DDC's Top 10 Moments of 2015-16, Part IV

Cam Johnson and Paul LaDue celebrate after UND defeated Quinnipiac 5-1 in the national championship.
The title is the Green and White's eighth in team history and first since 2000. (Photo: Associated Press)

As we inch towards the top spot in the countdown, it’s becoming a bit crowded at the top.

These three remaining moments are the best of the best and DDC thinks most, if not all, will agree.

Some may think DDC’s pick for No. 3 should be a bit higher as it is possibly the most important singular moment/play that UND has had since 2000. The selection of this play as No. 3 does nothing to undersell it. In fact, you know what… we’re going to make this 2b.

Let’s head back to the countdown with DDC’s No. 2b moment – Nick Schmaltz’s game-winning goal in the national semifinal.

No. 2b – Schmaltz Flips the Narrative – UND vs. Denver, Frozen Four national semifinal, Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay, Fla., April 7, 2016.

For 16 years, the narrative following the UND men’s hockey team was simple. They were a fantastic program, that had tremendous players that for whatever reason, could not get it done in the biggest games. With the exception of two of these 16 years (2000-01, 2004-05), UND couldn’t find a way to get to the title game, much less win it all.

The moments were heart wrenching.

Krys Kolanos denies back-to-back titles in OT, 2001. Peter Mannino’s 44-save epic, 2005. BC outguns UND, 2006. BC holds off UND, DOT line, 2007. Nathan Gerbe, BC gut punches the Green and White again, 2008. Shawn Hunwick stuns the Pony Express, 2011. 0.6, 2014. Jack Eichel paces BU, 2015.

Think of the names that couldn’t find a way to raise No. 8 while at North Dakota… Brandon Bochenski, Matt Greene, Zach Parise, Drew Stafford, Travis Zajac, Ryan Duncan, T.J. Oshie, Jonathan Toews, Chay Genoway, Chris VandeVelde, Matt Frattin, Brad Malone, Evan Trupp, Jason Gregoire, Brett Hextall, Corban Knight, Danny Kristo, Brock Nelson, Dillon Simpson, Rocco Grimaldi, Stephane Pattyn, Zane McIntyre, Jordan Schmaltz.

These aren’t just names. These are UND legends, Stanley Cup winners, Olympians and NHL all-stars. All of these 23 names and dozens of others, contributed to the narrative.

The 2015-16 team brought their own names and their own legend to the edge of glory, once again.

Frozen Four semifinals. It was the sixth meeting on the year for UND and Denver and man, this one was a dandy.

UND is up 2-0 and seemingly coasting into the title game as they had not lost in over 70 games when leading after two periods of play.

Denver came roaring back, knotting it 2-2 on a fluke play that bounced off the stick of Captain Gage Ausmus and between the legs of Cam Johnson and into the net.

The air, once happy and hopeful, filled once again with dread and nervousness. Here it is. Here’s where we blow it. Here’s where the heartache again takes over. The ghosts of Nathan Gerbe, Shawn Hunwick and 0.6 were haunting.

Then with a one minute to go in the third period, tied 2-2, those names, those moments, that narrative. Nick Schmaltz flipped it.

From pacing the room nervously with bile twisting and churning in his stomach to pure elation and excitement, DDC could physically, tangibly feel the change.

Those dozens of players who couldn’t find a way, those eight heart-wrenching moments that crushed UND players and their fans from around the world, those 16 years of frustration … all were replaced with relief and exuberance in less than two seconds.

A simple play. Get the puck to the net and get greasy. Sioux hockey. Shot, block, gather, deke, goal, victory.

Schmaltz had scored the biggest UND goal in these 16 years and had given the Green and White their shot at glory. 

A moment that DDC will never, ever forget. 

Thanks again for reading! Check back soon for DDC's No. 2 moment -- This single play is the best DDC has ever seen. 

It's Time to Write History -- Men's Hockey National Championship

UND fans again showed why they're the best in the college hockey world
and they were treated to an epic finish on Thursday. (Photo: GF Herald)

It came in a split second and it resonated in the pit of DDC's stomach.

It's a feeling that he and the rest of the Green and White faithful have become all too familiar with.

A centering pass from the sideboards deflected off of UND junior captain Gage Ausmus' stick and bled through netminder Cam Johnson's five hole and to the back of the net.

Sixteen years of heart-wrenching memories popped to the forefront of DDC's mind. A collective uneasiness could be felt from Tampa, to the Twin Cities, to Grand Forks and back.

Nathan Gerbe. Shawn Hunwick. 0.6.  Jack Eichel.

"Not again," DDC mumbled to himself under his breath.

With nine minutes left to go in the national semifinals, UND was on the ropes as Denver knotted the game at 2-2.

While the narrative of the past 16 years of disappointments flooded the minds of the fans, first-year head coach Brad Berry never lost faith in his team. The sentiment was clear. Not this year. Not this team. They've come too far, fought too hard. It's time for history to change. It's time for the narrative to change.

Denver continued to jump. Johnson continued to come up large in the UND net.

Then, in less than four seconds, the haunting narrative died.

Exactly one minute to go with a faceoff in the Denver zone. Brock Boeser won the draw. Drake Caggiula fired the puck that hit traffic in the slot. Boeser gathered the bounce and fired a backhander towards the net. Nick Schmaltz snagged the shot, stayed on his backhand --- and buried it.

The sophomore forward not only buried the puck to the back of the net ... he buried the narrative.

UND So. F, Nick Schmaltz buried the game-winning goal with 57 seconds left in the third period on Thursday. The Green
and White topped Denver 4-2 to advance to the National Championship game on Saturday. (Photo: Eric Hylden, GF Herald)

An empty netter later, UND was moving on to the national championship game with a 4-2 and the heart-wrenching feeling from Tampa, to the Twin Cities, to Grand Forks and back had been replaced with elation.

