The Eagles spill onto the ice to celebrate the win that gives BC its third consecutive Beanpot title.
Millan wins the award for the tournament’s top goaltender, while freshman Johnny Gaudreau wins the tournament’s most valuable player award.
BC’s win marks the Eagles’ third straight Beanpot title. And what an amazing victory this one was. If you’re a fan of hockey, you have to appreciate the competitiveness of this game, as each team had its chances in overtime.
Don’t be surprised if these two teams meet again with bigger things on the line in a few weeks.
Overtime, 17:36, 2-2:Â Wade Megan tried to sneak a backhander top shelf past Milner, but it went wide. Back down the other end, meanwhile, BC’s Pat Mullane — who scored the Eagles’ first goal — nearly slipped one through Millan’s fie-hole, but the BU goalie was able to close the gap just in time.
Overtime, 15:00, 2-2: Both teams are trading scoring chances here in a fast-paced, see-saw overtime. BC has had the superior chances, but BU has come on with some opportunities on its own in the last few minutes.
Matt Nieto threw one on Milner from the doorstop, but Milner was able to corrall it and cover it up for a face-off.
Overtime, 10:30, 2-2: Top-line center Bill Arnold was booted from the face-off circle prior to the last draw, but Steven Whitney was able to win it back. Whitney then charged for the net, nearly screening Millan enough to cause some havoc.
Overtime, 8:42, 2-2: It has been non-stop, end-to-end action here in OT, with each goaltender doing his part to ensure his team emerges victorious. We’ve got a truly thrilling hockey game on our hands at TD Garden.
Milner stopped a slap shot by Ross Gaudet. And just seconds later, Millan nabbed one out of thin air for a face-off.
Overtime, 7:14, 2-2: Wow! BU goalie Kieran Millan has made some fantastic saves to keep BU’s Beanpot title hopes alive.
He stopped a 3-on-1 earlier in the extra period. Then, just moments ago, he made an amazing glove save on a drive by Brian Dumoulin.
Overtime, 2:00, 2-2: A couple of nice saves by the two goaltenders in the opening minute of overtime. BU’s Kieran Milan stared down a bid from Steven Whitney, but Whitney’s drive went just to the right of the net.
End third period, 2-2: Free hockey! The 60th Beanpot will be decided in overtime!
Third period, 19:04, 2-2: Under a minute!
Third period, 18:53, 2-2: What a game we’ve got brewing. Wade Megan let go a blistering slap shot with just over a minute left, but Milner stopped it and we remain tied.
Third period, 15:57, 2-2: NESN.com’s own Mike Cole sent me an e-mail before the start of the third period saying this game has overtime written all over it. He’s about four minutes away from being the smartest man alive.
Third period, 15:02, 2-2: BU nearly caught BC in a full line change. Nicastro tried to push it up ahead to Cason Hohmann, but it was just out of the reach of Hohmann’s stick. As Hohmann tumbled to the ice, the Eagles touched the puck up for icing, setting up a face-off in BU’s zone.
Third period, 12:29, 2-2: A drive by Tommy Cross is batted down before reaching the net, but that marks the best bid for either team in the last minute and a half. Following an icing, we’ll have a face-off in the BU zone.
Third period, 10:43, 2-2: Fantastic glove save by Kieran Millan keeps this game tied!
Third period, 9:47, 2-2: BU defenseman Ryan Ruikka is caught tripping Chris Kreider along the end boards, and BC will go up a man with under 11 minutes left to play in regulation.
Third period, 7:30, 2-2: Garrett Noonan’s second goal of the game ties things up here in the third period. It’s a power-play tally, and it comes with the Terriers holding at two-man advantage. They’ll remain on the power play when play resumes.
Nice effort by Chiasson, who receives an assist after breaking his stick and being forced to go to the bench for a new twig.
Third period, 6:30, BC 2-1: It’ll be a two-man advantage for BU, as Steven Whitney is slapped with a high-sticking penalty and Paul Carey is hit with a boarding call.
BU head coach Jack Parker will use his timeout to talk this one over. The face-off will take place in BC’s zone.
