Beanpot 2011: Northeastern Gives Boston College All It Can Handle, But Eagles Prevail

It wasn't easy for the No. 1 team in the country, but when it was all said and done -- and after some overtime --Boston College won the Beanpot Monday night for the second year in a row, defeating Northeastern, 7-6. It's the Eagles' 16th title overall, and their third in the past four years.

It was a wild, frenetic championship game between BC and Northeastern, with both sides exchanging the lead throughout the night. The second period alone had five goals, three from the Eagles, and both teams netted two more in the third period, including Northeastern's goal with just 1:46 left to tie it up.

The teams headed to overtime where, just six minutes into the extra frame, BC's Jimmy Hayes beat goalie Chris Rawlings for the game-winner. Chris Kreider was named tournament MVP, scoring two goals and an assist to help give BC back-to-back titles for the first time since the 1960s.

BC Interruption tips its cap to Northeastern, which gave BC all it could handle and then some. 

Despite some poor BC defense and special teams play, the Huskies gave the Eagles all they could handle for 60 minutes, playing in what amounted to their program's first-round NCAA Tournament game. Despite the loss, NU goalie Chris Rawlings was named best goaltender of the Beanpot, turning aside 39 of 46 shots in the losing effort. [...]

With the win, BC wins the Beanpot in back-to-back years for the first time in 46 years, and the program is making strides to rename this tournament the "BC Invitational." Speaking of the "BU Invitational," Boston University finished last in their own tournament for the first time since 1980, losing to Harvard 5-4 in the Consolation Game.

Boston College 7, Northeastern 6: Jimmy Hayes' OT Goal Gives Eagles Beanpot Title

BOSTON - It was apparent that Boston College, the nation's top ranked team, was better than Northeastern on paper in almost every way. Based on numbers alone, there was no way that the Huskies could compete toe-to-toe with a powerhouse like the Eagles.

Yet the games aren't played on paper, and Northeastern reminded Jerry York and the Eagles of that on Monday night. The Huskies scratched and clawed their way to a 6-6 tie at the end of regulation, leaving hope that Northeastern would walk away with its first Beanpot title since the 1987-88 season.

Jimmy Hayes dashed those hopes abruptly, scoring the game-winning goal six minutes into overtime, sending Boston College to its second consecutive Beanpot title in front of 17,565 fans at TD Garden.

"It was a pretty formidable opponent we played," said longtime Boston College head coach Jerry York. "If we just picked up the pace and saw the one loss record for both teams, we would think that, hey, this was going to be a relatively easy game for BC. But we followed Northeastern, we watched the current improvement, and I think it was a very hard win for us to accomplish tonight. So I feel very good about our win, but also the fact that we beat a really good hockey team."

BC's Chris Kreider was named the tournament's MVP. Hayes' goal was his 14th of the year, and was assisted by Steve Silva and Brian Dumolin. The game-winning tally was the 13th goal of the night.

"I was coming down the right side, coming down hard and I think Pat Mullane moved to the side, and Chris Carter put it on net," said Hayes. "I just went down with my stick on the ice and it ended up on my stick and I just put it in the empty net."

Hayes was one of six Eagles (22-6-0) who scored in Monday night's title bout. Tommy Cross (5), Mullane (4), Chris Kreider (8,9), Steven Whitney (5) and Bill Arnold (8) all scored for Boston College. The Eagles outshot the Huskies, 46-27, in the game and 6-0 in overtime.

Luke Eibler (2), Brodie Reid (6,7), Rob Dongara (6), Tyler McNeely (11) and Wade MacLeod (14) all scored for the Huskies (10-12-6). Northeastern had 10 penalties for twenty minutes while BC had nine penalties that totaled 18 minutes.

"I said to myself after the third period, you know it's a shame somebody is going to lose this," said Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin. "[Those who] came in here and bought tickets, they got every pennies worth of their money. If somebody told me it was going to be a 7-6 game, I would have been shocked."

John Muse turned away 21 shots for Boston College while Northeastern's Chris Rawlings, who won the Beanpot's Eberly Award for best goalie, had 39 saves.

"I thought that the Northeastern team, they really become a very good hockey team," said York. "I think [Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin] did an outstanding job with the program. "They compete hard, they play very disciplined hockey, they're strong from the goaltenders to the defense to the forwards."

