My bracket is destroyed. Only BC's entry into the Frozen Four was accurate in my bracket. Kudos to those of you whose bracket isn't complete garbage.
Here are the matchups:
Ferris State vs. Union
Minnesota vs. Boston College
Before I break down each game and give my (worthless) predictions, I wish to opine thusly: I do not like these matchups. I think there is plenty of glamor and appeal among the general college hockey population for the Minny/BC tilt, but there isn't much appeal for the Union/Ferris State tilt (other than the humanistic approach). I would have loved to have seen:
Minnesota vs. Union
Ferris State vs. Boston College
I think this brings everyone to both games. Sure, it might be the ESPN-ization of the brackets (giving the best opportunity to see the two biggest schools face off for the title) but I think it has the most appeal.
But that's not how the brackets work so here's the breakdown:
Union vs. Ferris State:
Union is the #1 seed in this game. Ferris isn't. Ferris State is a true Cinderella story. Union's story is good too. Both are in uncharted territory. Either team wins and it will be either team's first Frozen Four NC game. Despite my disdain towards the matchup, these two teams seem to match up well talent wise. It will be a good game. Union's goaltender is a Hobey finalist. I think he's proven that he's worthy.
Prediction: I got burned for not going by the rankings so I will go with the rankings tonight. My heart is with Ferris state but.... I predict Union wins 3-2.
Minnesota vs. BC:
This would be a GREAT NC matchup... but it is just a semifinal matchup. BC has won 17 straight which is something (if you believe in that... as it didn't work well for UND). Minnesota is rolling right now, stunning opponents with novel concepts not seen in recent years (such as Team Defense). Minnesota scored 12 goals in St. Paul and only gave up what... 5?
BC comes in having scored 6 goals in the regional and giving up... ZERO GOALS.
This game MIGHT require OT. And this game could go either way.
Prediction: 17 game streak... 0 goals allowed in the NCAAs thus far. Hard to go against BC. I think BC wins 2-1. It's going to be a great game. However, I will say this: Whoever wins THIS game, wins the National Championship so... as you see below, all you have to do is replace BC with Minny if Minny wins this game and my prediction remains the same otherwise.
NC Game:
BC vs. Union:
Union does a great job just getting here.... and leaves proud but quietly.
BC does its best impression of the 2002? Minnesota NC team when it played UNH for the title.
Prediction: BC: 5 Union: 1
