Boston University Triumphs Over Penn State 3-1 in Thrilling Frozen Four Semifinal Showdown!

Jack Hughes and Cole Eiserman both found the net in the second period, helping Boston University clinch a 3-1 victory over Penn State Thursday night. This win marks BU’s return to the Frozen Four final after a decade.

Freshman goalie Mikhail Yegorov had an impressive game, stopping 32 shots. Jack Harvey added an empty-net goal with just a minute left, sealing the victory for the Terriers, who now stand at 24-12-2. BU had faced disappointment in the semifinals for the past two years but looks poised to chase their first title since 2009, when they triumphed over Miami (Ohio).

In the final, Boston University will match up against the top-seeded Western Michigan, who are also newcomers to this level of competition. Western Michigan advanced with a nail-biting 3-2 double overtime win against defending champions Denver. They come into the final riding a nine-game winning streak.

For Penn State, another first-time Frozen Four participant, Nicholas DeGraves managed to score early in the third period. The Nittany Lions have made only their fourth NCAA tournament appearance since their program began in 2011. Their goalie, Arsenii Sergeev, made 31 saves, showcasing a solid performance as well.

Hughes opened the scoring just 1:35 into the game. He jumped on a loose puck after a scramble in the crease. Not long after, Eiserman capitalized on a 2-on-1 opportunity, finishing with a slick one-timer after a well-placed pass from Cole Hutson.

Yegorov’s efforts in goal were crucial. He made some impressive saves, notably denying a breakaway shot from Dane Dowlak late in the second period. The 19-year-old’s skills have shone brightly since joining BU in January, and he was selected by New Jersey in the second round of the NHL draft this past June.

BU’s head coach, Jay Pandolfo, is no stranger to the Frozen Four. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, he’s made it to this stage seven times—four as a player and three as a coach. In 1995, he was part of the championship team coached by U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Jack Parker.

This upcoming title game is sure to draw attention. A recent survey showed that college hockey viewership has grown significantly over the past few years, and fan engagement is at an all-time high. With teams like BU and Western Michigan in the finals, excitement is reaching a fever pitch.

As we await the showdown this Saturday, fans are buzzing, sharing their predictions and hopes on social media. The thrill of college hockey is alive and well, and this final is set to be a memorable one.

For more on college sports, check out AP College Sports.

Source link

Boston University, Hockey