It is never easy playing in a consolation game. The game is usually played in front of a sparse crowd with less meaning or purpose than the usual game. Harvard has very little left to play for with the disappointing season they have endured. Boston University has more at stake, since they are on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament, currently sitting 13th in the Pairwise Rankings.
According to several reports, BU coach Jack Parker has shuffled some lines and power play units during the past week. Freshman Sean Maguire will start in net tonight. Maguire and O'Connor have rotated for much of the season so the decision is not a surprise.
Looking at the Crimson, there is not much to play for tonight except pride. Harvard is in last place in the ECAC, and Ted Donato's squad has won only one game since November 16th. Ironically, the win came against BU in a non-conference tilt at the beginning of January.
BU must utilize their skill and play with passion, knowing their NCAA hopes could be in peril if they slip up once more against an inferior opponent. However, as said before, anything can happen in the Beanpot even in the consolation game.
Jeff Cox is a Hockey East reporter for SBNation and will have live updates throughout tonight's consolation game and finals here and on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.