Cross opened up the scoring for Boston College, scoring the game's first goal with 10:48 remaining in the first period. The goal was Cross' fifth of the season and was assisted by Kevin Hayes.

Eibler knotted the score with his power-play goal that came with 2:56 left in the opening period. It was only Eibler's second score of the season, and it was assisted by Jamie Oleksiak and Garrett Vermeersch.

The Huskies grabbed their first lead of the game with 1:48 left in the period of Reig's first goal of the night, assisted by MacLeod.

BC erased the lead 53 seconds into the middle period on Pat Mullane's fourth tally of the season, tying the game 2-2. Northeastern took the lead back, however, as Dongara's score with 17:13 left in the second put the Huskies on top, 3-2.

Kreider potted his first goal with 14:35 left in the second, once again tying the game at 3-3. BC took its second lead of the game with 7:53 left in the second period on Whitney's goal, giving the Eagles a 4-3 edge.

But once again, Northeastern had an answer. McNeely scored with 6:36 left in the second to tie the game at four goals a piece. Miraculously, neither team would score for the final six minutes of the period.

The high-scoring affair continued in the final period, and Northeastern took a 5-4 lead on Reid's second goal of the game with 11:16 left in the period. Bill Arnold issued the rebuttal for BC, scoring with 9:48 left to tie the game at five.

Kreider scored a power-play goal, his second of the game, to put BC up 6-5 with 8:16 left in the period. MacLeod saved the day (momentarily) for Northeastern, scoring the game-tying goal with 1:46 left to force overtime, where Hayes led the Eagles to victory.

"At the end of the game, the team that possessed the puck the most won, and it think BC had control of the puck," said Cronin. "They established a forecheck and a cycle game early in overtime and got us on our heels. They finished us off with what they do better than anyone in the country, and that's play a tremendous transition game, so obviously a lot of credit to them."

Beanpot 2011: Harvard Deflates Boston University With Surprising 5-4 Consolation Game Win

Both Boston University and Harvard are in the midst of disappointing seasons. BU started the season strong, defeating several high profile out of conference opponents but fell to pieces come late November, while Harvard couldn't get anything going in any aspect of their game, flopping along to a mere four wins.

Both teams found themselves in the Beanpot consolation game early Monday evening, looking for a win to breathe life into their struggling seasons. And the team least favored to do so, the team that possibly needed the win most to keep going, got the win.

Harvard notched only their fifth win of the season with a 5-4 win over BU in the Beanpot, regulating the Terriers to their first fourth place finish in the February classic since 1980.

"I thought that was a embarrassing display by my team tonight," lamented veteran BU head coach Jack Parker post-game. "Give Harvard credit for not dieing after all they have been through this year. They came back and won the game and they competed right to the end. We didn't compete anywhere near as much as we should have."

The beginning of the game didn't start out disappointing for BU, who notched a power play goal just around six minutes into the first period. Sophomore wing Alex Chiasson scored his eleventh goal of the season to get the Terriers on the board 1-0. BU would maintain a 1-0 lead though they lacked the speed and attack of previous nights, and gave Harvard three man-advantages in the frame.

The Crimson began the second down a man for a five minute major at the close of the first, but didn't seem phased by the challenge. With seconds left on BU's power play, junior forward Alex Killorn scored to get the Crimson on the scoreboard and tie the game at one all. Harvard kept attacking, and caught Terrier junior goaltender Kieran Millan defenseless to score two very quick goals - one by junior defenseman Ryan Grimshaw, the other by Killorn again. In just over a minute's time, Harvard had given themselves a 3-1 lead over BU.

After a timeout to regroup and assistance from a Harvard penalty, BU knotted things up with two quick goals from freshmen defenseman. Garrett Noonan scored on a shot to the left side of Crimson goaltender Ryan Carroll, and Adam Clendening netted one 40 seconds later.

Spending most of the third knotted up, Chiasson put BU ahead with his second goal of the evening with just over five minutes left in the game. Catching the Terriers falling back with a 4-3 lead, Harvard stormed down the ice and made use of several BU turnovers to tie the game 4-4 with a Danny Biega goal about two minutes later. Junior defenseman Peter Starett, who had the secondary assist on Biega's goal, then set up senior winger Michael Del Mauro to score the game winner at the 17:52 mark of the third. The two assists on crucial third period goals were Starett's first two assists of the season, and they came at a great time for the Crimson.

