Tonight on NBCSN: No. 10 Dartmouth hosts scrappy Vermont

It’s a mid-week, inter-conference battle deep in the heart of the northeast that sees an ECAC team favored over a Hockey East team.

University of Vermont (3-7-3) @ No. 10 Dartmouth College (6-2-2) — 7:00 p.m. ET

Dartmouth started off the year unbeaten in their first six but in their next four games have won just just once and drawing twice. They’ve gotten outstanding goaltending from junior Cab Morris (1.97 GAA, .917 SV%) and steady scoring from sophomore Tyler Sikura (6 goals, 9 assists) but the real story is how good they’ve been killing penalties.

The Big Green PK has given up just one power play goal all season, killing off 35 of 36 penalties through 10 games. While those kinds of numbers are seemingly unsustainable, they’re doing something right to keep opponents off the board. Coach Bob Gaudet has his team beating the odds so far having the team ranked in the NCAA top ten.

As for Vermont, things haven’t gone quite so smoothly. They’re off to a tough start but, unlike last season, they’re playing with a lot of heart. After a three-point weekend against Maine this past weekend and valiant efforts being swept by No. 5 Minnesota, the Catamounts are scrappy.

Senior forward Chris McCarthy is doing his part to lead the offence with four goals and six assists while it’s freshman goalie Brody Hoffman who has shouldered the load in net playing all but 35 minutes worth of ice time in goal this season. Some of that scrappy play tonight might come in handy against a Dartmouth team that’s slipped of late.

The ECAC is off to a strong start, but piling up non-conference wins is key to keeping up appearances for the league.

NHL prospects to watch

If you’re eyeing guys who have been drafted, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled on Vermont. Sophomore defenseman Michael Paliotta is a Blackhawks prospect and he does most of his work setting others up (four assists) and mixing things up (24 PIM). Fellow sophomore blue liner Nick Luukko is a Flyers draftee (his father Peter is a heavy hitter with Comcast and the Flyers organization) and junior forward Connor Brickley (Florida) is the nephew of Bruins broadcaster Andy Brickley. Nice roots there.

As for Dartmouth, they’ve got but one draftee in senior forward Dustin Walsh, a Montreal prospect. With two goals and four assists so far this season, he’s worth keeping an eye on. The undrafted Sikura as well as forwards Eric Robinson, Matt Lindblad, and Brandon McNally should help spice up the DC attack.

(Photo: Dartmouth Sports)