Special Teams Doom Irish in Hockey Final

The Notre Dame Men's Hockey Team saw their amazing season come to a disappointing close last night in Denver as they suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Boston College Eagles in the NCAA Championship Game. Congratulations to the Eagles. Dang it.

I was worried going into the game that, however the Irish might match up with B.C. on paper, they were going to have a little trouble getting into the right frame of mind emotionally for the contest. Thursday night's overtime win over Michigan was such an emotional, historic win for the program that I felt a letdown in the title game was a real possibility. Whether it was a letdown, or just running into a better hockey team, Notre Dame was clearly outplayed in the Final. Boston College was 2 for 4 with the advantage on the power play, while the Irish were 0 for 8 when they were a man up.

What is it about special teams play that gives Notre Dame fits (in any sport)?

Congratulations to the Irish on a fantastic season. Those coaches and players, once they get over their disappointment, will be able to look back with pride to a season in which they took Notre Dame hockey to the next level.

More on the game here, here, and here.