Reminder that BU is back in action tonight at 8:30 against Penn State.
Game is on ESPN2 - first meeting of the season between these two teams.
Below is an AI overview for tonight's game - I like the prediction at least, though find it funny that it calls out BU's defense's "inconsistency" between earlier in the season versus later in the season.
Tale of the Tape
Boston University enters as a Frozen Four veteran, making its 25th appearance and third consecutive under head coach Jay Pandolfo. The Terriers punched their ticket with a dominant 8-3 win over Ohio State and a 3-2 overtime thriller against Cornell in the Toledo Regional, powered by junior Quinn Hutson’s game-winner. BU boasts a high-octane offense, averaging 3.84 goals per game, led by the Hutson brothers—Quinn (23 goals, 27 assists) and freshman Cole (14 goals, 32 assists)—who rank 1-2 on the team in points. Freshman goaltender Mikhail Yegorov has emerged as a postseason standout, posting 37 saves against Cornell. However, BU’s defense has shown inconsistency, allowing 3.5 goals per game early in the season before tightening up to 2.6 since January.
Penn State, in its first Frozen Four, has defied expectations after a rocky start (0-8 in Big Ten play). Since January, the Nittany Lions have gone 14-3-3, including an 8-1 record in nine overtime games. They stormed through the Allentown Regional, crushing No. 3 Maine 5-1 and outlasting UConn 3-2 in overtime on Matt DiMarsico’s clutch goal. Sophomore Aiden Fink (23 goals, 30 assists) leads a potent attack averaging 3.54 goals per game, though he’s been quiet in the tournament (one assist). Depth scoring from DiMarsico, Dane Dowiak, and JJ Wiebusch has carried PSU, while goaltender Arsenii Sergeev (19-8-4) has been a brick wall, with 42 saves against UConn.
Keys to the Game
- For BU: Consistency will be critical. The Terriers thrive when their offense clicks, as seen in their five-goal third period against Ohio State, but defensive lapses could expose them to Penn State’s speed off the rush. Containing Fink and PSU’s power play (33 goals this season) will test BU’s maturing defensive core, including Cole Hutson and Tom Willander. Yegorov needs to replicate his regional heroics against a relentless Nittany Lions attack.
- For Penn State: Momentum is everything. PSU’s resilience—rattling off wins against top teams like Maine and UConn—stems from confidence and a knack for clutch moments. They’ll lean on their transition game and speed to exploit BU’s occasional defensive breakdowns. Fink breaking his seven-game goal drought could be a difference-maker, but Sergeev’s ability to stand tall under BU’s offensive pressure will be the X-factor.
What to Expect
This shapes up as an offensive showdown. BU’s experience gives them an edge in handling the Frozen Four spotlight, but Penn State’s underdog energy and recent form make them dangerous. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game where special teams and goaltending decide the outcome. BU’s postseason pedigree might tilt the scales, but PSU’s nothing-to-lose mentality could push this to another overtime classic.
Prediction
Boston University 4, Penn State 3 (OT) – The Terriers’ depth and Hutson-led attack narrowly outlast a scrappy Penn State squad, with Yegorov making a key save to secure a spot in the national championship game.
