ST. PAUL, Minn. — Boston College, powered by a quartet of future NHL stars up front and an elite goalie, has been college hockey’s dominant team all season.
The Eagles have won 15 straight games, including the past five against NCAA Tournament teams by a 29-8 margin. They’ve lost five times in 40 games, but one of those was a 4-3 defeat at home to the University of Denver in October.
Belief for the underdog Pioneers? Or motivation for the top-ranked Eagles? That’s one of the key storylines as two of college hockey’s top programs meet Saturday in the 2024 NCAA championship game at Xcel Energy Center.
“That game in October was probably the most exciting game that we’ve been a part of,” DU coach David Carle said. “Just back and forth. It was good offense. It was good defense. I think these are the two best teams in the country. … I think it’s going to be a great hockey game.”
Here are three keys for the Pioneers as the two best offenses in the sport face off:
1. Start faster: The Pios not named Matt Davis were slow out of the gates Thursday in a 2-1 overtime victory against Boston University. Denver had six shot goals at the midpoint of the second period, but Davis — with an assist from a strong defensive effort — kept DU within reach until the passes started connecting and the chances started flowing. That is not a recipe for success against the Eagles. BC’s big guns are more likely to punish a slow start, and Michigan found out Thursday night that digging out of a hole against goalie Jacob Fowler and the Eagles is not fun.
2. Slow down the stars: DU kept Terriers phenom Macklin Celebrini off the scoresheet in the semifinals, but the Eagles are an even bigger challenge. TSN’s Craig Button called the freshmen trio of 2023 first-round picks Will Smith, Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault the best line in the world outside of the NHL. Then there’s Hobey Baker finalist Cutter Gauthier, who has the most goals (38) in an NCAA season in nearly three decades. It will be a group effort, but the Pios have to find a way to keep BC’s stars from putting on a show.
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3. Own the moment: The Pioneers believe they can knock off the top-ranked team for a second time. Carle mentioned Friday that coming to Denver to win championships is a critical part of the recruiting pitch. There are eight players on the roster who have won one, but 19 who committed because “we can win No. 10 and make NCAA history.” If there’s a way to tap into this program’s mystique and ability to deliver at the sport’s highest stage, this group of Pios could use it against these Eagles.
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