Michigan hockey loses to Boston College in Frozen Four, ending its season

What a run.

For the third time in as many years, the Michigan hockey team made the Frozen Four. During a season of ups and downs, it got to a point where it seemed the Wolverines wouldn’t even make the tournament at all. But as the only non-top seed in the Frozen Four, Michigan made it back once again.

Yet, the Wolverines haven’t claimed a National Championship since 1998, and unfortunately, that won’t happen in 2024.

Boston College got the best of Michigan, winning 4-0 and sending the Wolverines home. The Wolverines still haven’t made a National Championship game since 2011 and that streak will continue.

Boston College dominates Michigan in the Frozen Four

Things didn’t look great to start as the Eagles scored just 80 seconds into the game. Despite the early goal, it was a pretty even first period with both teams playing at a very fast pace. The Wolverines outshot Boston College nine to six. 

In what was a fast-paced game from the get-go, the Michigan defense did a good job preventing the Eagles from getting quality shots on offense. But it was Boston College goalie Jacob Fowler that prevented any of the Wolverines’ shots from reaching the back of the net, as his team ended the first period leading 1-0.

The defensive battle continued as the first 12 minutes of the period went by with even shooting and changes. But a 4-on-4 opportunity opened the scoring yet again for the Eagles. With two goals in 49 seconds, including Will Smith’s second of the night and Cutter Gauthier’s 38th of the season, the nation’s leading goal scorer, Boston College pretty much put the game out of reach.

A 3-0 lead for the Eagles heading into the final period was a daunting task for Michigan to overcome. The Wolverines still severely outshot Boston College, 32 to 22, but Fowler was truly a brick wall for the Eagles. Sadly, Michigan simply couldn’t get one past, conceding one final goal in the third as the clock ran out on the Frozen Four and Michigan’s season.

Postseason reflection

Making it back to the Frozen Four was no small feat for the Michigan hockey team this season. The Wolverines overcame many hurdles throughout their postseason run this season. While Michigan guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament after making the Big Ten title game against Michigan State, the Wolverines couldn’t secure its third straight Big Ten Championship. But Michigan overcame the odds and upset both North Dakota and Michigan State to make the Frozen Four.

Boston College proved to be too big a hurdle, though, ending Michigan’s season.

While the Wolverines made their run back to the Frozen Four, all good things come to an end. The upside, there is plenty to build upon for next season.

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