Harvard goalie Carroll ended the night with only his second win in goal this season, stopping a Terrier duluge and making 41 saves. BU goalie Millan stopped 19 shots.

BU's post-season hopes deflated with the loss to the unranked Harvard squad. They drop to 17 in the national Pairwise rankings, the standings used to determine NCAA tournament seeding. Teams want to be in the top 16 to have a chance at making the tournament without winning their league championship. BU will have a tough time battling back into that sweet sixteen given that they close the regular season playing all unranked teams.

"This was, as far as the NCAA Tournament selection process is concerned, a huge loss for us," said Parker after the game.

For the Crimson, they know they may not be spending much time in the post-season, but the third place Beanpot finish may make the remainder of the season that much easier.

"It hasn't been pretty even when we have played well, but I give the guys a lot of credit," said a content Harvard head coach Ted Donato. "I think the group has really done a great job of working hard and staying with it. I think there is a lot of optimism for the end of the season."

Beanpot 2011: No. 1 Boston College, Northeastern Tied, 4-4, After Second Period

BOSTON – Top ranked Boston College and Northeastern combined to score five goals in the second period, resulting in a 4-4 tie at the end of the second period of the 2011 Beanpot championship game at TD Garden.

BC’s Pat Mullane netted his fourth goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2 53 seconds into the period. Northeastern’s Rob Dongara answered with his sixth goal of the year 2:47 into the middle period, giving the Huskies a 3-2 advantage.

Once again, the Eagles had an answer, as Chris Kreider scored a power-play goal 5:25 in to knot the score at 3-3. BC took its second lead of the game on Steven Whitney’s fifth goal of the year 12:07 in, putting the Eagles up, 4-3.

Northeastern potted the game-tying goal shortly there after, as Tyler McNeely scored his 11th goal of the season 13:24 in.

BC’s John Muse has 12 saves while NU’s Chris Rawlings has re-routed 21 shots. The Eagles hold a commanding 25-16 advantage in shots.

Beanpot 2011: No. 1 Boston College Trails Northeastern, 2-1, After First Period

BOSTON - Luke Eibler and Brodie Reid each scored one goal as Northeastern took a 2-1 lead over No. 1 Boston College into the first intermission of the 2011 Beanpot championship game at TD Garden.

Eibler’s goal came at 17:04 while Reid’s goal came 18:12 into the opening period. Northeastern goaltender Chris Rawlings had 11 saves in the opening period.

Tommy Cross scored the only goal of the opening period for Boston College. It was Cross’ fifth score of the season, and it came 9:12 into the game. Eagles’ goalie John Muse turned away eight shots in the first period.

BC had a 13-10 advantage in shots in the first. Both of Northeastern’s goals came on the power play. BC is 0-for-2 on the power play.

Beanpot 2011: Harvard, Boston University Have High Scoring Second Period, Tied 3-3

Scoring goals in bunches in the second period, Boston University and Harvard University find themselves heading into the third period all tied up at 3 a piece.

Harvard tied things up just over 4 minutes into the second period with a goal by junior forward Alex Killorn. Caught off guard, BU held back and let Harvard's junior defenseman Ryan Grimshaw slap one through goalie Kieran Millan just 50 seconds later to take the lead. Then with seemingly no one playing defense for the Terriers, Killorn scored again for the Crimson just 19 seconds after the second goal to give the Crimson a 3-1 lead.

The Terriers took a timeout to regroup, and the tactic seemed to work. Freshman defenseman and season-long surprise Garrett Noonan soon brought the Terriers wihin one with a power play goal on the left side of Harvard goaltender Ryan Carroll. Just about 40 seconds later, freshmen defenseman Adam Clendening tied the game up with help from Noonan.

The remainder of the period saw Harvard take control of the puck and have several prime chances, but the Terriers were able to fend them off. Millan made 7 saves on the frame, with Carroll saving 16.

Beanpot 2011: BU Takes 1-0 Lead Over Harvard Into First Intermission

Boston University quickly took advantage of a Harvard penalty just a few minutes into the first period to take a 1-0 lead. After Harvard’s Alex Killorn went to the penalty box after a hit from behind, BU’s sophomore forward and leading scorer Alex Chiasson notched a goal at the 5:42 mark of the 1st. Chiasson had help from linemates Matt Nieto and Corey Trivino.

