The National Hockey League is back on Monday following what was a great All-Star break. Team Matthews won the event in Toronto after Connor McDavid put on a winning show at the Skills Competition.
Monday's two-game slate features the Colorado Avalanche taking on the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With that said, this isn't the only hockey taking place on this day. It is also the official start of "The Beanpot". This is an annual college hockey tournament that takes place at TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins.
Northeastern, Harvard, Boston University, and Boston College are the four schools that participate. The girls played their tournament a few weeks ago and it was incredible. Northeastern won in overtime over Boston University.
The Beanpot is a massive event for hockey and should be celebrated as such
Now, the boys are ready to go on Monday. Harvard vs Northeastern will kick off the event. It will take place at 4 PM CT/5 PM ET. The second of the two games will be Boston College taking on Boston University at 7 PM CT/8 PM ET.
The first game will be rich in entertainment value due to the history of the rivalry. However, it is that second game that is loaded with juice.
Boston College swept Boston University in a weekend series a couple of weeks ago. It was the first time that the two teams ever met as number 1 and 2 in the rankings. Now, they are 1 and 3.
BC has that big freshman line of Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers), Will Smith (San Jose Sharks), and Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals). The three of them could probably score if put out there together in the NHL which speaks volumes about their game. They also have Cutter Gauthier (Anaheim Ducks) who will be a star in the NHL as well.
As for BU, they aren't short of talent either. Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens) is incredible on the blue line while Macklin Celebrini is their top forward. The latter is going to be the number one pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The winner of each game will meet next week in the Beanpot Final. Every one of these teams has a chance every year because of the format. Everyone should come in thinking they can get the win.
This is a great piece of television for hockey fans. With them being the only college hockey matchups of this night, along with only two NHL games, this is must-see TV.