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NCAA Frozen Four: North Dakota puts stunning 2014 exit behind them

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

BOSTON – There were 9.6 seconds remaining in the third period and North Dakota was even with Minnesota 1-1 in the 2014 Frozen Four semifinal. UND was on the power play with an offensive zone face-off.

Nine seconds later, their season was over. Justin Holl’s shorthanded goal had stunned North Dakota.

Nearly a year to the day since that game, North Dakota is back at the Frozen Four with the defeat to Minnesota far in their rearview.

“You know, as far as how things ended last year, I think we kind of put that behind us,” said senior defenseman Nick Mattson. “But, again, I think this weekend is pretty unique from others, and it's really easy to kind of lose touch of the fact that it's still the same game.

“There's so many things surrounding this event, and I think last year just going through that, it was probably a little overwhelming at times, and I think we handled it well, but especially this year I think there's just a lot more confidence and just a much bigger sense of calm in the locker room just knowing that we're here to play hockey and not here to be a part of all this events and media scrums or whatever.”

North Dakota brings a balanced offense featuring nine players who reached 20 points, including leading scorer Drake Caggiula (18 goals, 36 points) and St. Louis Blues defensive prospect Jordan Schmaltz (4 goals, 27 points).

That balance has been vital after losing leading scorer Mark MacMillan to a season-ending injury in March.

“I think probably one of the biggest things we've seen, especially with Mark going down I guess a month ago now, has been guys stepping up,” said senior forward Stephane Pattyn. “You've got Wade Murphy stepping up and playing really, really well. He's playing hard. He's playing the way he has to play, and that just shows the depth and just that everyone is ready. Like it's been a long year, we've been working every day and stuff, and I think guys have just been prepared for those opportunities and ready. Again, like Nick said earlier, depth in our lineup doesn't just go through four lines, it goes with the guys who are working their butts off on days off to try and get in the lineup, and when they get that chance they're ready.  You saw Andrew Panzarella step up last weekend and do that exact same thing.

“It's those guys that are putting in the hours away from the rink on days off and things like that that are coming in and ready to make a difference.”

Contributions from all over the roster helped North Dakota get to Boston. Of their eight goals in the West Regionals, only Caggiula entered that weekend in double digits.

They’ll need that depth to overcome a strong Boston University squad, but also the crowd, which will be very pro-Terriers in a match-up that in other years could be for the national title.

“Obviously in Boston University's hometown, not too far from their campus, it brings a great spotlight, a great stage to college hockey with the history and tradition of both programs,” said head coach Dave Hakstol. “And then you have that inner layer that is simply the game itself. That's what you hear our players speaking to over the last few minutes. I'm sure the same from Boston University's players.

“It shapes up to be a great game. The intensity that will be involved in this game will be tremendous. The pace will be excellent, and it should be an outstanding college hockey game.”

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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