How they got here:

In the first game of the Three Rivers Classic, the Bobcats seemed to still have some rust from the holiday break in the first half. However, after striking for a goal halfway through the second period and allowing Boston College an insane 2-on-0 breakaway which they connected on with in under a minute to play in the second, the Quinnipiac offense came alive.

The Bobcats struck for two third-period power-play goals to push them out to a 3-1 lead while goaltender Chris Truehl stayed strong in net, fending off any attack from the Eagles’ offensive core.

For Robert Morris, the team only needed one goal Thursday night in the later game of the tournament. Goalie Francis Marotte picked up his eighth win of the season while making 32 saves for the Colonials, standing strong the entire night to set up a showdown Friday night with the Bobcats.

Head to head:

The Bobcats and the Colonials have faced each other 14 times over the two programs’ history, with Quinnipiac leading the all-time series at 9-4-1. The two teams have not faced each other since 2011, when they each took home a win in a two-game series.

Prediction

Brosh: The Bobcats seemed to get their skates under them as the second period started Thursday night. Running into a hot goalie in Marotte, they will need to make sure not to come out and have a sluggish start on Friday night. However, I don’t see that happening. With the Bobcats striking for two power play goals against Boston College, it might just serve as a turning point in the teams’ special teams units. Truehl looks confident and strong in net, adding stability on the defensive end. When it boils down to it, Robert Morris is a strong hockey team; but the Bobcats are much better. 4-1 Quinnipiac.

Clouts: Robert Morris is 25th in the PairWise Rankings with a similar record to Quinnipiac, however they do not have the quality wins that the Bobcats possess. The Bobcats have had a difficult out of conference schedule this season, so don’t expect them to let up against an inferior opponent in terms of conference and record. Quinnipiac’s power play seemed to make all the difference in its game against Boston College, so expect the Bobcats special teams to be the ultimate difference maker again. The units seemed to be the same from before the winter break, but their entries into the offensive zone seemed a lot smoother than they were prior to the break. I believe Quinnipiac wins, but in a defensive battle 3-1.

Player(s) to watch:

Brosh:

K.J. Tiefenwerth seemed to be everywhere Thursday afternoon. Put on a line with Tommy Schutt and Alex Whalen, they seemed to buzz around the ice the entire night while Tiefenwerth also looked strong on the Bobcats resurgent power play, gaining an assist after finding Craig Martin for the game winner. Look for Tiefenwerth’s presence to continue to grow for the Bobcats tonight against Robert Morris.

For Robert Morris, it was the Francis Marotte show as the goaltender stopped 32 saves and pretty much kept Ferris State without a glimmer of hope most of the night. The Bobcats have faced hot goalies before and have seen it go both ways. Sometimes battling strong and striking for three or four goals or sometimes being absolutely stonewalled. Marotte is going to have to have another stellar performance, becoming the Three Rivers’ most valuable player, to give Robert Morris an opportunity to win.

Clouts:

Brady Ferguson of Robert Morris may be the most dangerous player on the ice tonight, so expect him to be a player that the Bobcats shadow with Tim Clifton’s line to completely shut down the sniper’s opportunities. Whenever Ferguson is on the ice he is looking to shoot. Ferguson has a huge lead on the rest of his team in shots with 81 on the season; he also leads the team in points with 31. Ferguson is a player the Bobcats need to crack down if they want to win the Three Rivers Classic.

Kevin McKernan may have been the best Bobcat on the ice during their win against Boston College. He was on the second power play unit which found itself a lot of time for parts of the game and he was a regular penalty killer. Now, I think this game is going to come down to special teams, because that seems to be how the college hockey season is going; so the Bobcats penalty kill is going to be vital tonight. He is the type of player that does all the little things right, so if you are truly a hockey fan then he is most certainly a player for you to watch. McKernan is tied for the team lead in plus/minus rating, and I see no reason why his exceptional play would stop tonight.