Third period, 15:46, BC 2-1: Fasten your seat belts. We could be in store for a wild end if the rest of this game is any indication.
Third period, 2:40, BC 2-1: Alex Chiasson led a nice rush into the attacking zone for the Terriers, which drew a loud response from the crowd. But Tommy Cross, a 2007 draft pick of the Bruins, was there to block it, sending the puck soaring over the boards and out of play.
Third period, 0:42, BC 2-1: Nice drop pass by BU’s Matt Nieto to linemate Alex Chiasson in the opening minute, but Milner was there for another nice stop.
9:28 p.m.: And the final 20 minutes — perhaps — are under way!
End second period, BC 2-1: BC will carry the lead and the momentum into the locker room after the late goal by Kreider.
Making matter worse for BU is that captain Chris Connolly was assessed a 10-minute misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct following the goal.
Second period, 18:42, BC 2-1: The Eagles don’t let this power-play opportunity slip away.
Junior Chris Kreider took a beautiful centering pass from freshman Johnny Gaudreau, and then buried a wrist shot past Millan for the goal.
Second period, 18:12, 1-1: BC will go on another two-man advantage for 24 seconds as Sean Escobedo is hit with a cross-checking penalty.
Second period, 16:35, 1-1: Noonan’s elation has now given way to frustration, as the sophomore defenseman is tagged with a two-minute minor, giving BC yet another opportunity on the power play.
Second period, 15:11, 1-1: How many times do you see an admirable effort on the penalty kill translate into a big goal moments later?
That’s exactly what just happened for BU.
Following some stellar PK work, the Terriers got a power-play opportunity of their own. And after a nice, tape-to-tape pass, sophomore Garrett Noonan ripped a quick wrister past Milner on the stick side to tie the game up at 1.
Second period, 13:37, BC 1-0: Another nice job by the Terriers’ PK, and we’ll now skate 4-on-4 with BC’s Paul Carey getting slapped with a two-minute hitting-from-behind penalty.
BU may not only get out of this unscathed, but the Terriers could find themselves on the power play here momentarily.
Second period, 11:28, BC 1-0: Plenty of chances for BC with the two-man advantage, but BU stood tall defensively. The Terriers did a nice job of clogging up the passing lanes in deep and consistently keeping a man in the shooter’s face.
That’s the good news for BU. The bad news? Ryan Ruikka has been assessed a two-minute penalty, and BC will have another power play.
It’s also worth noting that Millan made a couple of nice stops, including a nice, glove save after the penalty had expired.
Second period, 9:44, BC 1-0: Huge opportunity for Boston College, as the Eagles will have a two-man advantage for nearly an entire two minutes. First, it was Garrett Noonan who went off, and seconds later, Chris Connolly went off for high sticking.
Second period, 9:25, BC 1-0: And the “safety school” chants commence. But hey, any education is good, right?
Either way, both goaltenders continue to play well in this one, especially Parker Milner of BC. He hasn’t been tested nearly as much as Kieran Millan, though. as the Eagles hold a 20-10 shot advantage through a period and a half.
Second period, 6:39, BC 1-0: Parker Milner is officially standing on his head tonight.
The BC netminder just made another fantastic stop, sprawling to his left as BU’s power play expires to rob both Chiasson and captain Chris Connolly.
Second period, 4:22, BC 1-0: BC junior Brian Dumoulin let go a point-blank blast, but it went for naught. Now, the Eagles will be forced to play down a man, as Michael Sit will head to the box for two minutes for holding.
It’s a golden opportunity for BU to knot this thing up. Then again, we saw what happened the last time BC went down a man. The game’s lone goal, of course, was a shorty off the stick of Pat Mullane.
Second period, 2:00, BC 1-0: The Internet was acting funny over here at the Garden during the first intermission, but I’ll do my best to keep you all up to speed.
Few notes from the first 20 minutes of action: BC outshot BU 15-9 in the opening frame.
The only goal came off the stick of Pat Mullane, and it was assisted by Chris Kreider.
End first period, BC 1-0: Defenseman Ryan Ruikka let go a blast with just over a minute to go, but again Milner was able to make a nice stop look easy.
