The last time a team other than BC or BU won the title was in 1994, when Harvard took home the crown. The Terriers disposed of the Crimson in the first first-round matchup of the night, though, while the Eagles dominated the second contest of the evening.
Johnny Gaudreau, Steven Whitney and Paul Carey each recorded two goals for Boston College in the rout, with Barry Almeida adding the other.
BU and BC will meet up in the Beanpot final next Monday at 7:30 p.m., and NESN will have you covered every step of the way.
Third period, 17:20, BC 7-1: Boston College adds another goal late. This one came off the stick of Paul Carey, who also recorded the Eagles' first of the game. He's one of three BC players with two goals, joining Steven Whitney and Johnny Gaudreau.
Third period, 16:34, BC 6-1: This third period has consisted mostly of the Eagles playing keepaway, while their fans scream out various songs in the stands — some good, some bad.
Either way, we're winding down here. Northeastern's Dan Cornell let go a blast from the right point, but Milner was there to make the stop.
Third period, 11:58, BC 6-1: The fans on hand, most of which are BC fans, have begun counting down the minutes. They're also chanting, "We want the cup," something Bruins fans know a thing or two about.
The game got a bit chippy there for a minute, which is always a concern in one-sided affairs such as this. The refs are trying to settle things down before things escalate any more.
The Eagles will now have a four-minute power play in addition to their 6-1 lead.
Third period, 8:57, BC 6-1: Clay Witt, a sophomore from Brandon, Fla., took over in net for the Huskies to start the third period. The Eagles have now slipped one past him.
Barry Almeida one-timed a puck that bounced off the end boards past Witt, extending the Eagles' lead to 6-1. Whitney's fantastic night continues, as he's credited with an assist on the goal.
Third period, 7:30, BC 5-1: Northeastern's Braden Pimm now heads to the box, wiping out the Huskies' power-play chance.
Third period, 6:03, BC 5-1: BC's Destry Straight heads to the penalty box for two minutes for holding. Typically, you'd say this is a chance to chip away. In this case, however, it's also a chance for BC's Steven Whitney (who has two shorthanded goals already) to pick up the hat trick.
Third period, 4:02, BC 5-1: The game's turned into a blowout. Fortunately, there's people like the guy in the sideways blue hat on the Jumbotron to keep everyone entertained.
TD Garden definitely cleared out in advance of the final period. And although that means it's much more quiet, it also means I'll have more of an opportunity to hear random comments (all of which I'll share, of course).
Anyways, in terms of the action on the ice, the third period has started off with a much slower pace than the second period, when both teams came out firing before BC eventually seized control. We'll see how aggressive Northeastern gets in the upcoming minutes.
Second intermission notes: It was simply a dominating period for Boston College. The Eagles have controlled the tempo of the game, and Northeastern's Chris Rawlings really doesn't look comfortable between the pipes right now.
BC's three second-period goals were recorded by Steven Whitney (two shorthanded goals, 6:51 and 13:11) and Johnny Gaudreau (8:58).
In order to really see the Eagles' dominance in that frame, look no further than the shot total. Heading into the period, BC had a 15-10 advantage in terms of shots on goal. Coming out of it, they hold a 29-16 edge, meaning the Eagles outshot the Terriers 14-6, truly a reflection of their time of possession. BC is simply letting it rip out there, launching 52 total shots to Northeastern's 27, a technique that appears to be working for Jerry York's bunch.
End second period, BC 5-1: It's now simply a matter of BC closing this one out. With a commanding 5-1 lead following a strong second period in which the Eagles outscored the Huskies 3-0, BC appears well on its way to heading back to the Beanpot final.
The Eagles have won back-to-back Beanpot titles and would square off with the rival Boston University Terriers if they're able to hold on in this one. Of course, there's still plenty of hockey to be played, but it's going to take a momumental comeback for Northeastern to throw a wrench into BC's plans for next Monday.
Second period, 16:34, BC 5-1: The Eagles will get a chance to add to their total in the closing minutes of the second period. Anthony Bitetto goes off for two minutes, meaning BC will be up a man.
Second period, 15:11, BC 5-1: …And they've done it again. Down a man, the Eagles managed to get a 2-on-1 opportunity, and they didn't disappoint.
Steve Whitney's initial bid was blocked by Anthony Bitetto, who has Northeastern's only goal, but Whitney gathered up the loose puck and fired in a wrister. It's not only Whitney's second goal of the game, but it's his second shorthanded goal of the game.
It's now a race to see who will get the hat trick first: Gaudreau or Whitney.
