By Matt Noonan
BOSTON, MA – The Boston University Terriers defeated the Harvard University Crimson men’s ice hockey team on Monday in the first round of the 60th Boston Beanpot tournament at the TD Garden, 3-1.
What it means: BU erased a 5-4 consolation loss from last year by crashing Harvard’s net, and taking advantage of the Crimson’s lackluster defense to compile three goals in three periods. The Terriers also used numerous crisp passes in the zone, which set up two of their three goals. Although, despite building a three-goal advantage, Harvard did manage to score once, as senior forward Alex Killorn scored late in the second period.
How the game was won: Junior forward Wade Megan notched his 13th and 14th strike of the season in the middle frame, which helped the Terriers earn their 17th win of the season, while the Crimson snapped their one-game winning streak to fall to 7-7-9 overall. Also, Megan has now scored three goals in his five career tournament games.
Taking advantage of the Power Play: Both teams combined for two goals on nine power plays. The referees did not whistle either team for penalty in the third period.
What’s next: BU will face the winner of Boston College-Northeastern University, who is slated to face-off at 8:00pm, while Harvard will return to the consolation game next Monday for the second year in a row. The Terriers last visit to the title match came in 2010 when they lost to BC, 4-3. However, BU did beat Northeastern in the championship in 2009, 5-2.
Stat of the Game: Harvard compiled 66 cumulative shots through three periods, but only mustered one goal on 29 shots through three frames. BU senior goaltender Kieran Millan deflected 29 of 30 shots between the pipes.
Beanpot History Note: The Terriers will be making their 49th visit to the finals on Monday, Feb. 13. Also, BU head coach Jack Parker is 58-19 in the Beanpot, and 33-6 in first round games.