The remainder of the first period saw the two teams combine for six penalties. BU gave Harvard quite a few chances with three penalties, but the Crimson were befallen by sloppy passes and a lack of focus.

With just a second left in the period, Harvard junior Daniel Moriarty leveled a nasty hit to the neck of a BU player to earn himself a game misconduct and hit from behind call. BU will start the second period with almost five minutes of power play time.

Harvard started senior goaltender Ryan Carroll, who has made 10 saves on 11 shots so far. BU junior goaltender Kieran Millan has made 10 saves.

Beanpot 2011: Five Storylines For Boston College-Northeastern Championship

The 2011 Beanpot reaches its conclusion Monday night when No. 1 Boston College takes on Northeastern in the championship game. The Eagles will be aiming for their second straight title, and their third Beanpot tournament in the past four years, while the Huskies are trying for their first Beanpot title since 1988.

In the consolation game, played earlier in the day (4:30 p.m. EST), Harvard will look to knock off No. 14 Boston University for some local bragging rights. 

Our Boston College blog, BC Interruption, previews tonight's action with "Five Storylines For Tonight's Beanpot Championship," led by The Northeastern Beanpot Title Drought.

Chances are you'll hear the announcers go on about this ad nauseum during tonight's broadcast. The Huskies haven't won a Beanpot Championship since 1988. That is quite a few years ago (I was six). Northeastern has played in just five Championship Games over that span, and is probably glad they aren't facing the Terriers tonight. Since 1988, the Huskies are 0-5 in Championship Games, all against BU, getting outscored 28-13 in those Championship games. Amazingly, in a tournament that has been run the last 59 years, BC and Northeastern have met in the Championship just two times previously. Northeastern won 5-4 in overtime back in 1980, and BC returned the favor in 1983, winning 8-2.

Other topics you can expect to hear: Eagles-Huskies Again ... and Again ... and Again; Can BC make it 3 of 4?; Beanpot Title as a National Championship Bellwether; and Ex-BC Commit Cody Ferriero Skates For Northeastern.

Read all the storylines in BC Interruption's excellent breakdown, and visit our 2011 Beanpot preview.  

Beanpot 2011: Boston College, Northeastern Advance To Championship Game

The championship game is set for the 2011 Beanpot, and it's not much of a surprise:  No. 1 Boston College will do battle with Northeastern next week, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. EST. No. 14 Boston University and Harvard will meet in the consolation game, at 4:30 p.m.

It will mark the first championship game between the Eagles and Terriers since 1983. BC won that game going away, 8-2. 

Monday night, in the tournament's opening play, Northeastern blanked Harvard, 4-0, in the first semifinal. Then in the second semifinal, Boston College got past Boston University in overtime, 3-2, netting the game-winning goal when junior defenseman Tommy Cross scored just 3:17 into the extra period. It was the first overtime game in the Beanpot since 2008, when two of the games needed extra time. 

If you missed the BU-BC game, BC Interruption has you covered with the highlights (jump ahead to the 6:44 mark for Cross' game-winner): 

It was BC's fourth win over BU this season (the Eagles are 4-0 against their Green-Line rivals), as BC Interruption writes, it's important in the rivalry, not just for the Eagles' win, but also "because BU cares so much about the 'BU Invitational.'" 

Northeastern will be looking to put an end to the Beanpot's longest title drought. The Huskies last won the Beanpot in 1998, and will be appearing in just their sixth appearance in the Championship Game in the last 23 tournaments.

This year's Beanpot Championship Game also gives the Eagles and Huskies a rather unique quirk to this year's schedule. After each program returns to Hockey East play on Friday night, BC and Northeastern will face each other three times, in three different arenas, in less than a week -- on Monday February 14, followed by their regular season home-and-home scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 18-19.

Beanpot 2011: Tommy Cross' OT Goal Leads BC Past BU, 3-2

BOSTON - If you were looking at numbers alone, it would be easy to say that Boston University didn't stand a chance against the nation's top team, Boston College.

Yet when Boston College and Boston University square off in the Beanpot in front of a sellout crowd at TD Garden, all bets are off.

The Terriers did all they could to pull off a stunning upset, pushing BC to the brink. But in the end, they couldn't stop Boston College's Tommy Cross from sending the Eagles to victory.

