Frozen 4 Preview

The time has come! The Frozen 4 is upon us! Scott is currently up in Detroit for the games tomorrow. I unfortunately have to work and will be unable to make it up until Saturday. I will be previewing the two Semi-Final matchups.

Game 1: 5:00 ESPN2
RIT vs Wisconsin

This game is what some people would call a "David vs Goliath" match up. RIT was given absolutely zero chance to advance out of the East region. The Tigers upset the top seeded Denver Pioneers in game 1 then absolutely dismantled New Hampshire 6-2 to advance to the schools first ever Frozen Four, in their first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament.
The Wisconsin Badgers didn't dominate the West Region like they were expected to. The Badgers are loaded with top tier talent, including Hobey Baker finalist, Blake Geoffrion.
As much as I would love to see this be a very close game, I think that Wisconsin is just too strong and they should not have any problems disposing of the Tigers. RIT goaltender Jared DeMichiel will be under fire from Wisconsin. If DeMichiel is able to stand on his head, then RIT will definitely have a chance to upset the heavily favored Badgers.

2 Sports Freaks Prediction: Wisconsin 4 RIT 1

Game 2: 8:30 ESPN2
Miami vs Boston College

This Frozen Four is all about redemption for Miami. The Redhawks have gone through so many ups and downs this season. After the heartbreak of losing the National Championship last year, in the fashion they did, they used that as motivation all season long. Add in the loss of friend, team assistant, Brendan Burke in a tragic car crash, and the divorce of coach Enrico Blasi, this team has more than enough motivation to bring a National Championship to Oxford. Miami has been able to overcome some obstacles in their way to Detroit. First Miami defeated Alabama-Huntsville 2-1 in the first game of the Midwest Regional, setting up a matchup against Michigan. Miami had never defeated Michigan during tournament time and Miami had yet to win an overtime tournament game. Miami killed those two birds with one Alden Hirschfeld goal. Miami moved on to the Frozen Four with a 3-2 victory over Michigan in double overtime. Miami is a very deep team and they boast two of the top goalies in the country in Connor Knapp and CCHA Goalie of the Year, Cody Reichard.
Boston College had no problem taking care of Alaska in the first game of the Northeast Regional. They made it to the Frozen Four after defeating Yale in a 9-7 shootout. BC has shown all year that they could win the shootout and they can win the close games. Coach Jerry York and BC have knocked Miami out of the tournament 3 out of the past 4 years.
This is the year Miami will finally defeat a Boston team in the tournament. Miami is too deep and too talented to not win this game. Miami will once again rely on their studly goaltending to keep the opponents at bay. Miami will exercise the demons and use their experiences and motivations to once again have a crack at the National Championship.

2 Sports Freaks Prediction: Miami 3 BC 2