After 20 minutes here at TD Garden, the Eagles remain on top, 1-0.
First period, 18:25, BC 1-0: BU was able to put together its best scoring chance of the game thus far, with sophomore Matt Nieto setting up junior Alex Chiasson out in front. BC goalie Parker Milner had nice positioning on it, though, cutting down Chiasson’s angle and giving him very little to work with.
Back down the other end, Bill Arnold threatened to put one on the board for BC, but Kieran was there for the stop.
First period, 14:41, BC 1-0: We’ll skate 4-on-4 once again, as BC’s Brian Dumoulin has been asssessed a two-minute minor for tripping.
First period, 13:57, BC 1-0: The Eagles will go on their first man advantage of the evening, as BU’s Wade Megan (one of last week’s heroes) goes off for two minutes.
First period, 13:00, BC 1-0: The Eagles threatened to put another one on the board via a 2-on-1, but Kevin Hayes’ centering pass couldn’t connect.
Millan has been forced to remain on his toes between the pipes here through the first half-period, a stark contrast from last week when the BU netminder was able to settle into a zone early.
We now have matching penalties coming up, with BC’s Steven Whitney and BU’s Max Nicastro both going off for two minutes for roughing.
You know what that means, folks: a lot of room for those skill players — and there’s plenty of them on both sides.
First period, 8:54, BC 1-0: We saw just how dangerous BC can still be while on the penalty kill during last week’s win over Northeastern, and the Eagles have done it again here in the final.
Junior Pat Mullane corralled an airborn puck and carried into the offensive zone while the Eagles tried to kill off the penalty to Smith. He then put it top shelf past Kieran Millan to give BC a 1-0 edge.
First period, 7:38, 0-0: We saw the consolation game get more physical as the game went on earlier, but this one has been physical from the get-go.
A scrum broke out in front of the net, with freshman Quinn Smith at the heart of it. Roughly a minute later, Smith has been sent off for boarding. BU will have the man advantage for two minutes.
First period, 6:44, 0-0: Nice cycling of the puck by BU in the offensive zone, but a big hit by BC senior Paul Carey sent the action the other way. The Eagles looked to create an odd-man rush, and Patrick Wey let go a blast from the left circle, but it sailed wide.
First period, 4:34, 0-0: BU had a nice 3-on-1 opportunity, which put everyone on their edge of their seats, but nothing came of it. BC has registered the only shot on net through the first four-plus minutes of this one.
First period, 1:54, 0-0: Both teams have come out with a lot of energy in the early going, much to the delight of those in attendance. BU netminder Kieran Millan, who played extremely well in last week’s opening round, makes a nice stop, giving us the game’s first whistle.
7:41 p.m.: We’re under way.
7:40 p.m.: Only drawback of indoor sporting events is the lack of a fly over. Here you go.
7:30 p.m.: The two teams have hit the ice, and the respective fan bases have started to try to drain each other’s chants out. Once again, everyone on BU “sucks,” according to the BC fans in attendance.
The TD Garden is filling out quite nicely, with the overwhelming majority of those in attendance rooting for BC, although there are still plenty of BU fans in the house.
7:10 p.m.: We’re about a half hour away from the opening face-off with No. 2 BU seeking its 30th Beanpot title in the tournament’s 60-year history. BC, meanwhile, is looking for its third straight Beanpot crown.
The Eagles will be rocking the gold jerseys, while the Terriers will sport the red and whites.
The place is starting to fill up a bit, as it has been since the closing moments of the consolation game. Both teams’ fans were very loud last week per usual, so the Garden could get a little wild here tonight.
Who is everyone pulling for in this one? Tyler Seguin already shared his thoughts, and he’s going with BU in this one. The Bruins forward was quick to note that it’s nothing against BC, though, as he just has a friend who plays for the Terriers.
Final, Harvard 3-2: Exciting end to the evening’s first game. The Huskies were able to work the puck back down to Harvard’s end, earning a face-off with just over 13 seconds to play.
They were then able to fire a few shots at the net, with two of the three sliding past the top of the crease. The Crimson were able to hold off the Huskies in the end, though, giving them a third-place finish for this year’s Beanpot.
