It often has been joked that the Beanpot should be renamed the “Jack Parker Invitational’’ because of the number of times the veteran coach has led Boston University to the championship of the storied tournament.
The Terriers’ 3-1 victory over Harvard in the opening contest Monday night at TD Garden ensured them a spot in the title game for the 26th time in the last 29 years and the 16th time in the last 18 years. Parker, who has been BU’s coach since 1973, has won 21 Beanpot championships.
It will be BU’s 49th appearance in the final in the 60-year history of the tournament.
But Boston College will be gunning for its third straight crown and sixth under coach Jerry York.
Sure, there are some rolling their eyes at the matchup, given that the last time a team other than BU or BC won the Beanpot was 1993, when Harvard took it home.
Northeastern, on the wrong end of a 7-1 score Monday against the Eagles, has had an even longer drought. The Huskies last won the title in 1988 when Jim Madigan, their first-year coach, was an assistant.
Although Harvard made a game attempt at a comeback in the late going - something the Crimson know a great deal about this season - it fell short against a team whose goaltender, Kieran Millan, often has looked invincible.
As for Northeastern, the Huskies turned in about a half a period of what could be termed “not awful’’ before completely losing their way.
Madigan rescued junior goaltender Chris Rawlings from the mayhem after two periods and five goals to give him a break in preparation for Friday’s game at New Hampshire. Clay Witt played the third period and gave up two goals.
“Chris has been a rock for us all season long,’’ said Madigan. “And not playing well in front of him and down at that point, 5-1 . . .
“Clay has worked hard in practice. Give him an opportunity to get some [action] and save Chris for this Friday. Now that we’re in the consolation final, the focus continues to be Hockey East and a playoff spot. It just gives Chris a little bit of rest for Friday.’’
One of the most jarring aspects of the Huskies’ game was their inability to manage the puck. York graciously said it was attributable to ice conditions, but it was more due to poor puck management.
“They just beat us to pucks,’’ said Madigan. “We were sloppy in our own zone, we were sloppy in front, we were sloppy on the power play.’’
NU was riding a three-game winning streak, so Madigan felt his team was ready.
“We played Friday against UMass which was a big win for us in overtime,’’ said Madigan. “We had two good practices on Saturday and Sunday, and we came in and everyone was ready.