With the 16-year run of Frozen Four heartaches shattered, in the post-game press conference, the Green and White had already turned the page.

When asked about his feeling of getting the proverbial national semifinal monkey off their back, the senior Caggiula noted that their job is not over.

"When you first step on the University of North Dakota campus, the first thing you talk about is winning a national championship. For the first three years, we came up short and as a senior class we want to leave this program with a national championship. We're one step closer, there. We're going to get ready for Saturday and hopefully win the national championship we've been working four years for."

UND has their shot.

The Final Box to Check

Two teams are left. Quinnipiac, the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, is waiting.

With a 3-2 victory over perennial power Boston College in the first semifinal, the Bobcats are looking to write a narrative of their own.

Quinnipiac is a relative infant to the Frozen Four stage, having made the national championship final just one other time, losing to Yale in 2013, but the Bobcats are looking to make their permanent mark on men's college hockey.

The ECAC champion Bobcats have been at or near the top of the national ranking all season, having lost just three times.

They, like North Dakota, have big aspirations on Saturday night.

Who will be the team to check that final box of season-long goals and hoist the national championship?

The Pick

National Championship game:

North Dakota vs. Quinnipiac -- 7 p.m.
ESPN 2.

Will it be No. 1 for Quinnipiac to cap off a dominant season or will it be No. 8, the long-awaited green banner to hang from the Ralph Engelstad Arena rafters for North Dakota?

Let's get one thing straight. Saturday's title game is featuring the two best college hockey teams in the land. This isn't because they are in the title game, it's because these two teams have shown all season that they belong on this stage. After multiple years of dazzling runs by relative underdog teams like Minnesota Duluth, Yale, Union and Providence, these two teams are the best of the best.

Quinnipiac is dynamic, fast, incredibly structured and very talented in net. Again, this team hasn't just magically lost just three games all season. The Bobcats were relentless against BC in the semifinals and created their goals by flat out outworking the Eagles.

Those superlatives are a mirror image of UND. Each team has the ability to shut their opponent down and bury big-time, clutch goals.

Both teams look to have a key junior forward either out or slowed on Saturday night.

QU junior Hobey Baker finalist Sam Anas battled off a shoulder injury in the ECAC tournament and played through the regionals, but came off the ice in the first period against BC and only came back in a limited role the rest of the way. While he appears ready to play, Anas is nowhere near 100%.

UND Jr. F, Luke Johnson
will likely miss Saturday's
title game after a lower-body
injury forced him out of
Thursday's semifinal victory.

On the other bench, UND junior Luke Johnson collided with a teammate early on in the game on Thursday and never returned to action. He is most likely out for the title game.

For both QU and UND, it's next man up.

With these two teams as about even as can possibly be, what will be the difference?

Both teams are dominant in both zones. QU has the better power play, but UND has the better penalty kill. Both teams have Mike Richter finalist goaltenders.

The media has echoed the difference, in DDC's mind. The X-Factor looks to be talent. Before the average reader fills my comment board, please bear with DDC, here. QU has loads of talent, but the Green and White have just a little bit more.

All season long, UND fans have been treated to a team that has that "It-Factor." That extra special, dynamic, game-breaking, cold-blooded piece that DDC has talked about from the start of the season that separates them from the rest of the pack.

It's the tic-tic-tic-tac-toe goal against Miami.

It's Nick Schmaltz and Brock Boeser (:50 in) toe drags.

It's Drake Caggiula's windmill game winner.

It's Austin Poganski's go-to move.

UND Fr. F, Brock Boeser
is DDC's pick National Title
game-breaker pick.

The "It-Factor".

And for the first time in 16 years, that will make the difference as North Dakota takes home the title.

The National Championship game-breaker: Freshman Forward, Brock Boeser. This kid has been special. And as he has so many times this year, Boeser will do it again, scoring UND's eventual national championship-winning goal in the third period.

UND RAISES IT -- THEIR FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 2000, 4-2.

The Pick(s) -- Frozen Four Semifinals

Frozen Four National Semifinals, Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay, FL:
Both games on ESPN 2.

Semifinal No. 1 -- Boston College vs. Quinnipiac, 4 p.m.
Semifinal No. 2 -- Denver vs. North Dakota, 7:30 p.m.

The ice is fresh, the teams are rested and the hype is high.

It's win or go home.

Boston College versus Quinnipiac. Denver versus North Dakota.

It's time for the Frozen Four from Amalie Arena in Tampa.

In semifinal No. 1, the top seeded Bobcats are looking to permanently stamp their names on the college hockey landscape. The Eagles are trying to continue their decade plus of dominance and advance to the title game for the seventh time since 2001.

In semifinal No. 2, legendary rivals Denver and UND faceoff for the sixth time on the year. Thursday's contest is by far the biggest. Can the Green and White snap out of their national semifinal funk and head to the title game? Can the Pioneers upend their NCHC foe and advance to the championship for the first time since 2005?

DDC has delved into both Thursday semifinals and is ready to give you his picks as to who will move on to Saturday's national championship game.

The Pick(s)

Semifinal No. 1 -- Boston College vs. Quinnipiac

To say these two teams are evenly matched statistically is nothing short of an understatement.

Both are in the top 5 in scoring offense and top 7 in scoring defense. Both sport top 9 power plays and top 5 penalty kills. Both have game-breaking goaltenders that are near the top of the stats pile. Both are undefeated on the season when leading after two periods.

