Reggie Jackson earned a reputation as “Mr. October” by always delivering in the postseason for the New York Yankees.
When it comes to the Hockey East tournament each March, Blake Bellefeuille has been no less dominant. In his four years at Boston College, he’s totaled 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points in 15 games. In particular, his performances in the semifinal and championship games at the FleetCenter have stood out. Last year, he earned tourney MVP honors for his two goals and an assist in the semifinal and then another two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in the title contest.
So when the scoreboard ticked down to less than 10 minutes left with BC trailing UNH, 1-0, and Ty Conklin stopping everything thrown at the UNH net, it should have been no big surprise that “Mr. March” would deliver again.
With 7:34 left in the game, Bellefeuille carried the puck down the left wing, lost his defender with a sharp cut to the middle and beat Conklin five-hole.
“When Blake scored the goal to tie it, the momentum on the bench was incredible,” said BC coach Jerry York. “It was like a wave coming across.”
Three and a half minutes later, Mike Lephart added the game-winner and the Eagles’ quest for a third straight Hockey East championship was alive and well.
As much as his goal turned the tide, however, it would be like pulling teeth to get Bellefeuille to talk about himself. The modest senior praised just about everyone else for the win.
“That line of [Krys] Kolanos, K.C. [Kevin Caulfield] and [Ales] Dolinar did a great job cycling [earlier in the third period],” he said. “They got the momentum back for us.
“I can’t say enough about our captain, Mike Mottau. He really talked us through into the third period. He really got us pumped up there.
“I can’t say enough about the other seniors, too, [Jeff] Farkas, Tony Hutchins and Kevin Caulfield. They did a great job coming together and really bringing us through the third period.”
An attempt to point out to Bellefeuille that he’s been dominant in the postseason just became an opportunity for him to talk about his linemates.
“Fortunately for me, I’ve had some pretty good games,” he said. “When you play with guys like Brian Gionta and Marty Hughes, two skilled guys, you’re going to get your chances every night…. I’ve got to give all the credit to those two. They’ve done a great job.”
Two things are clear. One, “Mr. March” is a lousy self-promoter. Two, when the pressure games come, he’s one heck of a player.
