Boston University vs. (6) Boston College

Friday at 2:00 PM and Saturday at 4:30 PM Eastern

Watch: Both games available on NESN+. Free streaming outside New England on CollegeSportsLive.com.

Without a Beanpot, this Battle of Comm Ave. will have to suffice.

No one actually knows what pieces make up the Hockey East Power Index (HEPI), but it's what the conference will use to determine a regular season champion and tournament seeding. BC currently sits second and unless there are some major upsets, will probably end the season in the same spot. BC is likely to receive an NCAA bid at this point, but their situation is far from secure. They've won nine in a row and closing out the season without another defeat will help strengthen their resume.

It's been a tough stop-and-go season for BU, who've only managed to play nine games so far. The Terriers haven't been able to get comfortable or find consistency, and that shows in their record. But this is still a very talented team that should not be overlooked. Add in that it's a rivalry series and you can be sure the Terriers are going to give the Eagles their best game possible.

Despite limited time, BU goalie Corinne Schroeder has been one of the best in the conference. Savannah Norcross and Kelly Browne are in the top five among Hockey East scorers. The Eagles are one of the most penalized teams in the country. The Terriers will be looking to take advantage of those extra-attacker opportunities.

St. Lawrence vs. (5) Colgate

Friday at 5:00 PM and Sunday at 4:00 PM Eastern

Watch: Paid stream available via ESPN+.

After a strong start to the season – and their long-running series with Clarkson –  Colgate has lost three of their last four games, all to the Golden Knights. The Raiders are likely a lock for the NCAAs, but they want these wins to get them back on track and not give the selection committee any reason to question whether they belong. They'll also be looking to build momentum and confidence in these final two regular season weekends.

The Saints have been able to play just six games this season and are 1-5 in those contests. When these two teams met a month ago, in St. Lawrence's second and third games played, Colgate took a pair of OT wins. The Saints were able to hold the Raiders close in low-scoring contests both times and they'll hope to be able to do the same this weekend.

Vermont vs. (2) Northeastern

Friday at 5:00 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM Eastern

Watch: Free stream available via College Sports Live.

Vermont is a team on the cusp of making the NCAA tournament. These two games will give them 10 played for the season – the agreed-upon minimum number of games played to be eligible for the post-season. They're 6-2 and have been receiving votes in the polls and looks from folks trying to predict the eight-team NCAA field. Taking points from Northeastern this weekend would go a long way for them to prove they belong in those conversations.

The Huskies have the longest win streak in the country. They have just one loss so far this season and it happened in their opening weekend of play. Northeastern has been incredibly consistent. Alina Mueller leads the country in points and she, Chloe Aurard and Skylar Fontaine lead Hockey East in scoring. They also have the best goalie in the nation in Aerin Mueller.

But Northeastern isn't fully infallible. They settled for a tie with New Hampshire two weeks ago. Vermont has to play a nearly perfect game, but with as much as they have on the line, I think this could be one of the best series we see all year.

Also worth a look:

  • (4) Minnesota at Bemidji State – Friday at 6:00 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM Central
  • (8) Penn State at RIT – Friday at 2:00 PM and Saturday at 12:00 PM Eastern

Stick Taps and Snark

↑ Bemidji State's defense – The Beavers lead the nation with 260 blocks. Five different players have 20 or more blocks each.

↓ Minnesota – The Gophers dropped in the polls after being swept by Ohio State. They are 1-6-1 over their last eight games.

↑ Seniors – Another casualty of this weird year is the ability for seniors to close out their careers in front of friends, family and fans. Congratulations to them and thanks for all the memories.

↓ Stopping the spread of Covid – Per Hockey East sources, Merrimack is done for the season.

(Photo: Vermont Women's Hockey Twitter)

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