While QU Michael Garteig is certainly a solid netminder, Boston College goaltender Thatcher Demko is a Hobey Baker Hat Trick and Mike Richter finalist and with his huge size and excellent mobility, is an absolute force. Demko has a ridiculous 10 shutouts on the year and gives the Eagles the slight edge in the nets. He will need to keep that going against the Bobcats if BC plans on playing on Saturday night.

So, where does the advantage lie?

As it often does come playoff time, DDC sees this game won with special teams as it's all but a toss up 5-on-5 and one stat stood out most to DDC when looking at this matchup -- BC is fifth in the country in penalty minutes, averaging 14.4 per game.

Despite that high number of PIMs, the Eagles are fourth in the NCAA in penalty kill. On the other side, Quinnipiac has the fourth-best power play.

Quinnipiac So. F, Sam Anas
is DDC's pick for semifinal
No. 1's game breaker.

This is where DDC thinks the Bobcats capitalize.

QU junior forward Sam Anas and senior forward Travis St. Denis have been game changers this season with the extra man as the pair is tied for second nationally with 10 power play goals a piece.

DDC sees one of these two potting a big-time extra man goal in a big-time spot to move the Bobcats on to Saturday.

Semifinal No. 1's game breaker: Quinnipaic forward, Sam Anas. Look for the dynamic forward to net the game winner on the power play late.

QUINNIPIAC EDGES BOSTON COLLEGE, 4-3.

Semifinal No. 2 --  Denver vs. North Dakota

Hold on one second. DDC needs a Xanax. Ok, thanks. Let's make a pick.

DDC noted in his preview of this game that the rivalry is a mere side note, but the familiarity of these two teams, particularly in 2015-16, is very important. Denver knows UND is loaded offensively and sports a dynamic D-corps that is capable of taking over a game. The Green and White knows the Pioneers are tremendous on the rush and have a top line that can score with anyone in the country.

So, much like in the first semifinal between QU and BC, where does the advantage lie?

DDC believes it's in the line matchups.

North Dakota has the advantage of the last change being the higher seed and this has proved incredibly important for the Green and White down the stretch.

Throwing out the Frozen Faceoff 1-1 tie, in the other four contests between the two this season, the team with the last change got home sweeps.

When UND swept Denver in Grand Forks in December, the Green and White were able to pair their top 4 defensemen against DU's top line. Then, when the Pioneers got their sweep of UND in Colorado in February, the newly minted Pacific Rim line of Danton Heinen, Dylan Gambrell and Trevor Moore got good matchups and took advantage.

With the last change on Thursday, UND will have the opportunity to group their top D-men and their "Heavy Line" of Luke Johnson, Rhett Gardner and Austin Poganski against DU's top line. The Heavy Line was the difference in the Midwest Regional as the trio went to work with a monster forecheck against Northeastern's top forwards and the vaunted CCM Line of Michigan that denied time and space.

UND Sr. F, Drake Caggiula
is DDC's pick for semifinal
No. 2's game breaker.

With the Heavy Line occupying the time of DU's Pacific Rim, UND's CBS line of Drake Caggiula, Brock Boeser and Nick Schmaltz should have more opportunities to create and pace the North Dakota attack.

If UND can lock it down defensively and get solid netminding from Cam Johnson like they did in Cincinnati, they should have plenty enough scoring to move on.

Semifinal No. 2's game breaker: UND forward, Drake Caggiula. The senior has had a penchant for big goals in his career and DDC sees Caggiula netting the Green and White's fourth goal to put away the Pioneers.

NORTH DAKOTA SHAKES OFF THEIR NATIONAL SEMIFINAL STRUGGLES AND BEATS DU, 5-2.

Exhale.

There you have it. Who will be left standing after the semis? Check back later to see who's moving on and who's going home. Thanks for reading.

Frozen Four Semifinal No. 2 -- The Rivalry That Doesn't Matter

Frozen Four National Semifinals -- Thursday, ESPN 2:

Semifinal No. 1 -- Boston College vs. Quinnipiac -- 4 p.m.
Semifinal No. 1 -- Denver vs. North Dakota -- 7:30 p.m.

The rivalry between UND and Denver spans 66 years and 275 games.

It's a rivalry of conference tussles, head coaching antics, controversial injuries and NCAA tournament and Frozen Four battles.

And in the 2015-16 season, the Green and White and the Pioneers have done nothing to settle their legendary rivalry, battling to a 2-2-1 record, with each team sweeping the other on home ice and slugging out a tie in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff third place game.

With all of that said, the rivalry between UND and Denver is nothing more than a side note on Thursday night. This game is all about one matter -- making it to Saturday's national championship game.

For the 276th time and the sixth this season, it's North Dakota versus Denver. Who will move on and who will see their season end?

Here's a look at Frozen Four semifinal No. 2 from Amalie Arena in Tampa with a trip to the national title game on the line in DDC's "Who? What? How?" breakdown.

Who?

Players to watch

Denver Pioneers

DU So. F, Danton Heinen
leads the Pioneers with
48 points (20g, 28a).

So. F, Danton Heinen, 20 goals, 28 assists -- 48 points; Fr. F, Dylan Gambrell, 17g, 30a -- 47 pts (3rd in NCAA in rookie points per game, 1.18); Jr. F, Trevor Moore, 11g, 33a (7th in NCAA in assists per game, .85) -- 44 pts; Jr. D, Will Butcher, 8g, 23a -- 31 pts; Sr. F, Quentin Shore, 13g, 15a -- 28 pts; So. G, Tanner Jaillet, 17-4-5, 2.25 goals against average, .923 save percentage.

