Northeastern Coach Ben Smith is well-acquainted with the Beanpot's mystique.

Unfortunately for him, he also knows all to well about Boston University's mystique.

The Terriers have a peculiar habit of capturing the Beanpot trophy--they've won the last two.

Smith is most concerned, however, about how his team has performed against BU this season. In each of their first two meetings, Jack Parker's Terriers have emerged victorious (10-7,6-4).

The difference so far, according to Smith, has been BU's special teams play.

"The last time we played them, their special teams play was just too much for us to contain," Smith said. "They scored both on the power play and shorthanded. I'm hoping we'll stay out of special teams situations."

"I may have to bolt the penalty box shut," Smith added cryptically.

Young and Wily

BU's success this year (17-5-1, eighth-ranked nationally) has extended far beyond its contests with the Huskies. Despite losing nine key players from last season's NCAA runner-up team, the Terriers have maintained their winning ways in the tough Hockey East.

This Friday at Maine, BU roared back from a 4-0 deficit to tie the top-ranked Black Bears, 4-4.

The leadership and play of veterans Tom Dion, David Sacco and twin brothers Mark and Mike Bavis has set the tone for BU's talented freshman class, which includes three defensemen and five forwards in the regular lineup.

Offensively, BU is paced by Sacco, junior Petteri Koskimaki and freshman Mike Pomichter.

The shifty Koskimaki, a native of Finland, has helped to fill the anticipated scoring void created by last year's departures.

Pomichter has been effective as both a playmaker (18 of his 24 points are assists) and a scorer, a fact highlighted by his hat-trick in a recent 8-2 trouncing of Brown.

The defense features Captain Dion, as well as freshmen Kaj Linna, Adrian Aucoine and Rich Brennan. BU is most often backstopped by goalie Scott Cashman, while backups Derek Herlofsky and J.P. Mckersie have seen some time in relief.

Small Rink

The Terriers are a talented and wily young team. Their team speed may be nullified, however by the small ice surface of the Boston Garden.

Northeastern, on the other hand, is used to small rinks (Matthews Rink is notably cozy).

The Huskies will count heavily on the poise of their veterans against BU. This year's Northeastern squad has bounced back from last season's disappointing 8-25-2 mark with a first half record of 10-12.

The highlights so far include a 5-2 victory over Clarkson as well as a thrilling 4-3 victory over Maine just two weeks ago.

The offensive catalysts have been junior forwards Sebastien Laplante and Jay Schiavo, and senior Rob Kenny. Laplante led Northeastern in scoring last year with 47 points, a total both he and Schiavo are on pace to shatter this year.

Captain Paul Sacco and fellow senior Paul Flanagan lead the Huskies' defense. Tom Cole and Todd Reynolds have split time between the pipes, where Cole was immense during last year's Beanpot.