By Paige Albright
Boston University News Service
The 73rd annual Beanpot Tournament kicked off last night, bringing the Boston University Men’s Hockey team a desperately needed win. The Terriers, prior to the first round match-up against the Northeastern Huskies, were on a three-game losing streak.
The game ended in a thrilling penalty shootout after two overtimes were unable to break the 2-2 draw.
“I know it’s a tie on the record, but right now, anything positive for our group is really important,” said head coach Jay Pandolfo postgame.
The Huskies scored first after a penalty was called against BU, forcing the terriers to play catch-up during the rest of the first period. BU freshman Jonathan Morello found the back of the net to even out the score just two minutes into the next period.
However, the Huskies regained the lead just two minutes after BU’s equalizer. Sophomores combined for the goal as Cole Hutson assisted Nick Roukounakis to tie the game heading into the end of the second period.
Despite having almost double the shots recorded during the final period, the Terriers were unable to pull ahead, according to team data.
During overtime, it looked as if BU freshman Ryder Ritchie had secured a trip to the finals for the Terriers. However, the goal was disallowed due to an interference call, according to Terrier Athletics.
The Terrier third line of Morello, Roukounakis and Ritchie were excellent all game.
“[Morello], he’s just a workhorse, he never stops,” Roukounakis said postgame. “Ritchie, he adds a little bit of skill to our line that we need, and he makes the right plays at the right time.”
The Terriers were able to kill the ensuing Huskie power play, and neither team was able to end the game during overtime. Sophomore goalie Mikhail Yegorov continued his dominance as the game went into a shootout.
Yegorov denied the Huskies’ first attempt. First for BU was junior Jack Harvey, who found the back of the net to set the tone quickly at 1-0. The Huskies were successful on their second attempt, but the Terriers couldn’t find the back of the net.
Northeastern’s third attempt fell short, and BU won the shootout 2-1 after a score from Hutson.
The Terriers will play for their 33rd Beanpot title next Monday night at 7 pm at TD Garden.
