That should make Harvard wary. Moreover, the Eagles, despite a sluggish beginning, have been playing good hockey as of late.

The team has gone 2-0-2 in its last four Hockey East matches, including a 3-3 tie against BU last weekend.

Led by senior center David Franzosa (13-22--35) and junior wing Marc Beran (13-18--31), the Eagles have a good chance at ending their tournament title drought.

Harvard, on the other hand, will be concerned with more than just the Beanpot title.

Playing in its last two non-conference games of the season, the Crimson hopes that a successful Beanpot will send a positive message to the NCAA tournament selection committee which determines the seedings for post-season action.

Still if Harvard fails to win the ECAC tournament, victories over non-league opponents will go a long way towards securing an at-large bid.

"Certainly losing to Michigan and Michigan State [over Winter Break] didn't help," Flomenhoft said. "These two Beanpot games become very important to us."

"We'd like to make it an easy decision for the selection committee by beating up these out-of-conference teams," said Burke.

Of course, the pleasure of beating BC is enough incentive for Harvard.

"I hate BC. It's a pleasure to beat BC," said Burke.

"I have been hearing it for many years that BC is superior to Harvard, so now I get a chance to prove them wrong," Coughlin added.