Tyler Madden shines at Beanpot

The annual BeanPot Tournament kicked off in Boston yesterday with Harvard, Northeastern, Boston University, and Boston College doing battle.

If you are unaware of what the BeanPot is – it’s an NCAA tournament that has seen those four schools meet since 1952. It’s divided into the semi-finals, which was yesterday, and then the winners move onto the finals the following week. (and a consolation game)

The current reigning champ of the event is the Northeastern Huskies, who were led to the title by Canucks prospect Adam Gaudette. This year Northeastern is heading back to the finals after a standout performance from another Canucks prospect, Tyler Madden.

Madden was all over the ice on Monday night, putting up six of Northeastern’s twenty-six total shots. He saved the most important one for the last shot of the game, as he scored in overtime on the breakaway

He had a couple of highlight-reel plays throughout the game too, including this one:

and then this one:

If you were watching this game and didn’t know who Madden was, you do now. The kid is displaying so much confidence after returning from the World Juniors that he is willing to make these moves and try to make things happen. In the first part of the NCAA season, he was a little more timid in his play. Ensuring that he was on the right side of the puck or not committing too low. Now, he just dangles everyone and is generating chances at will.

In the eight games since returning from the World Juniors, Madden has three goals and three assists. He is currently tied for 11th in NCAA rookie scoring but is among the lowest games played in that group due to representing the US at the World Juniors. His 0.95 points-per-game has him sitting fourth in that same group. He is also fifth in shots per game with 2.95 SOG/GP.

When the Canucks selected Madden, Director of Amateur Scouting spoke highly of Madden’s skill, character, and opportunity. To some degree, they expected Madden to be slotted right into the spot that Gaudette had just vacated by signing his entry-level contract with the Canucks. Madden had been putting up points in the first half of the season but dictating the play on the ice.

But over the last few weeks, Madden has taken a huge step forward and Canucks fans should be rightfully excited.

Northeastern will face Boston College in the BeanPot finals next week, while Harvard and Boston University will meet in the consolation game.

Fellow Canucks prospect Jack Rathbone plays for Harvard and had a decent game on Monday. There were a few minor gaffes that resulted in some Boston College chances but overall he displayed his great skating ability, smart transition play, and had a few decent looks. He ended the game with two shots on goal and an even rating playing alongside Adam Fox at 5v5. Rathbone was (and has been for a while) on the second powerplay with John Marino on the other side.