Third period, 19:26, Harvard 3-2: Harvard’s empty-net bid hits the post. Northeastern’s still alive, but Witt will have to momentarily return to the net with the draw in Northeastern’s zone.
Third period, 19:00, Harvard 3-2: Northeastern is applying some pressure here late, with one bid sailing just over Michalek’s shoulder. There’s been very few whistles in the closing minutes, and the Huskies have pulled the goalie in an effort to score the equalizer.
Third period, 13:57, Harvard 3-2: And just like that, Northeastern answers back.
Following some traffic out in front of the Harvard net, sophomore Luke Eibler snuck the bouncing puck past Michalek for Northeastern’s second goal. It’s Eibler’s first goal of the season, and it makes this a one-goal game again.
Not a bad time for your first tally of the year.
Third period, 13:44, Harvard 3-1: So much for the Golden opportunity, as Harvard’s Luke Greiner scores shorthanded to extend Harvard’s lead to 3-1 with under seven minutes to play.
Third period, 12:13, Harvard 2-1: A fantastic save by Steve Michalek on a backhanded bid keeps Harvard in front. The Crimson will be forced to play down a man for two minutes, though, as David Valek goes off for roughing.
Golden opportunity for Northeastern.
Third period, 8:06, Harvard 2-1: Anthony Bitetto, who scored Northeastern’s lone goal last week versus BC, had a nice scoring opportunity near the left face-off circle, but it soared way wide of the net.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that Northeastern’s Clay Witt has played a pretty solid game between the pipes to keep this just a one-goal game.
Third period, 5:17, Harvard 2-1: In typical Beanpot fashion, things have grown more and more physical as we get deeper into this contest. Alex Fallstrom delivered a big shot for Harvard, but Northeastern’s Zak Stone provided one of his own just moments later.
Third period, 1:26, Harvard 2-1: A few tidbits to wrap up the second period as we get back to action here in the third and final frame. Harvard has outshot Northeastern 27-17, including 15-11 in the second.
In total, the Crimson have unleased 49 shots through two periods.
End second period, Harvard 2-1: The second period comes to an end. Harvard and Northeastern traded goals in the middle frame, with Alex Fallstrom’s goal putting the Crimson back on top late.
Northeastern seemed to pick up some momentum after scoring their lone goal in the second, but Fallstrom’s goal may have just swung the pendulum back in Harvard’s favor with 20 minutes to go.
Second period, 18:13, Harvard 2-1: Harvard has recaptured the lead.
Junior Alex Fallstrom unleashed a blistering wrister that beat Clay Witt stick side for the goal.
Freshman Tommy O’Regan and sophomore Dan Ford are credited with the assists. O’Regan’s helper is his second, as he also picked up an assist on Killorn’s first-period goal.
Second period, 17:12, 1-1: Some of the first real oohs and ahhs of the evening, as Steve Michalek makes a nice stop with the left pad.
Second period, 16:42, 1-1: The second period is motoring along here, with action going back and forth. The whistle finally blows with a face-off in Harvard’s end.
Second period, 14:49, 1-1: Harvard let go a number of shots from the point in the last few minutes in an effort to keep Clay Witt on his toes, but they all failed to land on net.
Freshman Colin Blackwell followed up with a nice chance on the doorstep, but Witt was able to deny him access to the twine.
Second period, 10:10, 1-1: Nice little scoring bid by Northeastern junior Garrett Vermeersch. Michalek was able to make the stop, but it sat in the crease momentarily until Danny Biega brushed it aside for the Crimson.
Second period, 8:39, 1-1: The Crimson kill off the penalty without any further damage. Northeastern has come alive in the second, though, and the pace is picking up a bit.
Second period, 5:45, 1-1: Harvard’s David Valek goes to the box for two minutes. We’ll see if Northeastern can keep its momentum going here while playing up a man.
Second period, 4:07, 1-1: It’s funny how games can go. After Harvard controlled the tempo again for the first four minutes of the second, upping their shot advantage to 17-7 in the process, Northeastern gets on the board on a fluky goal.
