It was one of those nights for the Michigan Wolverines. The University of Michigan, which advanced to the Frozen Four for the third consecutive year with a surprising run, lost 4-0 to No. 1 overall seed Boston College on Thursday night.
The first period was frenetic from the puck drop, and the Eagles quickly scored. Despite early offensive zone time, one costly mistake by the Wolverines led to a quick 2-on-1 that gave Boston College the lead in the opening minutes.
Athletics continued on the ice for the remainder of the period, but neither team was able to advance any further. Michigan outscored the Eagles 9-6 with two penalties, but still trailed by one.
In the second game, the energy and physicality only increased as both teams traded rushes.The momentum seemed to be waning. slightly The heat of the finishing check gave Michigan the advantage, but a critical 49-second stretch during 4-on-4 play turned the game on its head.
First, Boston University's Will Smith banked both of Ethan Edwards' skates and found the net, then the nation's leading scorer, Cutter Gauthier, capitalized on his fast break. In the blink of an eye, the Wolverines were up by three goals.
After two periods, Michigan led Boston College in shots and faceoff wins. The Wolverines led everywhere except when it mattered.
Michigan came out hot in the final frame but couldn't get the puck in the back of the net. Boston College's sticks were active and felt like they obliterated any ice the Eagles had open in the defensive zone.
While the Wolverines continued to threaten the first point, Boston College sank the fourth point on a wraparound attempt, increasing the lead to 4-0. Michigan had several chances throughout the third set, but could not break through.
It was the first shutout loss for the University of Michigan since November 2022, and the first time the Wolverines lost a shutout in 28 Frozen Four games. The season came to a disappointing and unscrupulous end for the Wolverines, with several players now having to make decisions about whether to go pro or return to Ann Arbor.