University of North Dakota

Fr. F, Brock Boeser, 26g (2nd in NCAA in rookie goals, 4th overall in NCAA), 28a -- 54 pts (2nd in NCAA in rookie scoring, T-5th overall); Sr. F, Drake Caggiula, 21g (T-3rd in NCAA in game-winning goals with 7), 25a -- 46 pts; So. F, Nick Schmaltz, 10g, 34a (T-3rd in NCAA in assists per game with .97) -- 42 pts; Jr. D, Troy Stecher, 8g, 20a -- 28 pts; So. G, Cam Johnson (Mike Richter Award finalist), 22-4-2 (2nd in NCAA in win percentage), 1.67 GAA (2nd in NCAA), .934 SV PCT (T-6 in NCAA).

What?

Standout Stats

Denver 

The Pioneers are 11th in the NCAA in scoring offense, netting 3.30 goals per game and are 13th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 2.30.

Denver's special team play is around average in the country. The Pioneers are 23rd in power play at 19% and 31st in penalty kill at 82%.

DU's Pacific Rim Line of Danton Heinen, Dylan Gambrell and Trevor Moore have notched 48 goals on the season, accounting for 36.4% of the team's goals.

The Pios are undefeated on the year when leading after two periods (21-0-2), but have not won a game (0-6-2) when trailing heading into the final frame.

UND

The Green and White are 7th in the NCAA in scoring offense with a 3.64 goals per game average and are 2nd in the NCAA in scoring defense, allowing just 1.86 goals per game.

North Dakota is 21st in the NCAA in power play, converting 19.5%, but are much better on the penalty kill, stopping 86.4% of opponent's power plays which is T-6 in the nation.

UND leads the NCAA in plus/minus with a +64. The CBS line of Drake Caggiula (+41), Brock Boeser (+38) and Nick Schmaltz (+39) are slated 1st, 3rd and 2nd nationally.

Just like the rest of the remaining teams in the Frozen Four, UND is undefeated when leading after two periods (25-0-3) this season. The Green and White have not lost a game in 74 chances when taking a lead into the third period.

How?

How'd they get here?

UND So. G, Cam Johnson

Denver (25-9-6) dispatched Boston University 7-2 and Ferris State 6-3 in the West Regional in St. Paul. The Pioneers have lost just twice in 24 games since the Christmas break.

UND (32-6-4) punched their ticket to the Frozen Four for the third-straight season with a 6-2 win over Northeastern and a 5-2 victory over Michigan in the Midwest Regional in Cincinnati. So. G, Cam Johnson took home tournament MVP honors. The Green and White are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

There's your look at the second semifinal. Check back tomorrow for DDC's picks of both Frozen Four semifinals. Thanks for reading.

Frozen Four Semifinal Preview -- Old Guard vs. The New Kids

Frozen Four National Semifinals -- Thursday, ESPN 2:

Semifinal No. 1 -- Boston College vs. Quinnipiac -- 4 p.m.
Semifinal No. 1 -- Denver vs. North Dakota -- 7:30 p.m.

Four teams remain alive for their ultimate dream.

The storyline in the first Frozen Four semifinal on Thursday is simple.

It's college hockey royalty versus the new kids on the block. It's a team who's success in the last decade plus is unrivaled versus a team looking to stamp a permanent name on the college hockey landscape. It's the Boston College Eagles versus the Quinnipiac Bobcats for the right to play for the national championship.

While BC brings the pedigree of five national titles, four since 2001, Quinnipiac is the No. 1 overall seed and has been at or near the top of the rankings, losing just three times all season.

Here's a deeper look at the first Frozen Four national semifinal from Amalie Arena in Tampa in DDC's "Who? What? How?" breakdown of the Bobcats versus the Eagles.

Who?

Players to watch

Quinnipiac Bobcats

Quinnipiac Jr. F, Sam Anas

Jr. F, Sam Anas, 24 goals, 26 assists -- 50 points; Sr. F, Travis St. Denis, 22g, 24a -- 46 pts; Jr. F, Tim Clifton, 18g, 23a -- 41 pts; So. F, Landon Smith, 11g, 25a -- 36 pts; Jr. D, Devon Toews, 7g, 23a -- 30 pts; Jr. D, Connor Clifton, 7g, 20a -- 27 pts; Sr. G, Michael Garteig, 31-3-7 (1st in NCAA in winning percentage), 1.83 goals against average (5th in NCAA), .926 save percentage; 8 shutouts (2nd in NCAA).

Boston College Eagles

Jr. F, Ryan Fitzgerald, 23g, 23a -- 46 pts; Fr. F, Colin White, 19g, 23a -- 42 pts (4th in NCAA in rookie points per game, 1.17); So. F, Zach Sanford, 13g, 26a -- 39 pts; Fr. F, Miles Wood, 10g, 25a -- 36 pts; So. F, Alex Tuch, 17g, 16a -- 33pts; Fr. D, Casey Fitzgerald, 4g, 22a -- 26pts; Jr. G, Thatcher Demko (Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalist, Mike Richter Award Finalist), 27-7-4, 1.85 GAA (7th in NCAA), .936 SV PCT (4th in NCAA), 10 shutouts (1st in NCAA).

What?

Standout Stats

Quinnipiac

The Bobcats own the nation's fourth-best scoring offense, averaging 3.88 goals per game and has the fifth-best scoring defense, allowing just 1.90. 

Quinnipiac's special teams are also near the top in the NCAA with the nation's fourth best power play at 27.4% and third-best penalty kill at 89.3%.

Junior netminder Michael Garteig is No. 1 in the NCAA in winning percentage (.841) and second in shutouts (8).

The Bobcats are undefeated on the season when leading after two periods, going 26-0-2 and are 24-2-4 when scoring first.

Boston College

The Eagles sport the nation's 5th-best scoring offense with 3.85 goals per game and are seventh in scoring defense at 1.98.

