Ryan Leonard helped push top-seeded Boston College past an upset bid from Bentley University in the first round of this year’s NCAA tournament on Friday.
The 20-year-old forward recorded two points (1g, 1a) in the 3-1 win. Leonard’s goal, an empty-netter, was his 30th of the season and came just 45 seconds after linemate James Hagens scored the game-winning goal with just 1:17 left in regulation.
Leonard now has 30-goal seasons in two straight years, becoming the first Division-I NCAA player to post back-to-back 30-goal seasons since Cam Atkinson did so in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Per USCHO.com, he is also the first player this millennium to achieve the feat in his first two collegiate seasons.
The top Washington Capitals prospect recorded his other point on the Eagles’ first goal of the game. Leonard made a move into the high slot but, instead of shooting, filtered the puck down low to Gabe Perreault, who beat Bentley goaltender Connor Hasley.
Leonard, a Hobey Baker Award finalist, has recorded 49 points (30g, 19a) in 36 games this season. He leads the nation in goals (30), game-winning goals (9), and plus/minus (+32).
Boston College now moves on in their New Hampshire-based regional. They’ll play the winner of Providence and Denver’s first-round game for an opportunity to go to this year’s Frozen Four.
Leonard is expected to sign his entry-level contract with the Capitals once his postseason with BC ends. The contending Caps factored in his potential cap hit in their trade deadline plans.
