The second game of the Frozen Four included Blackhawks prospect Frank Nazar and his Michigan Wolverines against Quinnipiac. After Boston University lost in the first game, Michigan was the remaining hope for Blackhawks fans to have a Chicago prospect in Saturday’s championship game.
Jacob Quillan scored twice for Quinnipiac in the first period as they took a 2-1 lead to the room, but a big-time snipe from superstar freshman center Adam Fantilli tied the game in the second period.
By the early stages of the third period, Nazar had been elevated to the second line for Michigan, but the posts were making as many critical saves as Quinnipiac’s netminder. Sam Lipkin gave the Bobcats a 3-2 lead 84 seconds into the third period. Michigan had a few looks but couldn’t convert and Zach Metsa scored a surprising insurance goal with exactly seven minutes left in regulation to give Quinnipiac a two-goal lead.
Full marks to Quinnipiac, who were one of the best defensive teams in the country the entire year. They shut down the high-flying Michigan offense enough that their own offense could take advantage of their opportunities. The 5-2 final score means the Big Ten will only have one team in the NCAA championship game on Saturday, and the Blackhawks will not have a prospect participating.