BC has racked up the fifth-most penalty minutes in the NCAA, averaging 14.4 per game, but are tremendous on the kill with the 4th-best PK at 87.9%. Their power play sits at ninth in the NCAA at 21.5%.

Junior netminder Thatcher Demko has racked up an astonishing 10 shutouts on the year en route to a Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist season.

The Eagles are also undefeated when leading after two periods (23-0-2) but are just 1-2-3 when trailing entering the third period.

How?

BC Jr. G, Thatcher Demko

How'd they get here?

Quinnipiac (31-3-7) rolled through the East Regional in Albany, N.Y., beating RIT 4-0 and UMass Lowell 4-1. The Bobcats are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

Boston College (28-7-5) won the Northeast Regional in Worcester, Mass., beating Harvard 4-1 and surviving a late push by Minnesota Duluth, winning 3-2.

There's your look at the first semifinal. Check back tomorrow for DDC's breakdown of Frozen Four semifinal No. 2, Denver versus North Dakota. Thanks for reading.

Roses and Thorns: Two Boxes Left to Check

UND celebrates their 5-2 win over Michigan in the Midwest
Regional final on Saturday. Coupled with their 6-2 victory over
Northeastern on Friday, the Green and White punched their ticket
to the Frozen Four for the third-straight season. (Photo: GF Herald)

When UND men's hockey coach Brad Berry took over the 2015-16 squad from the NHL-departing Dave Hakstol, he immediately met with the team and made sure they knew that expectations weren't changing.

The Green and White had finished their past two seasons in the national semifinals and Berry made it clear in his first meeting as bench boss that the team had two boxes left to check -- get to the national title game and bring home green banner No. 8 to the REA rafters.

After two convincing wins in the NCAA tournament's Midwest Regional in Cincinnati, North Dakota, once again, has just two boxes left to check.

The Green and White took the crown in the Queen City, overwhelming red-hot Northeastern 6-2 and shutting down Michigan and the vaunted CCM line, 5-2 and punched their ticket to Tampa and the Frozen Four for the third-straight season.

It was an impressive weekend for UND and here's what stood to DDC is his Roses and Thorns column, NCAA tournament style.

Roses

No. 1 -- Relentless Defense

UND head coach Brad Berry
after the 5-2 win over Michigan:

"I truly believe we have a special group
in our locker room," Berry said.
"They do the right things on and off
the ice. It's a team culture. It's a team-first
mentality. We've got a lot of high-end
players in that locker room.
They check their egos at the door.
It's team first and I think you witnessed
that this weekend."

The lead storyline coming into the Midwest Regional, outside of Northeastern's second-half success, was the offenses. The Huskies had the 12th-best scoring offense in the NCAA and the 7th-best power play, UND's was 8th led by the vaunted CBS line and the Wolverines, headlined by a trio of Hobey Baker Finalists, the CCM line, carried the best scoring offense and best power play. Who was going to score the most goals and head to Tampa? Well, simply put, it was the tenacious effort by the UND defense that stole the show and led UND to another Frozen Four. All weekend, the Green and White did not let either the Huskies nor the Wolverines time and space to create. They were incredible in the neutral zone. After dispatching NU in the first round, UND kept the CCM line of JT Compher, Kyle Connor and Tyler Motte at bay and made them do something that no other team had all season -- play dump and chase hockey. The CCM was a combined -7 on Saturday. This allowed the Green and White to control play and let their offense go to work. UND outshot their opponents by a 75-53 margin, allowing Michigan just 27 in the title game.  It was an amazing effort of sticks in lanes, board battle wins and net front efforts that led North Dakota. Goaltender Cam Johnson was solid, allowing just 2 goals per game to earn regional MVP honors. What a weekend from this defense against two tremendous offenses.

No. 2 -- Luke Johnson and the "Heavy Line"

The Junior forward has often been maligned by UND fans for his play in his career due to some ill-timed penalties and inconsistent play. But, Johnson has been nothing short of impressive in the NCAA tournament. Grouped on the newly dubbed "Heavy Line" with Rhett Gardner and Austin Poganski, Johnson notched a goal in each game this weekend and earned all-regional first team honors. The Grand Forks native has now scored a goal in five-straight NCAA tournament games, netting the eventual game winner on Friday and adding a crucial goal on Saturday with just 45 seconds left in the second period to give UND a 2-1 lead. Johnson and the Heavy Line's impact wasn't just offensive. The trio had a major part in shutting down the CCM line on Saturday with a terrific forecheck. Hats off to this trio, lead by Johnson.

UND's Rhett Gardner and the newly coined "Heavy Line" with Austin Poganski
and Luke Johnson had a tremendous weekend, notching 3 of UND's 11 goals and
leading a staunch defensive charge allowing just four goals in two games.
(Photo credit: Jesse Trelstad, Grand Forks Herald)

No. 3 -- UND's Depth

UND So. F, Johnny Simonson
scored a huge goal on Friday
with the Green and White trailing
1-0. It was Simonson's first goal
since October. The forward tallied
one of eight non-CBS line goals
on the weekend for UND.

For much of the season, a consistent storyline for the Green and White was their ability, or inability, of players outside of the top-flight CBS line to score goals. Once again, this is clearly in the rear-view mirror. The CBS did their part as both Brock Boeser and Drake Caggiula scored on Friday while Caggiula netted UND's first goal on Saturday, but the rest of the team did the heavy lifting on the weekend. The Green and White scored 11 goals on the weekend and the effort was from all over the lineup. Johnny Simonson scored UND's first goal on Friday, with the team trailing 1-0 in the first, his first since October. Then, Tucker Poolman, Luke Johnson and Bryn Chyzyk tallied the next three to put Northeastern away. On Saturday, it was more of the same. Caggiula opened the scoring for UND, but with the game tied 2-2, the Green and White depth took over with goals by Rhett Gardner and Coltyn Sanderson just 1:14 apart in the third period to send the Green and White to Tampa. Paul LaDue added an empty-netter to round out the 5-2 win. Scoring 11 goals in a regional is impressive. Even more impressive when just three of those came from UND's best forward line. This is a huge statement for the Green and White. This squad is absolutely not a one-line team.

