The Northeastern men are seeking their first three-peat in the Beanpot, but after one period the Huskies find themselves staring up at a two-goal deficit.

Less than three minutes into the first period of the 68th Beanpot, BU wing Matthew Quercia’s shot was blocked by Husky goalie Craig Patano, but the puck bounced loose. Jake Wise, playing center for the Terriers, was waiting to knock the loose puck into the back of the net.

At 13:36, Husky forward Tyler Madden knocked Wise into the boards, earning a two-minute penalty. The Huskies, who have one of the top penalty-kill units in college hockey, managed to clear the puck twice, but with just over 30 seconds remaining, BU’s Trevor Zegras  fired a wrister from the top of the circle to Patano’s right, beating the goalie over his left shoulder.

It was a frustrating first period for the Huskies, who managed just six shots on goal to BU’s 11. When Northeastern was able to go on the attack, they were unable to beat BU goalie Ashton Abel.

The Huskies (15-8-2) are seeking a historic Beanpot three-peat against Boston University (10-9-7). Of the Huskies’ six consecutive Beanpot wins, half have come against the Terriers—which appeared to further BU’s resolve. Boston University is looking to extend its record with its 31st Beanpot championship.

As the puck dropped, the Northeastern pep band played a rousing rendition of 99 Red Balloons, the 1980s punk hit by Nena.

A win would give the Huskies a third straight Beanpot title for the first time in school history. A victory would also preserve a chance for Northeastern’s two ice hockey programs to sweep the city championships. 

The Northeastern women will be seeking their first Beanpot title since 2013 on Tuesday at 8 p.m., also against Boston University. They could produce Northeastern’s first sweep of both Beanpots in 32 years.