Frozen Four 2012 Bracket: Picks and Predictions for Each Matchup

The Frozen Four will be played in Florida for the first time in history when some of the best teams in college hockey battle for the national championship in Tampa Bay starting April 5.

No. 1-ranked Boston College looks like an unstoppable freight train right now, but the Eagles' quest for a fifth national title won't be easy.

Minnesota, Union (N.Y.) and Ferris State will be very tough opponents, and each present their own challenges for BC. 

Let's look at a preview of the Frozen Four and make some predictions.

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Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.

Boston College vs. Minnesota

One thing that sets the Eagles apart from most teams is their tremendous depth, but the Golden Gophers are one of the few teams that can match BC's depth on all four lines.

Boston College plays a very strong puck possession game, which starts in the back end with their big defensemen who start breakouts well with crisp passing.

Minnesota will have to use their physical edge at forward to win this game. If they can finish their checks and aggressively forecheck the Eagles, scoring chances will occur more often. BC hasn't played a team as talented or physical as Minnesota in quite some time.

The Gophers will have to stop Eagles left winger Chris Kreider, who is a phenomenal offensive player. Kreider is the top prospect of the New York Rangers and will likely sign with the team and join their roster when the Eagles' tournament run ends.

Kreider's ability to score goals with his shooting accuracy and to create chances for his teammates with his playmaking skills will be the difference for Boston College against Minnesota.

Prediction: Eagles win 3-1

Union (N.Y.) vs. Ferris State

Both Union and Ferris State are making their first appearances in the Frozen Four, which is really exciting for both schools and the sport.

Union's best chance to win is goalie Troy Grosenick having another stellar performance. Grosenick is second in America in save percentage and GAA, and will have to outduel talented Ferris State goaltender Taylor Nelson.

Nelson was a major reason why Ferris State was able to defeat talented teams like Michigan State and North Dakota in two very close 2-1 victories.

This matchup will also be close, and not just because both teams are led by fantastic netminders, but because both teams will be nervous throughout the game since none of the players have played at this level before.

Ferris has a better defensive corps and has played against tougher competition in the tournament. Ferris has also taken advantage of its scoring chances.

I would give them a slight edge in this game because Nelson is a senior and is the least likely of the two goaltenders to be rattled by what's a stake.

Prediction: Ferris State wins 1-0

National Title Game: Boston College vs. Ferris State

If the Eagles advance to the final they will have extended their winning streak to 18 games. 

Ferris State would be facing a juggernaut unlike any other they have faced this season. Not only are the Eagles a very sound defensive team, they have several offensively gifted forwards. 

If Kreider and the top Eagles scorers are having a rare off day, Hobey Baker finalist Brian Dumoulin will be able to provide offense from the blueline. The junior defenseman has six goals and 20 assists on the season.

The Eagles have championship experience, more depth and talent than Ferris State. Boston College will rout Ferris in a dominating performance with Kreider leading the way in his final collegiate game.

Prediction: Eagles win 4-0 to become national champions