While their campuses remained dormant for winter break, the schools of Hockey East took to the ice for a crucial stretch that, for the most part, would make or break their seasons and set up the conference playoffs. Make or break, nearly every team saw pivotal opportunities in the month of January.

Huskies show their bite

Coming into the break, Northeastern once again looked to be the team that couldn’t quite make it to the next level in the conference, but would certainly be one of those teams that nobody wants to play. As of late, the Huskies have shown more of the latter, going on a five-game unbeaten streak (4-0-1) in conference including momentous wins over Maine and Boston University, and a weekend sweep of then No. 3 Lowell.

Just what has happened to Bruce Crowder’s troops? Well, for one, rookie Keni Gibson has been handed the reins between the pipes and has been more than stellar since appearing on the scene. A 1.91 goals against average and .929 save percentage has many people thinking twice about casting their top goaltender ballots for Cam McCormick of UML (though McCormick still has an unreal 1.10 GAA). Over the Huskies’ hot streak, he has played all five games, allowing only seven goals on 153 shots, an astronomical .954 save percentage,

Also, the steady play of fearless leader Jim Fahey on the blueline is nothing to scoff at. In the five-game stretch, Fahey had three goals and two assists and was plus-three, including four points in the weekend sweep of the River Hawks. Fahey continues to be the top scoring defenseman in Div. I.

Northeastern will need to continue to get balanced scoring unless Gibson is able to stand on his head for the rest of the year, but considering what he’s done so far, that’s not entirely out of the question.

On the other hand…

Losing two games to Northeastern was quite a topple for the River Hawks, who entered the weekend of Jan. 18 third in the country and came out on the other side at No. 7. Lowell is still one of the top teams in the conference, but has shown signs of weakness this month, including a 2-2 tie to eighth place Merrimack on Jan. 8.

Just what has gone wrong for UML? Well, it has become apparent that Jimi St. John is not as dependable as super-goalie McCormick, as St. John allowed nine goals in the two games against the Huskies, dropping his record on the year to 5-4-0 and his save percentage to a woeful .846. Lowell’s talented defense is wasted as long as St. John is allowing first shots to find the back of the net.

Ed McGrane, Laurent Meunier and Yorick Treille have been solid at forward for the River Hawks, but have not proven that they can overcome a poor defensive performance to take a key game for the most part. Lowell could be in for some trouble during the Winter Olympics as well, as Meunier, Treille and fellow countryman Baptiste Amar will all be missing action while they play for France in the upcoming games.

Wildcats back on top

Following a two-game sweep of Massachusetts, New Hampshire is back on top of the conference and moved up to No. 2 in the national polls. UNH’s offense is second to none, averaging just shy of five goals per game this season, tops in the country. Leading the way for the ‘Cats is Hobey Baker hopeful Darren Haydar, who has turned it up this year following what was, in many people’s eyes, a subpar 2000-01 campaign.

Haydar has abused goaltenders with reckless abandon this year, as he leads the country with 53 points and 31 assists in just 23 games, a remarkable 2.30 points per game. He is also second in the nation with his 22 goals, just one behind Mark Hartigan of St. Cloud State. Alongside freshman linemate Sean Collins, who is the top scoring freshman in the country, UNH’s top line may be the best in the nation. That, combined with a formidable number two line centered by Colin Hemingway, is a scary thought as UNH sets its sights on a national title.

Starting goaltender Matt Carney is out for a few weeks following an injury sustained in a 4-3 loss to Providence, but Michael Ayers has shown well in relief, stopping 50 of 52 shots in the two-game sweep of the Minutemen. He will be relied on heavily during the stretch run, but if any offense in the country can cover for bad goaltending, UNH’s can.

Terriers up the ante

The most heated rivalry in Hockey East is certainly Boston College and Boston University. The cross-town rivals despise each other, and every series between the two teams is high tension. But BU’s sweep of the Eagles on the weekend of Jan. 18 saw a pair of teams headed in different directions.

The Terriers allowed only two goals in the set, moving them solidly into the top four in the conference. Sean Fields earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts, turning away 57 of 59 shots. He has been spectacular as of late, putting up a 6-0-1 record and 1.98 goals against average in his last seven games. The Terrier defense, anchored by seniors Pat Aufieroand Chris Dyment, alongside freshman Ryan Whitney, has been tremendously solid for BU, who is second defensively in the conference, both in Hockey East games and overall.

On the other side of the puck, Jerry York’s squad is a struggling bunch. Following their National Championship run and the loss of some of their most talented underclassmen, the Eagles have lacked depth and a slide has left them below .500 and sixth in the conference. York dressed only 16 skaters in the second game against BU, and has been without sophomore standout Ben Eaves for weeks, who broke several ribs while playing for Team USA at the World Junior Championships. Things could remain ugly for BC, but don’t count the team out come playoff time.