NCAA Hockey 2015: Top Players to Watch in Boston University vs. Providence Final

The collegiate men's hockey season is down to its final night, as Saturday's Frozen Four championship game between Boston University and Providence signals the end of the 2015 season.

The Terriers and Friars have gotten to this point in very different ways. The Terriers won games with an incredibly deep offensive attack, with three players scoring more than 20 goals on the year. Conversely, the Friars employed a stingy defensive strategy throughout the season, limiting opponents' opportunities to score.

Now the two meet with one game standing between them and a championship.

Unlike the NHL's Stanley Cup Final, the champion will be decided after just one contest. This isn't a series. It's win or go home. That makes some of the game's individual stars extremely important to the outcome, as one great play might influence the outcome.

There are three players in particular who have the talent to take over this game. Learn more about them below before tuning into ESPN on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET to watch.

Jack Eichel, Boston University

Meet Jack Eichel, one of the NHL's next big stars.

The 18-year-old freshman has been the best player in the country this season, totaling 70 points and using his uncanny speed to pace the Terriers on offense. In fact, NHL Central Scouting's David Gregory (h/t NHL.com's Mike G. Morreale) thinks it's Eichel's skating ability that makes him so special:

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I haven't seen a player, maybe never since I've been scouting, that has the strength to keep his feet on the ice while he's skating and using that long stride. And he doesn't lose speed or his ability to move laterally when he's on the move. That makes him so deceptive and able to create opportunities for himself.

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Such a talent would normally be a lock for No. 1 overall in the NHL draft, but Connor McDavid of the Ontario Hockey League is the current favorite for that honor given his experience in one of Canada's three major junior hockey leagues.

That doesn't mean Eichel is being unfairly evaluated in any sense. What he's doing is simply remarkable considering the fact that many of the players he's competing with are up to four years older than him. Considering the following accolades he has added to his trophy case this season—via Howard Simon of WGR 550 in Buffalo, New York—it's clear he's a player worth tanking for:

The NHL is certainly in the near future for the young star, but the Terriers need him to continue his dominance for just three more periods before wishing him the best of luck at the next level.

He tallied three points against North Dakota in the semifinals and will need another similar night against Providence to ensure a win. The Friars defense rarely leaves lanes open for skaters, and it certainly doesn't give scorers easy opportunities at goaltender Jon Gillies.

But Eichel's speed can capitalize on even the smallest opening. Look for him to lead the charge for Boston University.

Jon Gillies, Providence

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

The man responsible for keeping Eichel at bay is Gillies. Sure, the defensemen are important, too, but Gillies is the last line of defense on a Providence team that isn't known for its offensive potential. The Friars go as he goes.

The 21-year-old was selected by the Calgary Flames in Round 3 of the 2012 draft, and while he hasn't paid immediate dividends for Calgary, it's clear that his progression is something that has the Flames looking forward to the future.

He owns a .930 save percentage this season and has limited opponents to just 1.98 goals per contest. He's a wall between the pipes, one that isn't in danger of breaking when the pressure is on. And that's nothing new. Just take a look at his career numbers in net for the Friars:

Gillies is probably the most important player in this game. While not the most talented, Gillies plays a prominent role for Providence. His nightly performances are crucial given the lack of firepower Providence possesses on offense.

There's a good chance Providence will lose if he can't hold the Terriers to three goals or less, and even that might be a stretch.

The netminder has been great in the NCAA tournament, though, and so has the rest of his team. This won't be a one-sided championship.

Evan Rodrigues, Boston University

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

If Eichel doesn't have the puck near the net, then you'll probably see Evan Rodrigues handling it.

The senior is second in the nation with 61 points (21 goals), trailing only his teammate. The two have been in friendly competition all season long, and barring a monumental performance by Rodrigues, it looks as if Eichel will put a wrap on the scoring title.

Rodrigues credits Eichel, however, for the stellar season he is having—one that is better than his previous three seasons combined. This is what he told The Globe and Mail's Jamie Ross:

"He creates so much space for guys around him. He has the ability to get the attention of all five players on the opposing team, and that gives everyone else on the ice that extra second."

Terriers coach David Quinn also spoke to Ross about the duo of Eichel and Rodrigues:

"Obviously Jack gets all the headlines, but Evan is a great player. And there’s a chemistry there without question since we put them together. It’s been fun to watch."

So, for Providence, it's really a game of pick your poison. Eichel is the flashier of the two, but Rodrigues has a refined set of skills that make him a nightmare for opposing defenses—especially as a secondary option.

Rodrigues, winner of the Hockey East Player of the Month award for January and March, can steal the headlines away from Eichel in this one if he nets a goal and sets up another.

Kenny DeJohn is a Breaking News Team Featured Columnist. Follow him on Twitter.