Second period, 11:40, BC 4-1: Northeastern is going to have to start scoring in bunches. It's first real opportunity is coming up with Gaudreau going to the box for two minutes. That kills two birds with one stone, as the freshman has been the Eagles' best offensive player tonight…By the way, kill two birds with one stone, Eagles, get it? Moving on…
It's worth noting that the Huskies not only didn't convert on their last power play attempt, but they let up a shorthanded goal.
Second period, 8:58, BC 4-1: The Eagles have seized control. Boston College's second goal of the period extends the lead to 4-1.
Chris Rawlings batted an outside shot down, but BC was able to clean up the garbage in front. There were a couple of sticks jamming at the loose puck, but it's Johnny Gaudreau who will once again be credited with the tally. It's his second goal of the evening, and the freshman also has an assist under his belt tonight.
And in case you weren't aware that Gaudreau is a freshman, the BC fans in attendance were sure to let you know, chanting, "He's a freshman."
Second period, 6:57, BC 3-1: So much for taking advantage of the power play. It's the Eagles who come up with a goal while down a man.
After a costly miscue in the neutral zone by Northeastern, during which the Huskies were a bit overaggressive, BC's Barry Almeida corralled the puck and carried it into the attacking zone. He then delivered a perfect, tape-to-tape, cross-ice pass to Steven Whitney, who buried it via a one-timer.
Second period, 5:43, BC 2-1: Chris Kreider will head to the box for the second time tonight, and the Huskies will go on the power play with a chance to tie things up. Northeastern is 0-for-2 on the mad advantage thus far.
Second period, 5:00, BC 2-1: The Eagles did their best to stuff one past Rawlings, and actually did. The goal light went on, and the Eagles fans in attendance momentarily went nuts. However, the zebras had blown the whistle, so it's nothing more than a faceoff in Northeastern's end.
Second period, 2:40, BC 2-1: Both teams are trying to take advantage of the fresh sheet of ice with a quick pace. After getting the puck in deep, Northeastern tried to stuff one home. There were plenty of sticks jamming at the puck as Milner covered it up, but the BC goaltender had a firm grasp on it.
Back down the other end, Rawlings gloved a wrister for a whistle. There was a lot of velocity behind it, but it was like a pitcher painting the corner — right in the mitt.
9:10 p.m.: The two mascots are having a 1-on-1 shootout during the intermission. Interesting.
First intermission notes: Boston College has the distinct shot advantage in the early going, unleashing 24 to Northeastern's 14. Of those 24 shots, 15 made it through to the net for BC, while Northeastern has totaled 10 shots on net through 20 minutes.
Paul Carey (5:14) and Johnny Gaudreau (9:43) are the goal scorers for BC. Anthony Bitetto (12:34) has Northeastern's lone goal.
End first period, BC 2-1: Johnny Gaudreau has his fingerprints all over this game. The freshman nearly added another goal for BC, as he seemingly had a mile of open net at the right post. Rawlings was able to recover, though, and he made a fantastic diving stop to keep the game at 2-1.
That's where we stand at the end of 20 minutes. The Eagles controlled play early, but the Huskies have shown a great deal of fight. Despite only being a period deep, this game looks like it'll be much more wide open than the first game of the evening, from which the Terriers emerged victorious.
First period, 16:55, BC 2-1: Some end-to-end action in the past couple of minutes. After a puck went up into the air, BC goalie Parker Miner lost sight of it, and an Eagles defenseman was forced to sweep it out of the crease.
The biscuit then sailed out of the BC zone, and Northeastern's Alex Tuckerman lost an edge in the neutral zone. The Eagles put together a nice scoring opportunity to no avail, at which point the Huskies started the attack back up the other end.
Freshman Robbie Vrolyk tried a wraparound, which worked for BU in the earlier game, but it was denied by Milner. Freshman Dan Cornell then threw a slapper on net, but that too was corralled by the BC netminder.
First period, 15:14, BC 2-1: We're back to even-strength, as BC kills off the remainder of Northeastern's power play.
First period, 12:34, BC 2-1: Northeastern capitalizes on its first power-play opportunity of the game, scoring with a two-man advantage to trim BC's lead to 2-1.
Sophomore Anthony Bitetto slapped a one-timer past Milner off a feed from freshman Ludwig Karlsson.
The goal came while Northeastern had a two-man advantage, so the Huskies remain on the power play.
First period, 12:14, BC 2-0: Chris Kreider's penalty has given Northeastern a power play, but the Eagles are the ones who've still applied the pressure despite playing a man down. Steven Whitney stole the puck and skated in all alone on a breakway, but he was unable to bury it.