Cross scored the game-winning goal on a slapshot 3:17 into overtime, giving No. 1 Boston College a 3-2 victory over archrival and No. 14 Boston University in the opening round of the 59th annual Beanpot on Monday night.

"I thought it was an terrific college hockey game," said Boston College associate head coach Mike Cavanaugh, speaking in place of Eagles' head coach Jerry York, who had laryngitis. "You had everything in that game. You get an overtime game in the Beanpot, and we talked about it this week, you don't get second chances in the Beanpot."

Boston College will now face Northeastern, which won its first-round game against Harvard (4-0), in the Beanpot championship game next Monday.

The meeting between the Eagles and Huskies in the tournament's final round will mark the third time that the two schools will play each other for the Beanpot title. Northeastern won the first meeting in the title game, edging the Eagles 5-4 to win the Beanpot on February 11, 1980. BC would even the score, though, beating the Huskies, 8-2, in the Beanpot championship game on February 4, 1983.

Philip Samuelsson and Jimmy Hayes each scored in the win for Boston College (20-6-0). Senior goaltender John Muse was outstanding in net, turning away 34 shots in 63 minutes.

"It feels really good," said Cross about the Eagles' win. "It's a great win for our team."

Boston University (13-8-7) received goals from Wade Megan and Corey Trivino in the loss. Terriers' goalie Kieran Millan had 37 saves in 63 minutes for BU.

"It was an exciting hockey game," said longtime BU head coach Jack Parker. "I was really pleased with how our team played. We did a good job defending, a good job on the attack. The difference in the game was [that] we had two power plays at the end of the game and didn't convert."

The Eagles outshot the Terriers in the game, 40-36, including 5-2 in the extra period. BC had four penalties that totaled eight minutes while BU amassed two penalties that totaled four minutes.

"We've certainly gotten better against the as the season's progressed," said Parker, who's team has now lost all four meetings against BC this season. "My team has gotten better and they showed that tonight. This was a disappointing loss because we had opportunities there."

Following nearly 15 minutes of even play between the two teams, Boston College broke onto the scoreboard on sophomore Philip Samuelsson''s slapshot 14:37 into the opening period. Samuelsson's goal was his fourth of the season and was assisted by Bill Arnold and Patrick Wey.

Nearly one minute later, Boston University knotted the score at 1-1 on a goal from Wade Megan, his sixth of the season, with 4:45 left in the first period. Megan's goal was assisted by Garrett Noonan and Adam Clendening. Both teams held each other in check for the remaining minutes of the first period, resulting in a 1-1 tie after the first period.

The Terriers were able to get the early edge in the second period, potting the go-ahead goal 2:17 into the period. Corey Trivino scored the goal for BU, his sixth of the season. It was assisted by Ryan Ruikka and Ross Gaudet. Neither team was able to net another goal in the middle period, despite a close call for the Eagles in which the puck appeared to cross the line into the Terriers' net, but was ultimately waived off by the officials.

Regardless of the referees' decision, the Eagles were able to tie the game at two on Jimmy Hayes' slapshot 4:56 into the third period. Hayes' goal was his 13th of the season, and it was assisted by Pat Mullane and Samuelsson.

Neither team could break the tie in the final 15 minutes, but BU had several chances to score the go-ahead goal in the final minutes. Yet BC's defense held down the fort, leading to yet another overtime game between the two rivals.

"I think any successful hockey team needs to have successful special teams," said Cavanaugh. "I thought we did a good job in the last five minutes on those two penalty kills." 

The tie wouldn't survive for much longer, though, as Cross potted the game-winner with 16:43 left in overtime, sending the Eagles to the championship game.

"I think BC and BU games have been one goal games for a long time now," Parker said. "In general, it will be that way for a long time to come."

Boston College will face Northeastern in the title game next Monday, February 14th, at 7:30 p.m. EST (NESN). Boston University will battle Harvard in the Beanpot consolation game, which is also next Monday at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Beanpot 2011: Northeastern Advances To Championship By Blanking Harvard 4-0

Northeastern University is advancing to its second Beanpot championship game in three years after defeating Harvard University 4-0 in their first round game.

Junior Mike McLaughlin led Northeastern with 2 goals, while sophomore goaltender Chris Rawlings had his fourth straight shutout, making 41 saves. Harvard struggled to find its way offensively.

