Ryan Leonard scored perhaps the prettiest goal of his college career for the no. 2 ranked Boston College Eagles on Tuesday night. The marker, his eighth of the season, downed no. 10 ranked Providence College 3-2 in overtime.
The 19-year-old winger whiffed on an initial shot but stuck with the play, twisted his stick behind his back, and trickled a backhand through the five-hole of Providence netminder Philip Svedebäck. The crafty goal came with just 48.4 seconds remaining in the extra frame.
Leonard has three game-winning goals in his last four games and four total on the season. He is also on a four-game goal streak, tied for the longest in his college career.
Boston College was only in position to win the game in overtime because Leonard tied the game 2-2 with 4:04 remaining in regulation. He chipped in an assist on BC’s lone other goal, a Gabe Perreault strike early in the first period.
Leonard has 14 points (8g, 6a) in 10 games this season after back-to-back three-point performances. His eight goals are tied for third in the nation, trailing the leader, Denver’s Sam Harris, by just two goals.
With the win, Boston College improved to 8-2-0 this year and 3-1 against the rest of Hockey East. The Eagles will square off in a back-to-back with in-state rival Northeastern University later this week.
Leonard had one goal in two games against Northeastern last season. The two teams split their season set, 1-1.
