In the realm of college hockey, the Men’s Beanpot isn’t just a tournament—it’s a high-stakes battleground where Northeastern University, Boston University (BU), Boston College (BC), and Harvard University vie for glory, and savvy bettors look for the edge that could turn the odds in their favor. This year, as the Beanpot fever takes over, Harvard students aren’t just rooting for their team. They’re placing their bets, crunching numbers, and analyzing stats in pursuit of that elusive jackpot.
Picture this: you hop off the red line, take a step outside, and the freezing winds slap you in the face. You arrive at the icy rinks of TD Garden, transformed into a betting arena, and Harvard’s Crimson faithful are ready to roll the dice. The Men’s Beanpot isn’t just a clash of sticks and pucks, it’s a strategic gamble, a calculated risk that could lead to euphoria or heartbreak.
In this column, we’ll dissect the odds, analyze Harvard’s performance, and navigate the turbulent waters of college hockey predictions. From power plays to penalty kills, we’ll break down the crucial factors that could make or break a bet on the Crimson’s journey through the Beanpot.
February 5th kicks off the first round of games. Harvard clashes with Northeastern, while BC battles BU. Though Harvard has not started off the season as they would have liked, Crimson Hockey always goes to war. Harvard probably has the lowest odds to win the Beanpot, but that has never stopped anyone from betting. We are confident in this team and trust that the bouncing Garden will allow Harvard to elevate their game (as long as more than 25 fans show up).
BU and BC are the top two teams in the nation and likely will be going on to win a national championship. Even during one of their down seasons, riddled by injury, with younger guys having to step up, Harvard needs to look at winning one of these games and not go 0-2 at the Garden. Northeastern is by far the easiest challenge, so we hope the Crimson are going to be up to the task.
In terms of some prop bets, there are plenty to choose from. We think the first opportunity might lie in the faceoff by Captain Zakary Karpa ’25. He has been looking sharp recently, and is ready to capitalize with a first faceoff win (+200) as the crowds are cheering on the Crimson. While we understand such a steep bet is a little riskier, sometimes you have to take an early chance to win money.
We know that in college hockey, fighting is usually not allowed and results in a one-match ban (similar to a second yellow card in a match in Premier League soccer). However, with tensions high, and a lot of younger guys on the ice, we feel a brawl is likely to break out. The Indy Sportsbook loves a good fight (+1000) in this matchup and will be going wild if the gloves come off at any point.
Harvard tends to start slow, especially in big games. As much as it pains me to say, we think that Northeastern has a slight edge in the first period, and we would stray away from any bets on Harvard’s team success then. The Indy Sportsbook loves Harvard to win (+400). Forward Joe Miller ’26 and Defenseman Ryan Healey ’26 have led the Crimson this season with 16 points in 17 games thus far. We think either of these guys could net some points on Monday, and I’d love to sprinkle a little money on their lines.
On the other side of the bracket, we see a clash of top talent when BU and BC get on the ice. BU’s Macklin Celebrini and Cole Eiserman, NHL’s predicted #1 and #2 picks in the draft, face off with one of the best lines in the country: BC’s Perrault, Smith, and Leonard. While the NCAA believes that BU is the better team, we disagree. While we think they have stronger players at the top, BC is the deeper team and more well-rounded. We think BC (-125) will advance in this game and play Harvard in the finals.
If Harvard does make it to the finals, this game will be the biggest challenge of the season. We think BC has the firepower to win the NCAA championship this season, and Harvard will have to play some of their best hockey to come out as winners of the Beanpot. Earlier in the season, BC toppled the Crimson 4-1, but the boys from Cambridge will be looking for revenge. Crazier things have been done.
As the tournament progresses, keep an eye on the dynamic between the teams. Momentum can shift in an instant, and understanding the ebb and flow of each game is crucial for informed betting. Additionally, consider the impact of individual players. One standout performance can tilt the scales dramatically.
Don’t underestimate the psychological aspect of the game. The pressure of a high-stakes tournament like the Beanpot can affect players differently, influencing their performance, and consequently, the outcome of bets. Keep a close watch on how teams handle the stress and intensity of the competition.
Lastly, remember to stay updated on any last-minute changes or developments. Whether it’s injuries, lineup adjustments, or unexpected strategies, being well-informed can give you the edge when placing your bets. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis as the Men’s Beanpot unfolds, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Luke Wagner ’26 (lukewagner@college.harvard.edu) and the Indy Sportsbook will be attending the game on Monday and hope the Crimson can come out as victors.