BU Hangs On and Beats Harvard

Tonight, BU was able to hold on to a 3-1 lead late in the third, despite getting vastly outplayed in the final minutes by Harvard in the Beanpot semifinals.

BU got on the board about half way through the first period. Matt Nieto picked up his 11th goal of the year on a wrap-a-round. The assists went to Alex Chiasson and Sean Ecsobedo.

I missed the entire first period, as my flight was delayed trying to come home from Indianapolis.

BU took a 2-0  lead in the second on Wade Megan's 13th of the season. Sahir Gill set up Sean Escobedo for a one-timer. The defenseman miss-hit the puck inside the near circle. By miss-hitting the puck, it actually turned out to be a perfect pass to Megan, who was stationed at the bottom of the circle. Megan slipped a shot through Harvard goalie Steve Michalek's legs.

Megan and Gill paired up for BU's third goal, as well. Megan received a pass along the boards in the far corner. He then cut all the way across the goal mouth before shoveling a backhander over Michalek's shoulder and into the net. At this point, it looked like BU was in control of the game, but minutes later Harvard's Alex Killorn scored on a partial break-a-way, while on the power play. He beat Millan on a nice little deek, beating him with a wrist shot, blocker side.

Kevin Gilroy nearly broke the game open, minutes into the third, but instead of scoring, he rang the inside of the post. It was originally called a goal, but upon further review the call was reversed.

That was the only real chance for BU in the third. Harvard really controlled the period. Despite generating ample scoring chances in the final stanza, Millan held them at bay and BU will advance to the Final for the first time since 2010.

The third period was an overall terrible period for the Terriers. They had no will to go out and score and really put the game away. Instead, the team sagged back and sat on the lead. It was very frustrating to watch, but at least Millan was on his game, kicking away 10 shots in the final frame. He made 30 saves in all.

BU's next game is Friday night against UMass at home.