By: Joe Ballway, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer

The high-flying Boston College offense came through in the clutch yet again, and they’ll be rewarded with a number one seed when the opening round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament kicks off this Saturday in Worcester.

In last weekend’s Hockey East Championship game, the Eagles pulled through with a thrilling 7-6 overtime victory against a relentless and physical Maine squad. The Black Bears seemingly had an answer for every puck BC put in the net, setting the tone by responding just 24 seconds after the Eagles opened the scoring in the first period. All in all, Maine battled back to tie the game on three different occasions–including a goal from Joey Diamond to knot it up at 6-all with just 27 seconds remaining.

But destiny, as it has been in so many seasons past, was on the Eagles side in the end. Matt Lombardi potted his third of the game 5:26 into the extra fame, and Boston College became the rightful owner of the 2010 Hockey East trophy, stealing it back from Boston University after having last won it in 2008, just like they stole the Beanpot from the Terriers this year too.

Just two years removed from their last national title, Jerry York’s squad enters tournament play with high expectations. The offense boasts plenty of depth, stacked with a number of experienced scorers and young speedsters like sophomore Cam Atkinson, who led the team with 24 goals, and freshman Chris Kreider, who showed flashes of brilliance and found
the back of the net 14 times.

Of course, the X-factor for the Eagles will be in the crease. John Muse was stellar in leading the Eagles to the title two years ago, but struggled through injuries and poor play in last season’s disappointing follow-up. He has experienced a resurgence this season, posting brilliant numbers in the Beanpot, but questions remain about how capable he is of bringing the Eagles back to the top spot–particularly after he was bailed out by his offense against Maine.

Other teams from Hockey East that will be participating in the tournament are the UNH Wildcats and the Vermont Catamounts. The Northeast Regionals take place this weekend in Worcester, with the eventual Frozen Four tournament taking place at Ford Field in Detroit.

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