Come back each week for a preview of interesting NCAA games coming up and some thoughts on what happened in the previous week's action.
St. Lawrence at (8) Quinnipiac (ECAC Quarterfinal)
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (if needed) at 3:00 PM Eastern
Watch: Paid stream on ESPN+
This is probably the most intriguing first-round matchup of the weekend as the two teams are moving in opposite directions as the season comes to a close. The Saints took a big win off the Bobcats last Friday and lost just one of their final seven games – to Colgate, who they also tied. It took St. Lawrence a bit of time to find their footing this season, but they are peaking at the right time, have a ton of confidence and very good goaltending. Now, they have the chance to play spoiler.
Quinnpiac started the season as one of the most impressive teams in the country, losing just three games in 2022. But in their final eight games of the season, they went 4-4, including an 11-3 loss to Princeton that seems to have really thrown them for a loop and derailed all the positive things they'd been doing.
That being said, the Bobcats were the most impressive team that didn't make the Frozen Four last year, particularly in the postseason. They were resilient and impressive and for their performance against Ohio State in the NCAA quarterfinal alone I would give them the benefit of the doubt. But they've got a lot to unscramble before they can make a run at the national championship and a three game series against a known opponent where you can gain steam and confidence and maybe a little revenge is a good place to start.