At the Beanpot, Northeastern Breezes Past B.C.

Hockey

At the Beanpot, Northeastern Breezes Past B.C.

BOSTON — An unrelenting attack and a stellar performance from Brad Thiessen in the Northeastern nets turned what had seemed like the tournament’s marquee matchup into a 6-1 laugher, as the No. 3 Huskies crushed No. 12 Boston College and reached their first Beanpot final since 2005.

The ice was full of talented skaters whose rights were owned by N.H.L. teams, but Thiessen shone from start to finish in a 45-save performance. Northeastern’s cheering section – both the largest and loudest in attendance at the Garden all night – bowed down to their masked star on several occasions, chanting “Hobey Baker” after some especially strong saves.

The Huskies broke a 1-1 tie at 11:06 of the first period after Thiessen stopped future Boston Bruin Brock Bradford on a breakaway, starting a rush the other way. Chris Donovan (1 goal, 3 assists) put the puck on net and B.C. goalie John Muse left a rebound sitting in the crease for Greg Costa to stuff past him, the eventual game-winning goal. Bradford, who entered the game tied with Northeastern’s Ryan Ginand for third in the nation with 17 goals, was held in check by Thiessen and his impressive blueline corps. Ginand netted his 18th of the season with the Huskies on a two-man advantage three minutes after the opening draw.

Muse has taken his fair share of lumps lately, and letting in six goals in the Beanpot marks the low point of his season. Twice he misplayed pucks behind his own net into Northeastern goals that swung momentum away from an Eagles team that was having no trouble creating chances.

Ultimately it was Thiessen’s play that kept both his teammates and the boisterous Northeastern fans going all night. He’ll be at it again when the Huskies face No. 1 B.U. in the Beanpot final next Monday night. With the teams’ student sections situated right next to each other, the competition in the stands should match the level of play on the ice.

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