Thorns

No. 1 -- John Siminson, Cam Jansen, UND's CCM line and the TV Announcers

Woof. DDC knows this is silly, but it's worth mentioning -- who were these guys calling the games at the Midwest Regional? Ok, ok .... yes, this doesn't matter, but it certainly was annoying listening to the color man mention how many times he was the MVP of the regional when he played for Boston University while butchering simple names for UND. He certainly knew the names of the CCM, except when he called the CBS line the CCM. The Green and White dominated both teams in the regional, but somehow, the game always seemed close with this duo's constant love for non-existent consistent offensive pressure. Thank you for the coverage of this tournament, ESPN, but c'mon, let's get these guys to do a little pregame prep, eh? *Deep breath* ok... rant over.

No. 2 -- The Ref Check Heard 'Round the World

Ok, so this might be a bit of a rose, as it was hilarious, but where in the heck did that ref come from that delivered a huge check behind the net after Caggiula's goal on Saturday? If you haven't yet seen it, check out this bomb of a hit.

Cag was just about to go for a big celly, but this ref wasn't having it. DENIED! UND has done more celebrations this season than in years past with a more relaxed team style, so maybe former head coach Dave Hakstol got in this guy's ear to not allow this anymore. Great form. DDC is dying to know what Caggiula said to the man in stripes, but Troy Stecher did a good job to keep this laughable. Good stuff.

For fans of the Green and White, we've been here before. Up next, it's UND vs. Denver in the national semifinals in Tampa. Check back this week for more as North Dakota's chase for No. 8 continues. Thanks for reading!

Thursday Frozen Four Gameday: Back to Business

Frozen Four Semifinals from TD Garden in Boston:
Both games on ESPN 2:
Nebraska Omaha vs. Providence, 4 p.m. CT
North Dakota vs. Boston University, 7:30 p.m. CT

0.6

It's a memory that DDC, and all Sioux hockey fans a like, remember very well.

UND had the favored Minnesota Gophers on the edge of overtime in the 2014 Frozen Four semifinals in Philadelphia.

A face off loss in the offensive zone, a quick Minnesota transition and a seeing-eye bleeder to the back of the UND net later, a devastated North Dakota squad saw its quest for an eighth national championship fall by the wayside against it's biggest rival, 2-1 with 0.6 left on the clock, in gut-wrenching fashion.

Fast forward a year.

For UND, with 0.6 now far in the rear view mirror, yet still very much fresh in their minds, it's back to business. This time, North Dakota is here to finish the fight.

What will be the story of tonight's Frozen Four semifinal showdown with a dynamic Boston University team playing in front of what will essentially be a hometown crowd from TD Garden in Boston?

We'll find out in a few short hours.

Here's a look at UND coming into their semifinal tussle with BU.

Green and White Go-Tos

UND's Zane McIntyre, Jordan Schmaltz and Paul LaDue celebrate
following their 4-1 victory over St. Cloud State in the West Region final,
March 28 in Fargo. (Photo credit: Grand Forks Herald)

Players to Watch:

Jr. F, Drake Caggiula, 18 goals, 18 assists -- 32 points
Sr. F, Michael Parks, 12 g, 20 a -- 32 pts (1 point in last 10 games)
Jr. D, Jordan Schmaltz, 4 g, 23 a -- 27 pts
Fr. F, Nick Schmaltz, 5 g, 21 a -- 26 pts

Jr. G, Zane McIntyre, 29-9-3 (.744 win percentage 4th in NCAA), 2.00 goals against average (11th in NCAA), .931 save percentage (7th in NCAA)

Standout Stats

3.29 goals per game (8th in NCAA), 2.17 goals allowed per game (7th in NCAA), 16 players with at least 11 points, 25-0-2 when leading after two periods, 20-3-3 when scoring first.

134 career points from the senior class is 45 more than BU's and leads all Frozen Four teams. 13-8-3 against tournament teams this season.

The Picks

Let's start with the other side of the bracket.

Nebraska Omaha vs. Providence

These are two teams looking to make a permanent name for themselves on the college hockey scene.

An elite goaltending match up headlines the early game from the Frozen Four and this should be a dandy to watch. Ryan Massa vs. Jon Gillies.

With these two stalwarts in the nets, DDC expects a fast-paced, grinding battle. Scoring first will be a huge key. Who will break first?

Tough one to pick, but having seen both of these two teams first hand this season, DDC expects the speed of the Mavericks to win out. Dean Blais is a heck of a coach and this UNO squad has taken some huge strides this season and DDC thinks this continues into the national championship game.

OMAHA WINS, 3-1 with an empty net goal.

North Dakota vs. Boston University

Seriously. Can it get any better than this?

A high-flying offense in Boston U vs. a tenacious, gritty defensive team in North Dakota.

This is what the Frozen Four is all about. Two all-time programs going at it on the grandest stage.

This match up is one of youth vs. experience. UND's senior class has been here before. They've played under the biggest lights in the biggest spots.

As of today, 0.6 is the story of this North Dakota senior class' lasting legacy.

And simply put, this legacy is one they desperately want to change.

From day one this season and even further back as when they departed Philadelphia in crushing fashion, this UND squad has had one goal in mind and that is to hang the eighth green banner from the rafters of Ralph Engelstad Arena.

