Michigan hockey enters third straight Frozen Four with 'nothing to lose,' but a point to prove
The calendar has turned to April, which means Michigan hockey is back in the Frozen Four.
It's not quite that easy, but it is the third time in as many years under coach Brandon Naurato and an NCAA-record 28th appearance overall. U-M will face Boston College in the national semifinal in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 11 (8:30 p.m., ESPN2).
However this time, after one-and-done visits each of the past two seasons — a 3-2 OT loss to Denver in Boston in 2022 and a 5-2 defeat to Quinnipiac last year in Tampa, Florida — those who spoke Wednesday afternoon in an auxiliary room set one floor above the rink in Yost Ice Arena, say something's changed this time around.
"It definitely feels different to me and talking to a few guys over the weekend I was bringing that up," said Frank Nazr, the star of Sunday's 5-2 win over rival Michigan State in the regional final. "I can't really explain how or like why, but it feels like, I don't know, got nothing to lose now, so throw it all out there and give it all we got."
Perhaps Michigan has that feeling because it was this time last month when the Wolverines weren't sure they would even make the NCAA tournament. U-M fell to Minnesota, 6-2, on March 1 to drop below .500 in the league (17-13-3, 10-11-2) and rest firmly on the at-large bubble.
That came after a number of setbacks, including three straight one-goal losses (two to Minnesota and one to Wisconsin) in November, a stretch of three losses in four games in mid-February and worst of all, four consecutive losses to MSU, including both the Duel in the D and the Big Ten tournament final.
"It's crazy to look back," said captain Ethan Edwards. "I think we were confident throughout the year in what we can do, but execution has been at the next level and that's built into our confidence now."
[ MUST LISTEN: Make "Hail Yes!" your go-to Michigan Wolverines podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ]
The confidence has been building for a month because, at long last, U-M found a way to get some of the close wins. It started the next night, with a 6-5 OT win over the Gophers and continued with consecutive one-goal victories over Notre Dame in the Big Ten quarterfinals, then Minnesota again in the semifinals.
U-M felt like it had its mojo back and went back to East Lansing ready to end a three-game skid in the rivalry, only to fall in overtime on a goal deflected into the back of the net on a shot from the blue line.
"Obviously, puts a pit in your stomach," said captain Jacob Truscott, recalling that moment. "But I think it's good to go through pain, it really helped us out and you know watching them celebrate, it was hard, but motivated us a lot and we got to work that next week."
It resulted in a comeback win over North Dakota, 4-3, in the opener before getting revenge against MSU, a 1-seed, in Sunday's regional final.
Which brings things back to why it feels different this time around. Unlike last year when Michigan was a 1-seed powered by Hobey Baker winner Adam Fantilli, the Wolverines are the only non top-seed to advance to St. Paul. But that doesn't mean they're counting themselves out.
"We've been here before, we don't really feel like the underdog," said Edwards. "We feel like we've earned it all season. Maybe a few more ups and downs that previous seasons, but we belong in this frozen four, that's for sure."
Certainly, U-M has the talent to do so.
Gavin Brindley, the points leader (25 goals, 28 assists) and second-round selection of the Columbus Blue Jackets who was named Big Ten Player of the Year, is joined by Rutger McGroarty, a first-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets who's second on the team in points (16 goals, 36 assists). Nazar is a sophomore center and Chicago Blackhawks draft selection who is fourth on the team in goals scored (17) and Dylan Duke, a fourth-round pick of the Lightning who leads the team in goals and is third in points (26 goals, 23 assists).
U-M also features top-line defenseman Seamus Casey, a second-round selection by the New Jersey Devils on 2022, who suffered an injury in the regional semifinal win over North Dakota and did not play in the win over MSU. Naurato said Casey will play against Boston College.
"It's huge," Naurato said. "Super proud of the D-core — and everyone in general — just for stepping up with him out. Obviously, a huge part of our team, and to get him back is exciting."
Next up: Eagles
Matchup: Michigan (23-14-3-0) vs. Boston College (33-5-1), national semifinal.
Faceoff: 8:30 p.m. April 11; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota.
TV/radio: ESPN; WTKA-AM (1050).
At stake: Winner takes on the winner of Denver-Boston U. in the national championship game on April 13.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan hockey has point to prove in third straight Frozen Four bid
