Written by :
Published on :
Now that the Final Four is behind us, it’s time to shift our attention to the ice for the NCAA men’s hockey championship, affectionately known as the Frozen Four. College hockey and the sport in general don’t get the recognition or publicity of other sports, but when it comes to determining a champion things seem to take a step forward. That’s the case for the college hockey world. Three of the four teams competing for the national title hail from the state of Minnesota, which is known to produce some of the best U.S. talent on the ice. And many people don’t realize that the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs have a chance to make history. BetOnline offers a generous welcome bonus (max bonus $1000).
Having won the previous two national titles, the Bulldogs can become just the second team to three-peat. They’ll have to get past the red-hot Massachusetts Minutemen in Thursday’s semifinal round in order to have a chance. UMass outscored its two opponents in the Regionals 9-1 and hasn’t lost a game since the middle of January.
Minnesota State has the best record of any team in the tournament at 22-4-1 riding the stellar play of Hobey Baker finalist goaltender Dryden McKay. Fittingly he’s named after Ken Dryden, one of the best goalies to ever play in the NHL. St. Cloud State surprised a lot of folks reaching the tournament with convincing wins over Boston U. and Boston College. However, losing a top offensive player and veteran leader in Easton Brodzinski seriously impacts the Huskies’ chances of advancing to the championship game.
NCAA Frozen Four
Date and Times: Thursday, April 8, 2021, 5 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. ET
Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Frozen Four TV Coverage: ESPN2
Minnesota State -125 vs. St. Cloud State -105, O/U 5.5
We’ve often heard the phrase ‘standing on his head’ in regards to a goaltender stealing a game for his team. Well, Dryden has been standing on his head all season leading Minnesota State. He was the best in college hockey this season winning over 90 percent of his games while sporting an impressive 1.39 goals against average. Dryden was at his best in the Mavericks’ win over Minnesota to reach the Frozen Four posting a 22-save shutout, including 13 stops in the third period.
The improbable run of St. Cloud State hit another obstacle when Brodzinski sustained a broken leg against BC. The team rallied around their fallen leader in that game scoring four goals to knock off the No. 1 seed 4-1. However, the reality of that loss will likely catch up with the Huskies unless his mates can rise to the occasion again. Linemate Nolan Walker is a key figure for the offense. He has four points in the tournament, including a goal which came after Brodzinski was injured. Walker tallied 22 points during the season and steps into the role of offensive threat and team leader.
Frozen Four Prediction: Minnesota State 5, St. Cloud State 2
Minnesota-Duluth -150 vs. Massachusetts +120, O/U 5
UMass was favored to win the national championship until a COVID outbreak hit the program. Just days before their Frozen Four showdown, it was announced four players would miss the semifinal game against UMD due to COVID contact tracing protocols. And we’re not talking about just any players here. One player on the shelf is starting goalie Filip Lindberg, who leads the country with a 1.34 goals against average and .946 save percentage. Also, team goal scoring leader Carson Gicewicz is out. Playing on UMass’ top line Gicewicz has 17 goals.
These teams played for the 2019 title with UMD posting a 3-0 victory in a game that wasn’t that close. A lot has changed and players have moved on, but there are a few remaining on the UMass side making them a worthwhile moneyline pick. Captain Jake Gaudet was part of that team two years ago and relishes the chance at a return. “This year I think we have a different mindset. We’re going there with a purpose and we’re going to do everything we can to come back with some hardware,” he said.
Frozen Four Prediction: UMass 3, Minnesota-Duluth 2
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.
- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com