Whitney then received a two-minute minor, meaning Northeastern will have a two-man advantage for nearly a minute. Excellent chance for the Huskies to get back in this game and seize some momentum.
First period, 10:00, BC 2-0: A nice defensive zone faceoff win by Pat Mullane sent the action in the other direction for the Eagles, who used a couple of shots from the point off the stick of Patch Alber to keep Chris Rawlings on his toes.
The Huskies eventually cleared the puck out of the zone, but Johnny Gaudreau, who provided the nifty pass on Paul Carey's earlier goal, charged it and slipped it through the five hole to put BC on top 2-0.
First period, 7:12, BC 1-0: The Huskies tried to answer right back, but a breakaway opportunity was denied by BC goalie Parker Milner.
First period, 5:50, BC 1-0: Following an unreal rendition of DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat" by the Boston College band, the Eagles got on the board first.
Senior Paul Carey took a drop pass from Johnny Gaudreau in the slot and slapped it past Rawlings for the game's opening tally.
First period, 4:14, 0-0: With the Eagles rocking the gold and the Huskies rocking the red, the two are under way at TD Garden.
A slapper from the point was stopped by Northeastern goaltender Chris Rawlings, but the Eagles are controlling play through the first few minutes of this game, outshooting the Huskies 5-1.
…And the general theme amongst the BC fans is that everyone on Northeastern "sucks."
8:20 p.m.: And Boston College head coach Jerry York is officially introduced as Mr. Jerry York. That's what happens when you lead a school to three national titles.
Regardless, it's a much more boisterous crowd for this one…that's loud for the layperson.
8:09 p.m.: We're almost set for tonight's second game, and a "Let's Go Eagles" chant has started up.
Now that I think of it, I'm thinking I should get a screaming eagle tattoo, for no reason other than I'm a huge fan of America…and Patriotism.
Anyway, Boston College (16-10-1) enters this evening's clash as the fifth ranked team in the country, according to USCHO.com's poll — or the fourth ranked, according to the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll. Northeastern, meanwhile, has had an up-and-down season, currently sitting at 7-11-2 and eighth in the Hockey East standings.
Final, BU 3-1: Harvard applied some more late pressure, but Kieran Millan was truly fantastic in net for the Terriers this evening.
Both Danny Biega and Alex Fallstrom made a bid to cut into BU's lead in the closing minute, but Millan kept the biscuit out of the basket.
Millan stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced in the game, and Wade Megan notched two goals for the Terriers, who will now face the winner of the Boston College-Northeastern clash. That matchup is set to kick off at 8 p.m.
Third period, 18:17, BU 3-1: Head coach Ted Donato has pulled his goaltender with less than two minutes remaining. The Crimson will go with the extra attacker in an effort to cut into this lead and eventually erase it.
Jerry York wants to talk it over, and he calls a timeout for the Terriers.
Third period, 17:13, BU 3-1: Nieto, who already has a goal for the Terriers tonight, was nearly sprung on a breakaway, but the pass was slapped down. Harvard continues to apply the pressure, outplaying BU in this third frame.
Third period, 15:06, BU 3-1: Evan Rodrigues tried to toe drag after entering the offensive zone, but a well-disciplined defensive play stopped him before he could really dig into the bag of tricks.
Alex Fallstrom then sailed a shot by Millan, drawing some ooh's and ahh's from the crowd. Everson followed up with a scoring chance of his own, but he too was denied.
That brief stretch marked the most consistent pressure Harvard has applied in this period, as it's starting to settle in that desperation time is on the horizon.
The Boston College contingent is beginning to file in for the evening's second game, resulting in mixed reviews every time someone is shown on the Jumbotron.
Third period, 11:41, BU 3-1: Max Nicastro and Garrett Noonan are the D pair out there for BU's faceoff in the offensive zone. We could be in store for a heavy dose of Clendening down the stretch, though, perhaps alongside Noonan.
Third period, 9:36, BU 3-1: Harvard has spent a great deal of time in the attacking zone in the past couple of minutes, but it has nothing to show for it, as the Crimson haven't really generated any high percentage chances.
Millan continues his slick play beween the pipes for the Terriers.
Third period, 7:00, BU 3-1: Harvard did a good job of generating some pressure on its most recent forecheck, spearheaded by the Crimson's top line.
Marshall Everson nearly tipped a shot from the point past Millan, but it deflected just wide of the net. He then had a follow-up bid, but it hit off the side of the net.
BU had a nice chance of its own on its ensuing offensive possession, but Girard made a nice stop. The sophomore netminder has done a pretty nice job between the pipes since coming in for Steve Michalek during the second period.
