Providence wins first-ever NCAA title, upsetting Boston University
The Providence Friars are national champions after defeating the favored Boston University Terriers 4-3 on Saturday to claim Providence's first NCAA title.
Brandon Tanev of the Friars drove to the net to score the dazzling game-winner in the third period after a big faceoff win from center Kevin Rooney.
Providence did an admirable job of shutting down the nation's top scorer, Jack Eichel, limiting him to an assist.
The game got off to a hot start in front of an electric crowd, containing excited Terriers fans on one side of the arena and a calming Friars fan presence on the other.
BU came out skating hard and controlled the puck for most of the first period, but Providence struck first thanks to a monstrous slap-shot goal from defenseman Anthony Florentino - a 2013 draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres.
The Terriers' potent scoring attack couldn't be counted out, as Finnish defenseman Ahti Oksanen would tie things up. Four seconds later, San Jose Sharks draft pick Danny O'Regan gave BU the lead.
The answer is... Yes.
4 seconds IS the fastest a team has scored back-to-back goals in NCAA Tournament history. #FrozenFour
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 12, 2015
In the second period, Calgary Flames 2012 first-round pick Mark Jankowski had had enough of trailing the Terriers and evened the score at two.
The goal gave the Friars some life, skating with extra bursts in their steps as they tried to overtake BU.
Forward Cason Hohmann squeaked BU's third goal of the game past Friars netminder Jon Gillies, who was inches away from making a spectacular glove save.
The Terriers looked to have things locked up when a light shone down on Providence just over halfway through the third period.
A harmless lob from center ice in the direction of BU goaltender Matt O'Connor somehow got by by the netminder, tying the game at three.
The blooper would lead to the Terriers' demise as Providence skated away with the national championship.