Here’s how USCHO writers see Saturday’s Frozen Four championship game playing out:
Notre Dame vs. Minnesota Duluth, 6:30 p.m. CDT Saturday, ESPN
Drew Claussen: I picked the Irish before the tournament started, so I’m sticking to my guns. Notre Dame 3-1
Jim Connelly: I have called Minnesota Duluth the team of destiny since the minute it got into the tournament. Destiny will be fulfilled in St. Paul. Minnesota Duluth 3-2
Nathan Fournier: Notre Dame’s offense and goaltending make it tough to beat. The Irish’s ability to win close games in their run to the title game is something not to overlook. Notre Dame 3-2
Jack Hittinger: Both Notre Dame and Minnesota Duluth have had a flair for the dramatic as of late. The Bulldogs are playing on home state soils, but there’s just something about this Notre Dane team that I can’t look past. This one will be a classic. Notre Dame 5-4, OT
Candace Horgan: I’m going with a third straight championship for the NCHC, as long as Duluth doesn’t let Notre Dame penetrate the zone in the last 30 seconds. Minnesota Duluth 3-2
Chris Lerch: No last-minute heroics for the Irish this time. Duluth is rolling and I think the “last team in” wins it for the third time in six years. Minnesota Duluth 4-3
Dan Rubin: If the Irish don’t score with under 10 seconds left, I’ll eat my hat. Notre Dame 3-2
Matthew Semisch: My success rate at picking games with my NCHC writing partner Candace Horgan was so terrible this season. With that, sorry, Irish. Notre Dame 4-2
Paula C. Weston: The Fighting Irish have found a way to win in the postseason, every game. Notre Dame 3-2
