Preview: Boston College Eagles at Northeastern Huskies

BOSTON (Interstat) — A surging Northeastern women’s hockey team will look to continue its dominance over a struggling Boston College squad when the Hockey East rivals meet Sunday at Matthews Arena.

The Huskies (24-6-2), ranked among the nation’s elite, enter on a four-game winning streak following a 5-1 road victory over Boston University on Friday. Northeastern has lost just once in its last 11 contests.

Conversely, the Eagles (13-16-1) are seeking to halt a skid after a 6-2 loss at Connecticut last Saturday. Boston College has dropped four of its last five games.

The recent series has been decidedly one-sided. Northeastern has won all three meetings this season, including a 3-2 home victory on Jan. 20. The Huskies also swept a two-game set at Boston College in early December by scores of 4-2 and 3-1.

A key player to watch for the Eagles is forward Ava Thomas. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Thomas has been a consistent offensive threat, recording points in five of her last seven games. She posted a goal and an assist with a team-high 11 shots in the loss at Connecticut.

For Northeastern, defender Emy McDermid has been a steady presence. She contributed a goal in the win at Vermont last Saturday and an assist in the 1-0 shutout at Connecticut on Jan. 24. McDermid also logged four shots in the Jan. 20 win over Boston College.

The matchup pits one of the conference’s top teams against a program trying to salvage momentum late in the season. Northeastern’s potent attack, which has averaged 3.4 goals per game during its current hot stretch, will test a Boston College defense that has allowed 4.2 goals per game over its last five outings.

Following this contest, Boston College will host New Hampshire and Boston University next weekend. Northeastern hits the road for conference games at Connecticut and Providence.

Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST Sunday at historic Matthews Arena.