Junior Robbie Vrolyk threw a shot on net that hit off Michalek’s chest. It then trickled down and into the net, however, tying the score at 1 apiece. The goal is Vrolyk’s fifth of the season.
Second period, 2:46, Harvard 1-0: Harvard remains in control here to start the second period. A good scoring bid was denied in the opening 30 seconds, and the Crimson have done a good job of applying the pressure since.
End first period, Harvard 1-0: Killorn’s goal remains the only scoring in the game thus far, but Harvard has controlled the pace of the game. Michalek hasn’t really been tested in net by the Huskies except for a quick, two-shot barrage about midway through the first during a short man advantage.
Harvard, meanwhile, has been able to keep most of the action in their offensive zone, outshooting Northeastern 12-6 through 20 minutes.
First period, 17:02, Harvard 1-0: Harvard’s Eric Kroshus tries throw one on net via the backhand, but he’s not able to generate much force on it, and Witt covers it up.
First period, 11:44, Harvard 1-0: Ted Donato’s Harvard bunch scores first. It’s Alex Killorn that gets the Crimson on the board. It’s his 16th tally of the season.
Killorn showed great patience on the play, as he received the pass, and slowly crept in on the Northeastern goaltender while going to the backhand. He then brought it back to the forehand at the last second, and slid it past Witt for the goal.
First period, 9:25, 0-0: We’ll get some 4-on-4 action briefly, as senior Alex Killorn is sent to the box for Harvard. The Huskies will then enjoy a short power play once McLaughlin escapes the box.
First period, 8:04, 0-0: Make that two posts.
Just minutes after Ford clanked iron, freshman defenseman Patrick McNally hit the post on a wrister. Ford followed up with his second strong scoring chance of the game, but his shot sailed just to the right of the net.
Harvard’s blueliners are really playing well in the early going, minimizing Northeastern’s offensive attack, while also jumping up on the forecheck and providing the Crimson with some solid scoring chances.
Harvard will now go on the power play, marking the first man advantage for either team tonight. I’ts senior Mike McLaughlin that goes off for two minutes for holding.
First period, 3:50, 0-0: Not a lot of offense thus far, with a majority of the action taking place in the neutral zone.
Harvard sophomore Dan Ford did clank iron, though. He was set up for a one-timer by senior Eric Kroshus, but Ford’s bid just missed sneaking in on Witt’s glove side.
Northeastern’s Drew Ellement then nearly hit Robbie Vrolyk on a long pass, which would have set up a breakaway, but it was just out of the reach of the outstretched junior forward.
4:30 p.m.: And we’re under way. It’ll be Steve Michalek in net for Harvard. Northeastern counters with Clay Witt after Chris Rawlings got the start in the opening round.
4:15 p.m.: We’re about ready for this evening’s appetizer, in which Northeastern will take on Harvard in the consolation game. We’ve got about 15 minutes before face-off, though, so use the bathroom, get your snacks, do whatever it is you normally do. Then, check back here for all the craziness.
8 a.m. ET: While there’s more than bragging rights at stake for Monday’s Beanpot final between Boston College and Boston University, you can bet that the ability for the victor to gloat is enough for some of the students who will be in attendance.
These two schools make up perhaps the most storied rivalry in college hockey, and the Beanpot has long served as one of the biggest stages for it. BU — or “Beanpot U” as its become known as over the years because of its 29 Beanpot Tournament titles — is looking to return to glory, while BC enters Monday’s clash having won the tournament crown two years in a row.
In last Monday’s semifinal round, BU took down Harvard, 3-1, in the early game, and BC emerged victorious via a 7-1 rout over Northeastern in the later game.
Both BU and BC are once again enjoying fantastic seasons, as Terriers head coach Jack Parker and Eagles head coach Jerry York have again demonstrated why they’re among the best to ever coach college hockey.
The opening face-off for the Beanpot final will commence at 7:30 p.m.
Prior to that, though, Northeastern and Harvard will square off in the consolation game. The puck will drop at 4:30 p.m. in that showdown.
Follow all the action on NESN, and stay with NESN.com’s live blog throughout the day for continuous updates and the sort.
