BC 5, Vermont 2

January 11, 2008 - Nathan Gerbe netted the game winning goal at 4:10 of the second period, and earlier added an assist to give the red hot Eagles another win, and weekend sweep, over the visiting University of Vermont 5-2 (box) on Friday night at Conte Forum.

Gerbe's tally was his 18th of the season, good for second in the nation. The goal came on the powerplay with the score tied 2-2. Assisting on the play was freshman sensation, Joe Whitney (1 goal, 2 assists); the assists were Whitney's 21st and 22nd of the season, also good for second in the nation.

The goal came at an important time for the Eagles, who surged to an early 2 goal lead at 6:58 of the first period only to see a rejuvenated Vermont team equalize before intermission with 2 goals in 90 seconds at 11:11 (4 on 4) and 12:29 (4 on 3). BC had already watched 4 multi goal leads erased on the season (0-3-1), including one to Vermont early on in October. With Kyle Medvec in the box for hitting from behind, Gerbe made a dazzling cut off the end boards and found the five hole of the usually unflappable Joe Fallon (35 saves).

Joe Whitney had opened the game's scoring at 1:35 of the first period, in what would turn out to be the only even strength goal of the game (assists to Kunes and Ferriero). The goal marked the 15th time in 20 games that the Eagles have scored first (9-3-3). BC would increase their lead a few minutes later on the penalty kill. With Ben Smith in the box for delay of game, Gerbe broke out along the boards near the BC bench, carried deep into the UVM zone, and eventually found Brock Bradford in the slot. Bradford, who had missed 17 games with a broken arm sustained very early in the first game of the season, chipped the puck over Fallon's shoulder for his second goal in as many games.

UVM would tie the game on goals from Dean Strong (3) and Jack Downing (5), before BC broke the game open in the second with the goal by Gerbe and another by team captain, Mike Brennan (2). Brennan put home his 6th career goal at 14:32 of the second period during a 4 on 4 situation, while most fans were distracted by Nick Petrecki taking exception to Corey Carlson's collision with goaltender John Muse (17 saves) at the other end. Bradford then ultimately put the game out of reach, by scoring again, at 16:50 of the third period, this time on the power play. The goal, from Ferriero and Whitney, was his third of the year.

The win improves the Eagles to 10-5-5 (6-3-4 in conference), including a 4-2-3 mark at home. Meanwhile, Vermont drops to 4-9-5 (3-5-3 in conference). BC resumes action on January 18th against the usptart University of Massachusetts - Lowell.