Frozen Four Championship Game

My dream scenario became a reality when the Irish overcame problem after problem to defeat Michigan 5-4 in OT but BC was extremely dominant in their 6-1 win over North Dakota.

I'm going to give the edge to forwards, defense, goaltending, coaching, and the X-factor and then the final score.

Forwards- Advantage: BC- Notre Dame is hot in the tournament average 5 goals a game however their offense couldn't score the previous 2 months. Which offense is going to show up? Thats probably one of the big keys in this game. Gerbe is a stud and will be a challenge for the Irish defense.

Defense- Advantage: Irish- The Irish have a good mixture of veterans and young players anchoring the blue line, but with the age also comes elite talent with 1st rounder Ian Cole, U.S. Under-18 star Kyle Lawson along with Brett Blatchford have been very solid all season long keeping the Irish in games when they couldn't score. Look for ND to have some success shutting down the powerful BC attack. BC is young on the blueline, but are talented but they just don't have the minutes that the ND defense has and late in a big game that could be all the difference.

Goaltending- Advantage: Even (But forced to choose I'd take the Irish)- Both talented goalies in their 1st full year as a starter and this will be the biggest game of their careers. Pierce although more experienced and wiser as a junior is coming off a very weak performance. Will he pick up his game or is he cracking under the pressure? BC's goalie never had to deal with that pressure since that game was over in the 1st period. What happens if BC falls into a 1-0, 2-0 or even 3-0 hole? Will he be able to keep his cool? And as the game gets later and later, will he focus on saves or thinking about being the next goat?

Coaching- EVEN- Jackson vs York, York vs Jackson... this is as even as it will ever get

X-factor- Advantage: Irish- BC has been to 2 straight title games and come away empty. If they fall behind early will they see it as fate dooming them again? If its tight late, will replays of the last 2 years enter their minds? Irish are hot and playing on a 2nd life so they should be more relaxed than BC will be...

Final Score: I'm torn... BC is more talented team but the formula seems right for the Irish, Cinderella ride, team that can't win titles... I'm going to say the slipper fits:

Irish 5-3