Beanpot Preview

I wrote this Beanpot Preview a few days ago, but I couldn't quite figure out how to use Blogger. With some help from a friend, I was able to publish the Introductory post that you see below. Now that I've got it ironed out, here is my unedited Beanpot preview. It was tempting to go back and change a couple of predictions after the games had been played, but I decided to stick with my original text and take my lumps.

Northeastern vs Harvard - 5 p.m.

Season Series: This is their first and only meeting.

NU - 12-8-3

Always the cellar-dweller of the four teams, NU got off to their typical slow start losing 4 of their first 5 games. From there, it was all Huskies all the time. NU went 9-0-2 and captured the Badger Showdown title over the holidays. They got their highest national ranking in 2 decades at #8 in the country. However, since their win at Maine, they have seen their fortunes turn: they are 2-4-1 over their last 7 entering tonight's bout with Harvard. They are currently ranked #13 (prior to today's rankings).

Harvard - 7-10-3

The Crimson got off to an incredibly hot start. Harvard went 6-2-1 and was ranked #12 nationally. Saying the wheels came off the bus is an understatement: the Crimson have just 1 win in their last 11 games not including an exhibition loss to the U.S. under-18 team. Yes, a high school team beat them.

Prediction: Look for the Huskies to advance to their first Beanpot Final of the century with a 3-1 win over the Crimson.

Boston College vs Boston University - 8 pm

Season Series: BC leads 2-0-1

Boston College - 12-6-7

BC has been their typical two-faced selves again this season. A 3-4-5 start then gave way to an 8-1 run followed by a current 1-1-2 stretch. BC started the year ranked #2 in the country, but is currently ranked #9 (they were as low as #18). A solid mix of offense power and defensive youth, the Eagles are the easy favorites to win the 2008 Beanpot.

Boston University - 8-13-4

The Terriers are enjoying their worst season in recent memory. An 0-4-1 start has barely seen improvement over the course of the season. Inconsistent and unmotivated play has seen coach Jack Parker bench several veteran players at times to send a message, and he even went as far as making a Captain switch mid-season. BU will be looking to turn their season around versus their archnemesis and pull off the upset.

Prediction: BC's depth and experience are too much for a young BU team who will play in the consolation game for the first time since the mid-90's - BC wins 5-2