"They outplayed us in every facet of the game," Crimson coach Ted Donato sighed in the post-game presser. "I thought we had been playing some good hockey coming into the game. We had our chances in the first, but after Northeastern's second goal, it gave them some momentum."

Donato was speaking of a McLaughlin's second goal of the night, a lucky bounce off the back of Harvard's Ryan Carroll in the second period. McLaughlin credited an effort to take more shots as the reason why the puck was in the right place at the right time.

"I just saw a lane to the net, and I've been telling myself to take more shots. I took it, and just got a bounce and got lucky," said McLaughlin about his second goal.

Northeastern's lead was padded by two additional goals by Steve Silva and Brodie Reid, both with helpers by Wade McLeod.

Harvard did find some success in a change in goaltender, inserting senior Kyle Richter in net for the third. Richter saved 7 shots and kept Northeastern off the board in the final frame.

For Northeastern coach Greg Cronin, the win comes at a perfect time for his team. "I had been worried about our team," Cronin admitted post-game. "We had a really heartbreaking loss Friday against Merrimack at home. It looked like a funeral in the locker room. The game was heated like an old school Bruins-Flyers game, and we lost in the waning seconds of overtime. We had only 72 hours to recover from that."

The Huskies did recover, and are looking forward to their 14th Beanpot championship game experience. "If we win next week, we'll need both Northeastern police and Boston Police to contain Northeastern," laughed Cronin.

Beanpot 2011: No. 1 Boston College, No. 14 Boston University Tied 1-1 After First Period

BOSTON - Amidst an electric atmosphere, No. 1 Boston College and No. 14 Boston University both scored first-period goals in the marquee match-up of the 2011 Beanpot at TD Garden.

Patrick Brown tipped in Philip Samuelsson’s slapshot from to put Boston College on top, 1-0, 14:37 into the opening period. Bill Arnold and Patrick Wey were credited with the assists.

BU tied the game nearly one minute later on a goal from Wade Megan 15:15 into the period. The goal was assisted by Garrett Noonan and Adam Clendening.

Beanpot 2011, Boston University Vs. Boston College: Time, History, Results And More

The first round of the 59th Annual Beanpot is set to begin Monday night at 5 p.m. EST. Harvard faces Northeastern in the early game and Boston University will battle Boston College in the late game at 8 p.m. Here's a look at the Boston University-Boston College match-up.

Teams: No. 14 Boston University (13-7-7, 10-5-5 Hockey East) and No. 1 Boston College (19-6-0, 15-5-0 Hockey East) meet in the marquee match-up of the 2011 Beanpot, albeit a first-round match.

Date/Time: Monday, February 7, 2011 - 8:00 p.m. EST

Broadcast Information: Monday night's game featuring BU and BC will be broadcast on NESN. Don Orsillo will serve as the play-by-play announcer while Andy Brickley serves as the color commentator. Naoko Funayama will bring rinkside with reports. The game will also be broadcast on WWZN 1510 AM. Bernie Corbett will serve as the play-by-play announcer and Mark Linehan will be the color commentator for WWZN.

Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. The home of the Boston Bruins of the NHL and the Boston Celtics of the NBA will serve as the home of Boston's prestigious college hockey tournament on Monday night and next Monday night.

Series History: Boston University is 15-4 when facing Boston College in the first round of the Beanpot. When BU and BC have met in the first round, the Terriers have won the Beanpot title 11 times while the Eagles have won the tournament title twice. The Eagles and Terriers have won 44 Beanpot titles combined out of 58.

Boston University In The Beanpot: Boston University owns a tournament-best 84-32 record all-time and has won the Beanpot a record 29 times. The Terriers have 541 goals for opposed to a tournament-low 357 goals against. The last time BU won the Beanpot was in the 2008-09 season. Boston University has finished second 19 times, third seven times and fourth three times.

Boston College In The Beanpot: Boston College is 67-49 all-time in the tournament and has won the Beanpot championship title 15 times. The Eagles have scored 483 goals while allowing 413 in the Beanpot. BC is the defending Beanpot champion, winning the tournament in the 2009-10 season before going on to win the NCAA national championship. Boston College has finished second 15 times, third 22 times and fourth six times.

