Will Smith scores early opening goal in BC’s 4-0 shutout of Michigan yesterday. David Berding/Getty
Well, it’s not BC-BU, but BC-DU.
Boston College moves into the national championship game tomorrow after defeating Michigan, 4-0, yesterday in St. Paul, Minn. Boston University fell to Denver, 2-1, in overtime earlier in the day to deny an all-Boston final.
This will be BC’s 12th appearance in the NCAA championship game and first since 2015. A win would bring them their sixth national crown and first since 2012.
The Eagles and Pioneers already met once this season, in the fourth game of the season October 21 in Conte Forum. Then #2 Denver scored three goals in the final period to beat then #3 BC, 4-3.
Yesterday, freshman Will Smith scored two goals and classmate Jacob Fowler made 32 saves in goal, first ever shutout of the Wolverines in the Frozen Four. Freshman Gabe Perreault scored one goal and added three assists, while sophomore Cutter Gauthier scored a goal.
Overall, the Eagles were outshot 32-22 by Michigan, but much of the action took place in mid-ice as BC thwarted Wolverine advances.
“It was a track meet, which we kind of expected. A lot of rushes going both ways,” said BC coach Greg Brown in the Boston Globe. “I think our rush defense was probably the best part of our game tonight. They did a great job there.”
After Smith’s first early goal, the Eagles had only five more shots on goal in the first period. They exploded for two goals in 49 seconds during the second period and added the final score early in the final period. For the rest of the game, BC kept the clock moving, clearing the puck, and refreshing lines frequently.
“Anytime someone commits to Boston College, it’s to win championships, and we have an opportunity for that on Saturday,” Gauthier told the Globe. “Been super proud of our group up to this point. And [alluding to the earlier loss to Denver] we owe these guys.”
BC’s win was its 15th straight this season, improving its record to 34-5-1. Total victories are the most in program history. One more to go.