Another final

The casual college hockey fan is unhappy with the results of last evening. The olde boys club has once again denied admission to a new member. Saturday's Frozen Four final will pit Wisconsin (they of the 6 national titles) against Boston College (they of the 3 titles and 7 finals appearances since 1998). The collective college hockey world goes, "YAWN!" I try not to get complacent and think that BC should be there every year. I remember the 11-1 blowouts back in 1994-95 and the very lean years before Jerry. But it is definitely not boring for me.

Last night, game 1 was as predicted. Wisconsin took RIT very seriously and put the clamps on them early and destroyed them as they should have (and some might say as Denver should have two weeks ago). Game 2 was a bit more of a surprise but certainly understandable.

Coming into the game I felt that if both teams played to their strengths (BC - speed & creativity; Miami - sound defense & goaltending) then this would be a tight game with both teams working hard and grinding for open space and shots on net. For much of the first period this is what we saw. But the thing that had me concerned for Miami last night was the speed of BC. Miami did not handle Michigan's speed well and allowed numerous breakaways and odd-man rushes. Only the absolutely stellar play of Connor Knapp and a fortuitous whistle in the first overtime saved Miami. Last night they weren't so lucky. As BC started to assert itself in the first period and carried that over to the three quick goals, their team speed became was too much for Miami to handle. The Eagles were beating Miami to every loose puck and forcing turnovers. The Redhawks could find no open space and could not get a solid handle on the BC forwards and despite a solid second period of relief effort from Cody Reichard, neither Miami goaltender could keep the pucks out of the net.

As good as BC looked last night, they will not be able to shut down Wisconsin in that same fashion. The Badgers are bigger, faster and more talented on defense. As has been the case throughout this tournament, the first goal will be a huge key tomorrow night as Wisconsin has the defensive corps to keep the BC forwards in check and hold an early lead.