Beanpot 2011, Harvard Vs. Northeastern: Time, History, Results And More

The first round of the 59th Annual Beanpot is set to begin Monday night at 5 p.m. EST. Harvard will face Northeastern in the early game and Boston University will battle Boston College in the late game at 8 p.m. Here's a look at the Harvard-Northeastern match-up.

Teams: Harvard (4-17) and Northeastern (8-11-6) will square off in a first-round match-up. 

Date/Time: Monday, February 7, 2011 - 5:00 p.m. EST.

Broadcast Information: Both of Monday night's games will be broadcast on NESN. Don Orsillo will serve as the play-by-play announcer with Andy Brickley serving as the color commentator. Naoko Funayama will provide rinkside reports. The games can also be heard on the radio on WHRB-FM 95.3.

Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. The home of the Boston Bruins of the NHL and the Boston Celtics of the NBA will serve as the home of Boston's prestigious college hockey tournament tonight and next Monday night.

Odds: The pregame odds, according to 5Dimes, lists Northeastern as a 1.5-goal favorite over Harvard.

Series History: Harvard is 13-6 in games against Northeastern in the first round of the Beanpot. In scenarios where Northeastern and Harvard meet in the first round, such as on Monday night, Harvard has won five Beanpot title while Northeastern has only won once.

Harvard In The Beanpot: Harvard has a 48-68 record all-time in the tournament and has won 10 Beanpot titles. The Crimson have amassed 425 goals for compared to 461 goals against in the Beanpot. The last time Harvard won the Beanpot was in the 1992-93 season. Harvard has finished second 15 times, third 13 times and fourth 20 times.

Northeastern In The Beanpot: Northeastern is 33-83 all-time in the Beanpot and has won the tournament title only four times. The Huskies have 356 goals for and have allowed 574 goals in tournament history. The last time that Northeastern won the Beanpot was in the 1987-88 season. Northeastern has finished second nine times, third 16 times and fourth 29 times.

Beanpot 2011: No. 1 Boston College Looks To Defend Its Title

College sports aren't normally a focal point in the Boston sports scene, but you wouldn't be able to tell on the first two Monday nights in February at TD Garden.

Of course, that's when Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern and Harvard meet in the historic Beanpot tournament. The Eagles (18-6-10) are the defending Beanpot champion, defeating rival Boston University, 4-3, in the championship game in 2010 to claim victory in Boston's biggest collegiate tournament.

BC looks to defend its title in the 59th annual Beanpot, starting on Monday, Feb. 7, when the Eagles face the Terriers (13-7-7) in the marquee game at 8 p.m. EST. Northeastern (8-11-6) battles Harvard (4-17) in the first game of the tournament at 5 p.m.

The Beanpot was first played in the 1952 season at Boston Arena. The tournament's format is simple. As for the match-ups, the opponents in the first-round rotate every year. Four teams meet in the first round on the first Monday in February, with two advancing to the final round. The winners of the two first round games meet in the championship game on the second Monday of February, with the two first-round losers meeting in the consolation game.

The tournament's first champion was Harvard. The Crimson defeated Boston University in the title game to claim victory. The tournament wouldn't be played again until 1954, when Boston College claimed its first Beanpot victory with a 4-1 win over Harvard.

The Eagles won eight of the first 13 Beanpot titles. However, the tournament title has gone to Boston University 28 times since 1966, while the Terries have won 12 of the last 15 Beanpot trophies.

Coincidentally, the Terries' tournament success has coincided with the arrival of BU head coach Jack Parker. Ever since parker became the Terriers' head coach in the 1973-74 season, Parker and BU have won an impressive 21 Beanpot championship titles.

Historically speaking, the Terriers have had the best luck of any of the four schools. Boston University has won 29 Beanpot title, placing it miles ahead of Boston College, which has won 15. Harvard has won 10 Beanpot titles while Northeastern has only been able to win four.

The Terries boast a tournament-best 84-32 record in the Beanpot. Boston College has the second best record at 67-49, while Harvard is 48-68 and Northeastern is 33-83.

In total, Boston College and Boston University have won the last 17 Beanpot titles. The last time a school that didn't have Boston in its name won the tournament was in the 41st Beanpot in 1993, when Harvard triumphed over Boston University, 4-2. Northeastern's last victory came on Feb. 8, 1988, when it bested Boston University, 6-3, in the 36th Beanpot title game.