Beanpot Wrap: BC Ends Northeastern’s Reign With Impressive Win
BOSTON — It took the No. 1 ranked team in the country to end Northeastern’s Dunkin’ Beanpot reign as Boston College routed the two-time defending tournament champions, 8-2, on Monday night at TD Garden.
The Eagles improved their record to 20-4-1 while the Huskies dropped to 9-13-3.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
Everyone knows about BC’s star players. They are loaded with them and garner headlines all the time.
But on the Beanpot stage, the Eagles showcased their collective strength as they got contributions from up and down their lineup. BC had eight different goal-scorers and also had 16 players register at least one point in the lopsided win.
Freshman winger Teddy Stiga got it started just 46 seconds into the game when he rifled a shot past Northeastern goalie Cameron Whitehead and the Eagles never slowed down after that. They added two more goals by the end of the first period and Ryan Leonard — the No. 8 overall pick by the Washington Capitals in the 2023 NHL Draft — showcased terrific stick handling to set up a wide open Lukas Gustafsson for an easy goal just 35 seconds into the second period for a commanding 4-1 lead.
Those two goals coming within the opening minute of the periods were back-breakers for Northeastern, especially the one at the beginning of the second frame.
So now, the Huskies will have to watch someone else get their hands on the Beanpot trophy while the Eagles are one win away from being the last team standing at the tournament since 2016.
PLAY OF THE GAME
BC senior forward Connor Joyce sure picked a good time to score his first goal of the season with 6:01 left in the first period. But it was the savviness from linemate Brady Berard that made this play special. Berard made a no-look feed from the corner to the front of the net, where Joyce put together a together finish by blasting his shot into the net.
UP NEXT
BC will collide with rival Boston University, which handily defeated Harvard in the other semifinal matchup, for the Beanpot title next Monday. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcasted on NESN. Before the Eagles get to the title bout, they have a road tilt against New Hampshire on Friday.
Northeastern will play in the third-place game for the first time since 2017 and meet Harvard there. That game is set for 4:30 p.m.
NESN Dunkin’ Beanpot coverage is presented by Dunkin’.