Survive and Advance in the Drive for Five

The first round of the 62nd playing of the Beanpot was played tonight, and although it was probably one of the worst games the Eagles have played during their undefeated stretch since Thanksgiving, they were still able to come out with a 3-1 victory over their struggling rival Boston University. Before I talk about the game I do have to admit it was a bit weird seeing a BC-BU Beanpot match-up and not seeing former BU coach Jack Parker behind the Terrier bench.  One of the great parts of the rivalry, albeit friendly I'm sure if you were to ask either coach, was the rivalry between coach Parker and BC head coach Jerry York.

Now back to the game itself, BC began the scoring early with a power play goal by Ryan Fitzgerald after a beautiful cross ice pass from the point by defenseman Teddy Doherty.  Although BC found itself in the penalty box more than I like to see, they doubled their lead when the hottest line in college hockey scored on an exquisite goal by Kevin Hayes after two picture perfect passes from Johnny Gaudreau and Bill Arnold.  I have to admit in the 3rd period the Terriers played with great grit and did all they could to try to win.  Although BU was able to cut the lead in half to 2-1 midway through the 3rd, BC goalie Thatcher Demko, who had a solid night, bailed them out with some key saves down the stretch and Johnny Hockey added to his nation leading point total with an empty net goal to seal the victory for the Eagles.

As mentioned earlier, it definitely wasn't BC's best game but it was nice to see the team beat their rival on the big stage, as they began their quest for their fifth consecutive Beanpot title and the school's 19th overall.  Next week's opponent Northeastern, who hasn't won the Beanpot since 1988, should be a more formidable opponent than BU as they dismantled Harvard, who failed to show up YET again in the Beanpot, in the earlier game 6-0.

Finally I'd like to give props to the BC student section who made the trip to The Garden.  They by far were the biggest group of students amongst the four schools, and could be heard all night long on my television.