With nine seniors, 16 upperclassmen and its three leading scorers from last season on the roster, one would think the Massachusetts hockey team is primed for success in 2013-14.
However, there's a reason why UMass failed to make the Hockey East Tournament last season and why it's yet again picked to finish second-to-last in the conference. Beyond the top forward line of Branden Gracel, Michael Pereira and Conor Sheary, there aren't a whole lot of reliable scoring options for the Minutemen.
There are players who are capable of contributing. But if last season - a season in which the Minutemen went winless in eight of their final 10 games - is any indication, the pressure will once again fall upon the first line to replicate its 2012-13 showing.
Read more of Canelas: Improved scoring depth essential for UMass in 2013-14
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