After burning up the World Junior Championship, Calgary Flames prospect Johnny Gaudreau is back with the Boston College Eagles and will be a player well worth watching in the Beanpot Tournament. (Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI)

By Allan Muir

The 61st edition of college hockey’s most storied tournament gets underway tonight in Boston. Here’s a look at the match-ups:

Boston University (13-10-1) vs. Northeastern (7-13-3), 5 p.m. ET, NESN

The 11th ranked Terriers stumble into the tournament with a 3-5-1 record since Christmas, including a 5-1 loss to unranked UMass last Friday. The inconsistencies of freshmen goaltenders Sean McGuire (Penguins prospect) and Matt O’Connor (tonight’s starter) are a big part of the problem. On any given night, they can be lights out…or lights off. BU has a clear advantage in scoring talent, though, with greater forward depth and high-end snipers like Wade Megan (Panthers) and Danny O’Regan (Sharks) to lead the charge. Matt Grzelcyk (Bruins) and Garrett Noonan (Predators) provide some pop from the back end.

Northeastern comes into the tourney having lost four straight (0-2-2) but the Huskies have beaten each of the other three Beanpot teams at least once this season, so they can surprise when they’re clicking. Forwards Kevin Roy (Ducks) and Cody Ferriero (Sharks) are always dangerous, but BU will have to keep a tight leash on former teammate Vinny Saponari (Jets). Now team captain, the winger scored the clincher in Northeastern’s last two wins against the Terriers. The Huntington Hounds will have their choice of seniors Chris Rawlings or Bryan Mountain between the pipes, giving them an edge in experience and stability, but it will be a shocker if they can hold off the Terriers. BU has rung up 15 straight victories against Northeastern at the Beanpot. No reason to think that streak ends tonight.

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