Well in a shell shocker last night, Boston College left no questions to be answered, in the second semi-final of this years Frozen Four, at Ford Field. Boston College beat Miami 7-1, in front of a new world record indoor crowd of 34,000+. The place was packed, loud, and electric for the second game after Wisconsin dismantled RIT 8-1. The game lived up to the hype for the first 49 minutes, then the flood gates opened up. In a back and forth first period BC led 1-0, with a late power play goal, in the last 2 min of the first period. Shots were even at 5 a side, with both teams getting some quality scoring chances. In the second period Miami took a penalty 8 seconds in and BC capitalized a short time later, for their second power play goal, and a 2-0 lead. About a minute later, Whitney for BC found himself all alone in the slot and sniped the corner on Connor Knapp. That goal chased Knapp from the game and put Miami in a big hole down 3-0. Miami, however, picked up the pace and BC goalie John Muse was equal to the challenge, making some really big saves in the later half of the second period. Heading into the third period BC was up 3-0. Miami came out flying in the third period getting some really big saves from Cody Reichard. At the 14 minute mark, Joe Hartman finally beat Muse on the far side, and put Miami on the board to make it a 3-1 game. After a long review, for who knows what reason, they resumed play and any momentum Miami gained was gone. Miami still came with some pressure, until a harmless little backhand shot went through the five hole of Reichard and gave BC a 4-1 lead with a little over 11 minutes to play. At that point you could feel the air go out of the building. Miami players seemed stunned after that goal and BC ended up scoring 3 more in the last 10 min to win 7-1. This game was much closer than the final score indicated and it's a shame that it did end the way it did as it wasn't an indicator of the game itself.
You have got to tip your hats to Boston College, as they were able to establish their style of play early in the game and wouldn't let Miami play their puck possession game. BC pressured Miami relentlessly and it caused them all sorts of problems. Miami was never able to adjust to it and found themselves playing catch up all game. Along with that something that had been a strong hold for them all year was great goaltending and Miami didn't get that last night. Everyone is entitled to a bad night, and it is a shame that it came in the biggest game of the year, but hey it happens.
All in all, its a great season for Miami, for all that they had to go through with their head coach going through a rough divorce, a manager dieing tragically in a car accident, and one of their junior leaders on defense having been hospitalized for a heart condition, you can only ask so much of these kids. Making two straight Frozen Four runs is impressive in and of itself. Losing only 2 seniors who played last night, Miami will return 18 of 20 players dressed, provided nobody leaves early for the NHL. That is a promising sign of good things still to come and a chance to make another run next year at a National Championship.
Thank you Coach Blasi and the Miami Redhawks on a great season and a memorable run. Not the way you wanted to finish but still a great season!
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