At first, it appeared Michalek may have been pulled because of an equipment issue, as he headed straight for the locker room after getting taken out. Ted Donato has stuck with Girard, however, with Michalek currently sitting on the Harvard bench.
Third period, 2:31, BU 3-1: The Terriers thought they had increased their lead to 4-1, which would have been borderline insurmountable. However, after further review, it was determined that the puck hit the inside of the post over Girard's left shoulder (glove side) and bounced out. Harvard's hopes remain very much alive.
Second intermission notes: The second period featured seven penalties in total — four assessed to BU and three handed to Harvard. You've got to appreciate the increasing passion with which these two teams are playing, but it'll be crucial for the Terriers to maintain their composure and play disciplined hockey down the stretch as they cling to a 3-1 lead.
The period's goal scorers wer BU's Wade Megan, who recorded both of the Terriers' tallies (7:30, 14:02), and Alex Killorn, who got Harvard on the board at 15:27.
The Crimson hold a slide edge in the shot department, throwing 20 shots on net to the Terriers' 19.
End second period, BU 3-1: The action really picked up at the end of the second period, with both teams notching a goal in the final six minutes. It's also clear these two teams realize what's at stake, as the intensity level has certainly increased throughout the course of this game.
Second period, 17:33, BU 3-1: Unsurprisingly, the intensity is picking up a bit here as the game progresses. After BU's Max Nicastro and Harvard's Alex Fallstrom were handed matching roughing penalties, Terriers defenseman Adam Clendening goes off for two minutes for interference. We'll have a rare 4-on-3 situation before Harvard goes on the power play.
Second period, 16:45, BU 3-1: Harvard has made a change between the pipes. Sophomore Raphael Girard, a Quebec native, replaces Steve Michalek.
Second period, 15:28, BU 3-1: Harvard has gotten on the board here late in the second period behind an Alex Killorn power-play goal.
Killorn's goal is his 15th of the season, and we have a game again. It's also encouraging for the Crimson considering how well Kieran Millan had played in net for BU up until this point.
Second period, 14:02, BU 3-0: The Terriers are now in complete control of this one, as Wade Megan buries his second goal of the period.
Megan snuck it past Michalek on the backhand, and the assist goes to Sahir Gill, who also helped set up Megan's goal earlier in the period.
Second period, 13:41, BU 2-0: Neither team capitalizes on the extra space given to them by way of the 4-on-4, and we're back to even strength.
Nieto was nearly hit with a slap pass out of the box, which would have given the Terriers a sure breakaway, but a Crimson defender was able to knock it down before any damage was done.
Second period, 11:36, BU 2-0: Well, the ice will open up a bit here. Matt Nieto is slapped with a roughing call, bringing us to 4-on-4 action for the next minute, after which Harvard will enjoy — or hope to enjoy — a power play.
Second period, 10:36, BU 2-0: BU's top line of Nieto-Connolly-Chiasson is really skating well tonight. They just applied some more pressure in the attacking zone, looking like they're a half a step ahead of the Crimson on each of their forechecks.
The Terriers will have the luxury of going on another power play just past the halfway point of the second, as Harvard's Alex Killorn goes off for high sticking.
Second period, 7:30, BU 2-0: With Harvard failing to capitalize on its scoring chances, you just got the sense it was only a matter of time before BU extended its lead.
Wade Megan slapped a rebound bid past Michalek for the Terriers' second goal. Sahir Gill and Sean Escobedo receive the assists. Escobedo's is his second of the game.
6:10 p.m.: From the interesting tidbit department, the place has filled up a bit here within the past few minutes. People must've gone with the get out of work, hit the 99 for a cocktail and then head over to the Garden approach. It's a good game plan.
Second period, 5:39, BU 1-0: A little dipsy doodle from freshman Tommy O'Regan gave Harvard another nice bid. But again, Millan was able to make the stop.
O'Regan made a nifty toe drag before unleashing a wrist shot on Millan, but the Terriers netminder was able to make the stop look relatively routine.
BU's now going on its fourth power play of the night, as Eric Kroshus is sent off for two minutes for boarding.
Second period, 2:25, BU 1-0: Gutsy shift by BU's Evan Rodrigues. The freshman battled hard out in front of the net, keeping Michalek on his toes between the pipes. He then grabbed the puck in the corner, circled around, and threw a shot on net, which Michalek covered up after making the stop.
Things then got a bit chippy after the whistle, with Harvard defenseman Brendan Rempel sending Justin Courtnall to the ice.
First intermission notes: BU started to control play a bit during the middle course of the opening period, but Harvard put together a couple of chances late, none better than Blackwell's breakaway opportunity.