BU is talented and features the best player in college hockey in Jack Eichel. No doubt, the Terriers want this game just much as North Dakota does. However, DDC believes that the demons of 0.6 in Philadelphia are what separates UND from BU.

Outside of maybe Boston College, the Terriers haven't seen a team play like UND does defensively. 

Zane McIntyre and the North Dakota defense have played at an elite level all year and with the motivation of No. 8 and 0.6 on the mind of the Green and White, DDC sees this continuing.

UND WINS, 4-1

Omaha vs. Providence: It's Been Awhile

One phrase may sum up Thursday's Frozen Four semifinal match up between Nebraska Omaha and Providence College: It's been awhile.

On one side of the ice, "it's been awhile" refers to a Friars squad that hasn't made it to college hockey's grandest stage since 1985.

On the other, the phrase refers to UNO's head coach, Dean Blais, who returns to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2001, while with North Dakota. Blais won two national championships with the Fighting Sioux in 1997 and 2000.

While there is some experience for both programs in some shape or form, the current incarnations of these UNO and PC squads are fresh to the national championship scene. Outside of their first run since 1985, it's the first appearance in the Frozen Four for Providence head coach Nate Leaman.

And while the Mavericks head coach may have the experience, this is UNO's first Frozen Four appearance in their 18-year history, after notching their program's first two tournament wins in the this year's Midwest Regional.

So, what should college hockey fans expect when the Friars and Mavericks get together in TD Garden in Boston on Thursday? A look at the nets tells the biggest story as Omaha's Ryan Massa and Providence's Jon Gillies are two of the best goaltenders that college hockey has to offer.

Here's a look at the two teams as they prep for their Frozen Four faceoff.

You Know UNO?

Players to Watch:

So. F, Jake Gunetzel, 13 goals, 25 assists --38 points
So. F, Austin Ortega, 20 g, 17 a -- 37 pts. 11 game-winning goals leads the NCAA.
Fr. F, Jake Randolph, 5 g, 21 a -- 26 pts

Sr. G, Ryan Massa, 14-7-6, .939 save percentage (best in NCAA), 1.92 goals against average (5th in NCAA)

Nebraska Omaha's Ryan Massa leads the NCAA in save percentage (.939)

Friars Flying High

Players to Watch:

Jr. F, Nick Saracino, 13 g, 22 a --35 pts
Sr. F, Shane Luke, 13 g, 18 a -- 31 pts
Jr. F, Noel Acciari, 14 g, 16 a -- 30 pts

Jr. G, Jon Gillies, 22-13-2, .929 SV PCT (12th in NCAA), 2.01 GAA (13th in NCAA)

PC's Jon Gilles  is in the Top 13 in the NCAA in goals against average and save percentage.

Standout Stats

Nebraska-Omaha:

11 players with at least 14 points.

13-3-1 when scoring first, 15-1-1 when leading after 2 periods

Providence:

14 players with at least 11 points.

2.05 goals against per game (5th in NCAA), 15.2% power play (40th in NCAA)

We've gotten a look at BU, Nebraska-Omaha and Providence. So, check in tomorrow for DDC's look at North Dakota and his picks for the semifinal match ups from Boston. We're just one day away, folks.

Boston U: Only Eichel? You Don't Know Jack

If you've followed college hockey even a little bit this season, you're well versed in Boston University's Jack Eichel.

The North Chelmsford, Mass., native has dazzled the NCAA this year and his numbers speak for themselves.

The rookie forward leads the NCAA in points (67), points per game (1.76), assists (43), assist per game (1.13), plus/minus (+49) and power play points (22). He's also fifth in goals (24).

He's a presumed Top-2 pick in this year's NHL draft, appeared on a recent SportCenter episode and is everyone's odds-on-favorite to win the Hobey Baker award as college hockey's finest player.

So the formula seems simple. Stop Eichel, stop the Terriers, right?

Freshman phenom Jack Eichel leads the Terriers, but who else should fans keep their eye on?

Simply put, absolutely not.

The UND men's hockey team will have its hands full this Thursday night in TD Garden in Boston during their Frozen Four national semifinal showdown with a BU squad that can deliver up and down their lineup.

Let's take a closer look at some of "the rest" of the Terriers.

Up Front

Jr. F, Evan Rodrigues'
45 points is in the most
in the NCAA
since Christmas

First up, the Northeast Regional Most Outstanding Player, Evan Rodrigues.

The senior forward has notched some gaudy numbers himself not only this season, but in his career, entering the Frozen Four as the NCAA's active scoring leader with 121 points. Rodrigues' 1.03 assists per game and 1.56 points per game are  2nd and 3rd best in the country this season.

The Senior scored three goals in the regional, including the game-winner against UMD in the regional final, and added an assist. Rodrigues' 45 points since Christmas are the most in the NCAA.

Complimenting Eichel and Rodrigues, junior Danny O'Regan rounds out the Terriers top line with the 13th best points per game in the NCAA averaging 1.23 per game.

Outside of the top line, converted defenseman Ahti Oksanen's 24 goals (.68 per game) is the 4th best in the NCAA and the junior's 9 power play goals are third.

So, stop their forward lines and that's it, right? Wrong again.

In the D-Zone

Jr. D, Matt Grzelyck's
37 points is 4th-best
by a D-man in the NCAA

BU's 12th best defensive corps allows just 2.26 goals per game and is led by a pair of juniors.

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is fourth in the country scoring per game by a defenseman with 37 (10 goals, 27 assists).

Between the pipes, Matt O'Connor leads the NCAA with a .839 win percentage and is 15th in the country with a .928 save percentage.

We've solved it. Stop a dynamic top line, plus one and a solid D-corps. Depth will be the Achilles heel, right? Again, a closer look may speak different.

