC for first place in Hockey East. UNH also plays today at 4 against Providence and a win would put them in a tie with BC. Depending on the outcome of another UNH-PC game in the middle of the week, the BC-Merrimack game on Friday could be for sole possession of first place.

I think it's less about those teams sneaking up as it is about bc moving back down towards the pack.

UNH has been with BC all along at the top this season. BU was a close 3rd with Providence and Merrimack in the distance fighting for the 4th home ice spot. Merrimack has gone 5-1-1 in Hockey East recently including 2 wins over UNH (UNH was their only loss during this stretch as well). Maine's 3 previous games before beating BC twice were 2 losses and a tie to Merrimack with 2 of those games also at Alfond. The other Merrimack win was over UML which had been on a 10 game unbeaten streak. Merrimack has come on strong not allowing more than 2 goals except for the loss. It is more than BC falling back to the pack. Merrimack has kept UNH from overtaking BC as well.

Maybe it's the homer in me but I don't think BU gets home ice for HE

A lot of teams that were struggling early on are really picking it up.  Umass, Maine, Merrimack, UML are all much much better at this point in the season.  BU is taking a nose-dive.  UNH and BC have slowed down considerably.  It's going to be an interesting last few weeks here for sure.  That 4th spot is going to be an absolute battle with a few teams in the mix right down to the wire.

the mack has snuck up mostty cause BC  in minny slump, mack playing well, getting great goaltending, timely goals..they are young(not age wise), alot sophs frosh, so learning how to play the college game takes time, those younger guys realize how tough wins are in hockey east, mainly they outwork teams, and they have pretty good defenseman that move the puck well, are tough to play against down low.. goal scoring in college is not as easy as it used to be.goalies have bigger equipment, are better atheletes than they were 12 years ago, and are better coached...forwards play traps, locks, making grade A scoring chances very tough to get..throw in the block shot factor, really tough to score in hockey east now a days..this has leveled the ice surface in favor of teams like , mack, lowell, prov, umass..throw in the older 20 year old frosh, whos 24-25 as a senior, playing against 18-19 year old skilled BC,BU's of the world, thats how these teams are successful..great coaching, talent upgrades,are the main reason..on paper mack leading scorer has 34 points, the next guy has 14? big drop off, why? skill level , and macks skill guys(they do have some) are young, still learning, and are not the elite skill kids BC,BU,UNH have..like most teams creativity lacks, so they outwork teams..seen them once live, 2 times on t.v.. most there goals are pucks on net, rebounds..they go to the dirty areas, pay the price, and have been successfull doing so..they have very few tic tac toe goals, eveident too cause the power play really struggles, some that is the small rink, most is puck movement, lack creativity..dennehy knows this league is upperclass driven, older kids, bigger stronger, faster, can compete with high skill kids these days..dennehy also tok page from jerry york, recruits smart kids, who wont struggle in the classroom, come form great junior, or prep programs.the leading scorer also leads the team in blocks, doesnt happen often, team concept bought by all the players, outwork teams most nights..

At one time you could just show up for any game at their rink in North Andover and buy a ticket---- no more. Most games are close to sell outs and BC is impossible. Tuesday morning there were only a few standing room tickets available for Friday night. I bought mine early and look forward to Friday night.

I agree with what you say except there is no way that BU would hire a BC guy.  He has done a nice job at Merrimack. I am a neighbor of the school and it is great to see the enthusiasm of the student body.  When you figure how few students are in the school, they really turn out for the hockey games.  Last year when BC played there I wnt over to buy 4 tickets thinking that I would take the grandchildren--I got the last one. When I saw that BC was playing at Lawler twice this year, I did what the ND football fans do at BC and bought season tickets. I am glad I did as it is sold out.

What does a season ticket go for over there?

PC beat UNH 1-0 last night on a goal in the last 3 minutes of the game. So the BC-Merrimack game is for first place. Of course a tie keeps BC in first too.