The shots are even at nine apiece, but in terms of quality scoring opportunities, BU has the edge, due in large part to its three power-play chances.
The Terriers are 0-for-3 on the man advantage through 20 minutes, though, while Harvard also failed to score on its only power-play chance.
The game's lone goal thus far was netted by Matt Nieto from Alex Chiasson and Sean Escobedo at 8:14.
End first, BU 1-0: An excellent opportunity for Harvard late in the first period is denied by goaltender Kieran Millan.
Colin Blackwell skated in all alone on the breakaway while the Crimson were shorthanded, but Millan made a fantastic pad save on the freshman's bid.
We head into the first break of the night with the top ranked Terriers out in front, 1-0.
First period, 16:25, BU 1-0: Right after Everson's penalty expired, the junior winger is heading back to the sin bin, this time for hitting from behind — the second such call in this game.
The penalty prompts a, "You can't do that!" chant from the BU Faithful. And you know what? They're right.
First period, 15:00, BU 1-0: The Terriers were unable to convert on their first power-play chance of the night, but they applied plenty of pressure while up a man.
BU's second line appears to be skating really well, generating the team's best opportunity on the man advantage. Junior Wade Megan centered a pass for sophomore Sahir Gill that Gill nearly buried for the Terriers' second goal. It sailed just wide, though, and the advantage remains at 1-0.
The play was a bit similar to Chiasson's bid off Connolly's feed early in the period, traveling just to the left of Michalek on his stick side.
BU will now have another power play, though, as junior Marshall Everson is summoned to the box.
First period, 11:55, BU 1-0: Harvard was awarded the first man advantage of the evening, but the Crimson were unable to capitalize. Now, it'll be BU's turn.
Senior winger Rence Coassin was slapped with a hitting from behind penalty after he sent defenseman Sean Escobedo flying into the net following a hard wrist shot from Dan Ford.
First period, 8:14, BU 1-0: The Terriers have struck first with an NHL 94 style goal.
Alex Chiasson carried the puck into the attacking zone before delivering a crisp pass over to sophomore Matt Nieto. Nieto then displayed fantastic patience, carrying the puck around the net for a wraparound goal.
Michalek tried to cut down the angle on Nieto, who had a clear path to the net, and was unable to recover when Nieto opted to try for the wraparound.
The goal is Nieto's 11th of the season. The band promptly breaks out in the Vengaboys' "Boom Boom Boom." No train sightings yet, though. Maybe I'll start it up.
First period, 5:30, 0-0: After a quiet first few minutes following the game's opening faceoff, action has picked up a bit. Both goaltenders have stood tall in the early going, though.
BU netminder Kieran Millan made a pair of nice stops. Back down the other end, meanwhile, Harvard goalie Steve Michalek made a couple of nice saves, as well.
BU captain Chris Connolly nearly connected with a streaking Alex Chiasson out in front, but Chiasson's bid sailed just to the left of Michalek. Ryan Ruikka followed that up with a shot from the point, but Michalek again steered it aside.
The Terriers are generating a good rush through the neutral zone early.
First period, 1:21, 0-0: We're under way, and the two fan bases are trading chants early, with BU holding the slight edge.
On the ice, BU defenseman Patrick MacGregor slapped the only shot we've seen on net thus far.
5 p.m.: We're just about ready to get things under way here at the TD Garden for the 60th annual Beanpot tournament. Boston College will be seeking its third straight win at the event, but it's Boston University (16-8-1) and Harvard (7-6-9) that will kick things off here this evening.
The Terriers enter the contest as the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, jumping up two spots in the poll this week. Minnesota received more first place votes (22 to 12) but BU accumulated more points (930 to 922) in the rankings. BC checks in at No. 5.
They'll be dropping the puck in roughly 10 minutes, but here's a look at some of what's at stake in this always intense tournament.
As always, I'll do my best to keep you informed, entertained and on the edge of your seat throughout the evening's happenings. I was already asked about this in the elevator when arriving, so that's when you know it's going to be a good night.
12 p.m.: The 2012 Beanpot tournament is upon us.
Boston University and Harvard take the TD Garden ice at 5 p.m. so get their early, sports fans.
NESN has you covered every step of the way. At 4 p.m., NESN will air the one-hour special The Beanpot: 60 Years of Boston Hockey History. Between games, NESN will be cranking out a live show to recap the first game and preview the second game.
Following the Boston College-Northeastern tilt, keep it on NESN for a live episode of NESN Daily.
For all in-game updates and analysis, follow along with NESN.com's live blog.