Terriers Dig Deep

Outside of those already mentioned, BU has solid depth with seven other players coming into the Frozen Four with at least 11 points.

What Can Slow BU?

There are certainly a lot of pretty stats to suggest the Terriers are a force to be reckoned, but, what can hold this BU team down?

Special teams are always a key to a playoff run. BU has been excellent on the power play this season, featuring the second best percentage (25.6%) in the nation. However, the Terriers haven't been world beaters on the penalty kill, carrying a 83.1% kill, just 28th best in the NCAA, into the Frozen Four.

Come Frozen Four time, experience can play a big-time role. While BU has passed every test put in front of them this season, the Terriers have only played eight games against NCAA tournament teams this season, going 5-3 in those games. On the other end, UND has played 24 such games, going 13-8-3.

Another aspect of that experience comes in the age of these two squads. No need to look any further than the last two national championship teams, Union and Yale, who featured veteran-heavy lineup, as examples.

BU is very young, with an average age of 20.88 years old, the Terriers are the youngest team in the country. North Dakota is more a year older at 21.95 with its seniors playing in four NCAA tournaments and a Frozen Four. For the coaches, UND's Dave Hakstol is in his 7th Frozen Four in 11 years while BU's David Quinn is in his first in his second season as head man. Can this Terrier team continue to play like veterans?

Check back in tomorrow for a deeper look at Nebraska-Omaha and Providence. Then, on Thursday, DDC will take one last peek at North Dakota and make his semifinals picks. 

The Rivalry Renews -- DDC's Frozen Four Semifinals Predictions

Alright, enough with the prognosticating, the analysis, the "my-team-is-better-than-your team", the nonsense, the memories and the tomfoolery.

It's finally game day.

DDC's little one is certainly ready for tonight. She'll be decked out in her "business suit" today.

After an exhausting 11 days of trudging through stats, comparisons and every angle of the rivalry, UND and Minnesota will finally face off  at 7:30 CST from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia at the 2014 Frozen Four.

Thank God.

DDC has refused to make a prediction for this game during the longest 11 days that he can remember, because he's seen this rivalry bring out the best in both teams too many times.

Cliches are beloved by sports fans and this one is especially perfect for Thursday's game. "When these two teams get together, you can throw out the record books."

On paper, the general consensus from most covering this match up gives the nod to the Gophers. UND head coach Dave Hakstol noted early this week that Minnesota has "earned the No. 1 seed" and has played into the being the favorite. DDC agrees. Minnesota has been a dominant team for long stretches this season.

One thing Minnesota hasn't seen yet this season, in DDC's opinion, is a team that is similar to its own, up and down the lineup. The Gophers pride themselves on depth up front, as does UND; the Gophers herald a fast and skilled, puck-moving defensive corps, so does North Dakota; Minnesota has a talented sophomore goaltender, so do the Sioux.

Get the drift? These two teams are very equal. Throw in a rivalry game for a chance to play for a national championship and this game is nearly a toss up.

This is why DDC has had a tough time picking this game.

So, what is going to be the difference maker?

The last time UND made the Frozen Four in 2011, they expected to win a national championship. It's Minnesota's time in the spotlight, this year.

Will this cause Minnesota to be tight in this one? DDC think so. Pressure is the beast that no one likes to carry. It's hard to be the team that's "supposed to win."

North Dakota wasn't supposed to be in this position. They showed a loose style of play in their last three games (5-0 win over WMU in the NCHC third place game included). DDC thinks this is the difference maker.

UND plays with a large chip on their shoulder, sticks the pedal to the medal and stymies a potent Minnesota attack. That, and Gothberg plays the way he did against Ferris State.

UND 3, Minnesota 1

BC and Union face off in the early game at 4 pm CST in what should be a dandy. In a change from UND/Minnesota, these two teams are the opposite of each other in it's two opposite teams battling in this one. It'll be BC's offense, led by Hobey Baker winner elect, Johnny Gaudreau versus the stout Union defense led by Hobey Finalist Shane Gostisbehere. 

DDC called UND vs. Union at the start of the tournament. Why stop now? Union will have it's hands full with BC, of course, but DDC likes their 'D' and hates BC's depth. Union slows, not shuts down, but slows, the top line of Johnny Hockey and Kevin Hayes and moves on to Saturday.

Union 4, BC 3 

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 1 -- Cap'n Porter's Wrap around -- Pepsi Center, 2007 NCAA West Regional Final, Denver, Colo., March 25, 2007

We've come to the culmination of the countdown and DDC again welcomes you back for No. 1.

Although not present for the game, DDC remembers this game and this moment more than any he's ever experienced during the rivalry and the jubilation of this moment is unmatched.

Watching this game and this play with 20 of his best friends in the basement of his fraternity house will be a memory that will never be forgotten for DDC.

So, without further ado... No. 1... Chris Porter's game-winning wrap around goal to send North Dakota to the 2007 Frozen Four.

No. 1 -- Cap'n Porter's Wrap around -- Pepsi Center, 2007 NCAA West Regional Final, Denver, Colo., March 25, 2007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uZBMaaAzhE

Chills run up DDC's spine every time he watches this play, still to this day.

DDC's fondest memory of catching a fellow fraternity brother as he jumped into his arm in celebration is one of those things that people remember for the rest of their lives.

The team's celebration, nearly breaking the glass as the all pile on each other, is amazing.

This is why people watch hockey and love this rivalry. This game had it all. Overtime. The captain. Sioux vs. Gophers for a trip to the Frozen Four. This is why people love sports and this is why the greatest rivalry in college hockey should be played every year, no matter what.

So, that's it. Thanks for joining me for the countdown. A lot of fun as been had and DDC hopes he has done everything in his power to get you ready for tomorrow.