Your Cousin…from Bos-ton

…can’t believe the Frozen Four is nuthin’ but wihked posahs from out west

American International, UMass Lowell, Northeastern, Harvard and defending champion Massachusetts. Five of the 16 NCAA tournament teams would have given Boston’s TD Garden some local rooting interest in this year’s Frozen Four. All were knocked out in the first round of play. Instead, New England will host four schools from outside the 13 original colonies; the closest of which is a mere 750 miles away. Unlike last season’s minimally-attended, socially-distanced event in Pittsburgh, the 2022 affair is back at full strength, prepared to match the on-ice intensity with an equal dose of energy from the stands.

Semifinal #1 — Michigan vs. Denver

Neither of these semifinal matchups should lack for offense. The opener pits Pioneer and Wolverine squads that score at a prolific pace, ranking one and three in the nation in offense, respectively. Both also make effective use of the man advantage. Denver leads the country with 49 power play goals, while the Maize and Blue rate second nationally with a power play conversion rate of 27%. DU forward Bobby Brink is the Division I point-per-game (1.4) and assist (1.1) champion.

The Pick: DENVER

Semifinal #2 — Minnesota vs. Minnesota State

Another case study in point-tallying prowess. The Mavericks are the nation’s leader in team points and scoring margin, defeating opponents by close to three goals per contest. MSU and the Gophers round out the who’s who of Frozen Four offensive juggernauts, placing second and fourth in the country, respectively. The balance-tipper may well be goaltending. Mankato’s Dryden McKay tops all netminders by more than 10 percentage points in rate of victory; winning 37 of his 41 starts.

The Pick: MINNESOTA

and…your cousin’s pick to win the Gahden Pahty: DENVAH PIONEERS