Posted by The ice opens up during 4-on-4 play, and Boston College took advantage of that. The Eagles scored two goals in 49 seconds in the second period, helping Boston College punch its ticket to the NCAA championship.
Will Smith scored two goals to lead No. 1 Boston College to a 4-0 victory over Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals. It’s the 12 championship appearance for the Eagles as they look for their sixth national title.
Boston College (34-5-1) established a lead early, but Michigan (23-15-3) had the advantage in the shots column. The Wolverines outshot the Eagles 32-22 over three periods.
Nonetheless, Jacob Fowler stood tall in goal, refusing to allow a shot past him. The freshman goaltender finished with 32 saves.
Gabe Perreault tallied one goal and two assists, and Cutter Gauthier scored a goal.
Boston College will play No. 3 Denver in the NCAA championship on Saturday, April 13.
WATCH: 2024 Frozen Four LIVE on Fubo
(All times Eastern).
11:03 p.m.: Boston College picks up a slashing penalty that ultimately saves a goal. Michigan will go on the power play.
11 p.m.: GOAL! Gabe Perreault wraps around the net and places the puck behind the Michigan goaltender with 14:57 remaining. Boston College leads 4-0.
WRAP AROUND!!!!! 🦅
📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour x @BC_MHockey pic.twitter.com/gQCGVzzSwe
10:56 p.m.: Barczewski sprawls out to make another save, this one on a breakaway by Leonard.
10:26 p.m.: GOAL! Cutter Gauthier picks up the puck and scores on a breakaway to put the Eagles up 3-0 with 6:46 remaining in the second period.
HOW WE FEELING, EAGLES?!! 🦅
📺 ESPN#MFrozenFour x @BC_MHockey pic.twitter.com/qUvSITIM4M
10:25 p.m.: GOAL! Smith scores his second goal of the night. He backhands the puck from behind the net off the Michigan defender’s feet and through Barczewski’s five-hole. Boston College leads 2-0.
WILL SMITH WITH THE BANK SHOT. 🤩
📺 ESPN#MFrozenFour x @BC_MHockey pic.twitter.com/8tlHUZFaR1
10:24 p.m.: And there’s more 4-on-4 action as Michigan picks up a tripping penalty.
10:23 p.m.: Michigan goes on another power play with about eight minutes to play in the second period.
10:15 p.m.: It’s still a fast-paced game with numerous shots on goal from both sides. Michigan still leads that stat 12-8 but remains scoreless.
10:08 p.m.: Michigan to go on the power play as Boston College commits an interference penalty. Michigan is the nation’s top power play team. BC leads 1-0 with 15:55 remaining.
10:05 p.m.: Barczewski save! The Michigan goalie sprawls out to stop Leonard’s slick stick work.
WHAT A SAVE 😵
📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour x @umichhockey pic.twitter.com/3YDLUc6OWY
9:44 p.m.: It’s another unsuccessful power play for the Eagles. Under two minutes to play in the first period
9:38 p.m.: Not too long after, the Wolverines pick up a tripping penalty.
9:37 p.m.: Both penalties are killed without allowing a goal.
9:34 p.m.: Boston College picks up a hooking penalty. It’ll be 4-on-4 for 1:25 before Michigan gains the man-advantage.
9:32 p.m.: First power play of the game goes to Boston College. The Wolverines are called for boarding. It’ll be 5-on-4 for two minutes.
9:21 p.m.: Both sides playing with great speed through eight minutes of play. Michigan is outshooting Boston College 6-1, but the Eagles lead 1-0.
9:12 p.m.: GOAL! Will Smith nets in an easy goal off a feed from Ryan Leonard on the 2-on-1 breakaway. Boston College leads 1-0 with 18:40 remaining in the first period.
WILL SMITH, DUHHHHHHH!!!!!
📺 ESPN2 #MFrozenFour x @BC_MHockey pic.twitter.com/GIGSWykO5j
9:12 p.m.: Michigan already with a shot off the post, challenging Fowler.
9:11 p.m.: Puck is dropped and the semifinal is underway.
8:48 p.m.: Michigan’s lineup card:
Tonight’s lines ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pc4OVF0Gbf
Boston College’s lineup card:
Frozen Four National Semifinal | Links & Lines
📺 ESPN2
💻 https://t.co/5s2DsDrbpC
📻 @WEEI 850 AM
🎧 https://t.co/IvfeVxS6JX
📈 https://t.co/v35a54lZf2 pic.twitter.com/S0hCsn44Ix
The Frozen Four begins at 8:30 p.m. ET from Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
All three Frozen Four games, including the championship, can be watched on ESPN2. Cable cutters can stream the game on ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial, in the United States. Canadian viewers can stream the game on TSN+.
Boston College is the favorite, according to BetMGM.
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Brendan O'Sullivan is an editorial intern for Sporting News.