BOSTON (AP) — Junior John Muse earned his second shutout of the season and Jimmy Hayes had a goal and two assists, leading Boston College to a 3-0 victory over Vermont in the Hockey East semifinals last night.
The second-seeded Eagles (24-10-3) advanced to their 14th Hockey East title game. Boston College will try for its fourth title in six years and its league-leading ninth overall when it faces Maine in tonight's championship game. Maine defeated defending national champion Boston University 5-2.
Muse made 30 saves, including stopping Colin Vock on a short-handed breakaway with just under a minute left in the second period and BC leading 1-0.
"I thought John's play was superb from the start to the finish of the game," BC coach Jerry York said.
Ben Smith, who centered the line that scored all three goals, pushed the lead to two goals when he scored with 7.9 seconds remaining in the second period.
Chris Kreider had a goal and an assist for the Eagles. His first-period goal snapped a 151-minute, 41-second shutout streak by Vermont goalie Rob Madore, who finished with 30 saves.
"Chris Kreider and Jimmy Hayes are coming on really strong and they're a huge part of our line's success," said Smith, who scored his 13th goal of the season.
Hayes took a pass from Kreider and completed the scoring at 3:06 of the third period. It was Hayes' first three-point game since a four-assist effort against Vermont on Nov. 14.
Muse was involved in a goal-crease tussle with Vermont's Jack Downing with 1:04 remaining. Boston College played the final 64 seconds of the game on the power play.
Eighth-seeded Vermont (17-14-7) reached the semifinals by beating top-seeded New Hampshire in a best-of-three series. Vermont lost the opening game, but won the next two on the strength of consecutive 1-0 shutouts by Madore.
"I think John Muse played great and I think Robby Madore (30 saves) down at our end was sensational again," Vermont coach Kevin Sneddon said.
Maine tops Terriers
BOSTON — Senior Dave Wilson made 21 saves in his third straight postseason victory, leading Maine to a 5-2 victory over defending national champion Boston University in the semfinal round of the Hockey East tournament.
Maine will take on Boston College for the Hockey East championshipy. BC defeated Vermont 3-0 in the other semifinal.
Joey Diamond. Brian Flynn, Robby Dee, Dave deKastrozza and Tanner House scored for the Black Bears (19-16-3).
Wilson, Maine's third-string goalie during the regular season, celebrated his 25th birthday by winning his third game in a week. He is starting because No. 1 goalie Scott Darlin was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules, and backup Shawn Sirman is a freshman.
Kevin Shattenkirk and Vinny Saponari scored for Boston University (18-17-3).
The heroic story of Adam Taliaferro
Jason Babin tackles a different job for the day
Jason Babin believes in a Randy Moss comeback
Are there better WR options for the Eagles on the free-agent market?
The Sixers are able to hold off the lowly Bobcats
The Sixers showed maturity in closing out the Bobcats
Collins on not overlooking the Bobcats
Michael Eric's presence is undeniable for Temple
The Sixers are not taking anyone lightly
Spring training is right around the corner
Moving day: Phils' gear en route to Clearwater
Will the Flyers make a move at the trade deadline?
Timonen "disappointed" in teammates' effort
Morganti: 'Rangers' power play demolished the Flyers'
Timonen: 'I think we got half the guys going and half the guys not'
More shootout woes in store for the Flyers when they face the Red Wings?
The Rangers have the Flyers' number
St. Joseph's vs. Massachusetts Highlights - 2/11
Penn vs. Dartmouth Highlights - 2/11
Drexel vs. Hofstra Highlights - 2/11
Globe 10.0: Should the Patriots go all in this offseason?
Red Sox early arrivals in Fort Myers
Curran: Patriots had 'tepid' interest in Moss in '11
Ortiz, Red Sox meet in the middle
Merloni: Red Sox need another arm
Julien: In a 'must good-game' situation
Julien: 'did it the hard way'
McAdam's Spring Training primer
Doc: Team's effort is 'un-Celtic'
Pierce stresses mental toughness
Globe 10.0 Who was the best free agent in Boston?
Maria Menounos dons a Giants-colored bikini after losing Super Bowl bet-2/7
Thomas' moratorium: 'I'm out, peace'
Gasol: 'Not pleasant' being part of trade rumor
Blakely: Gasol-for-Rondo trade unlikely
Brady-ing is Latest Internet Meme
Globe 10.0: Is Paul Pierce the Celtics greatest scorer?
Ranking Pierce among Celtics greats
Garnett's tale of first meeting Paul Pierce
Pierce's loyalty touted after big night
