NCAA Hockey 2016: Frozen Four Bracket and Championship Predictions
While there have been some surprises along the way, it appears the four best hockey teams in the country are ready to compete for a national championship in the Frozen Four.
Between high-upside, future NHL stars to players who have simply dominated the college level, there will be a lot of talent on display in Tampa, Florida. The challenge will be keeping the dream alive while fighting for a title.
Expect the drama to be high beginning with the national semifinals on Thursday and continuing into the weekend for the championship on Saturday.
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| April 7 | No. 1 Quinnipiac vs. Boston College | 5 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| April 7 | No. 3 North Dakota vs. Denver | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| April 9 | Championship Game | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
A full bracket is available at NCAA.com.
Quinnipiac vs. Boston College
Although Boston College is the team most think about as the more dominant program, Quinnipiac is the No. 1 seed in the tournament with the best record in the country.
As ESPN's John Buccigross noted, this has not been a one-year fluke, either:
Despite the strong play, the Bobcats remain relative unknowns heading into the national semifinals. Interestingly, this might work in their favor. Boston College captain Teddy Doherty explained his team's inexperience against this opponent, per Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe:
"It’s kind of weird. I feel that I pretty much know a guy on every team we play against. With Quinnipiac, I can’t say I do…which makes it interesting. We don’t know that much about them, other than on film. We haven’t seen them on the ice yet.
That first period will be essential, trying to match up to their intensity and their compete level.
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Of course, there are names you should know on Quinnipiac. Sam Anas has been the offensive leader on the Bobcats, and despite an upper-body injury limiting him over the past few games, he remains a serious threat as both a scorer and a passer. Michael Garteig is also ready to cap a great senior year in goal and will be tough to score against.
As talented as Boston College is offensively, this will not be an easy defense to crack.
Thatcher Demko will ensure this is not a high-scoring game with his work in the net. The likely future NHL goaltender has been excellent all season and is quick enough to rob a few would-be goals in this one. Still, top-seeded Quinnipiac works well as a team and will pull off the surprising victory to advance to the finals.
Prediction: Quinnipiac 2, Boston College 1
North Dakota vs. Denver
As usual, North Dakota is loaded with talent, especially on the front line with an attack that doesn't quit.
Perhaps the biggest star is freshman Brock Boeser, who led the team with 26 goals this season. The 19-year-old first-round NHL pick of the Vancouver Canucks is more advanced than most at his age and might even go pro at the end of the year, according to John Shannon of Hockey Central (via Thomas Drance of Sportsnet) and Drance:
"Interesting on Brock Boeser from @JSportsnet, says VAN has changed their mind about him staying w. NoDak. Will let him choose to turn pro.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) April 5, 2016"
"Spoke with Boeser last week, was surprised by how open he seemed to the possibility of turning pro after his freshman season.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) April 5, 2016"
The forward had a quiet night against Michigan but showed off his skills against Northeastern with a goal and two assists in the win. Meanwhile, Drake Caggiula, Nick Schmaltz, Bryn Chyzyk, Luke Johnson and Rhett Gardner all have double-digit goals on the year, and any one of them can come through with a big play when needed.
With the way this group can pass the puck in the offensive zone, Denver could be in for a long night.
The Pioneers do have quite a bit of firepower on their own, tallying 13 goals in the last two NCAA tournament games. Danton Heinen leads the way with a group that has fared well against the conference rival during the season.
Unfortunately, this is the time when the best players shine, and North Dakota has the best players. It will be close, but look for the No. 3-seeded Fighting Hawks to earn the win.
Prediction: North Dakota 4, Denver 3
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