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BC wins third straight Beanpot

BC 3, BU 2 (OT)

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February 14, 2012|By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell

Teammates mobbed Bill Arnold (center) after his game-winning goal in overtime. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff )

Harvard last won the Beanpot Tournament in 1993, Northeastern last won it in 1988, leading to speculation that interest had dwindled because every year it was either Boston College or Boston University taking home the hardware to Commonwealth Avenue.

But last night, the Eagles and Terriers turned in phenomenal performances in front of a rapt, soldout crowd at TD Garden. BC won its third straight crown, by a 3-2 score in overtime, for its 17th title in the 60-year history of the event.

"Over the last few years, people have talked about, `Has the Beanpot kind of lost its luster? How are the crowds? Where is college hockey in the Boston area?"' said BC coach Jerry York, who earned his 899th career victory. "Tonight was a statement. That place was jammed with fans of college hockey. I think the Beanpot is in good hands. It has been for a long time and it's going to continue especially with that type of hockey game tonight. That was college hockey at its finest."

The hero of the night was sophomore center Bill Arnold, who scored with 6.4 seconds remaining in the extra session.

It was BC's fourth title in the last five years. It marked the first time since 1963-65 that the Eagles won three in a row. And it's the first time that BU has failed to win a Beanpot title in three straight seasons since 1983-85.

Arnold's goal, the Needham native's 13th of the season, was on an odd-man rush. He beat BU goaltender Kieran Millan (44 saves) on a shot from the right circle that sailed past Millan's glove.

"I knew there was under a minute left," said Arnold. "I wasn't exactly sure how much time was left when we were skating up the ice. But you don't want to turn over the puck in that situation. You want to make sure you at least get through the period without giving up a goal. But if you see the chance to skate down the ice and get a shot, you've got to take it."

Barry Almeida found Steven Whitney, who dished the pass to the latecomer, which was Arnold, who finished off the play. Game over.

In their first three meetings this season, the decisions were all lopsided. BU won the first one, 5-0, and the second one, 5-3, but dropped the third one, 6-1.

But both squads expected a tight battle and that's exactly what they got.

BU put itself in trouble with penalties, allowing six power plays through 40 minutes.

The Eagles scored first with junior center Pat Mullane beating Millan shorthanded at 8:54 of the first period.

With freshman left wing Quinn Smith off for boarding, junior right wing Chris Kreider made a terrific play to liberate the puck from BU defenseman Sean Escobedo. Kreider, who was playing in his 100th collegiate game, dished to Mullane in the left circle and Mullane's forehand wrister beat Millan to the short side after rattling off the post.