Frozen Four: Five Players to Watch on Boston University

The NCAA tournament provides opportunities for players to cement themselves as heroes for their programs. With most games being tight matchups, the winner is often decided through one favourable bounce by one side or a single timely goal.

With Boston University set for a tough matchup against the Pioneers, it is looking like it will be one of those games. With both teams filled with talent, it is hard to imagine one of them running away with the game. Here are five Terriers to watch for:

The projected first overall pick in the upcoming draft and a finalist for the Hobey Baker, Celebrini has the ability to impact the game like few players in college hockey. 

With 32 goals and 64 points in 37 games this season, Celebrini has been leading the charge for the Terriers on the offensive side of the puck. What makes him such a threat is his vision and processing ability he possesses. 

Even with all the focus on him most nights, Celebrini knows how to draw players into his space, opening up ice in the offensive zone for others where he can hit them with quick pass (at times this season, even a behind the back pass was not uncommon to see). 

He looks to attack in transition, driving into open lanes and beating defenders wide where he can slow the game down and create scoring chances for his team. 

While Celebrini will be the heavy focus for Denver, no teams have been able to stop him so far. As the season reaches its final days, fans should be excited to see one of the game's premier talents look to take his team to the top of the mountain.

One of the most promising prospects outside the NHL, Lane Hutson has been dominant when it comes to producing from the backend. With an impressive 49 points in 37 games, Hutson led the NCAA in points per game by a defender and tied for the lead in points with Zeev Buium.

A second round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Draft, Hutson looks like a key piece for the Habs' promising future. 

With the puck on his stick, there are few players as elusive on the ice than Hutson. His four-way mobility allows him to bait defenders with a quick move and before they know it, he has already driven around them. He is always looking to attack downhill in the offensive zone and can find players through layers of sticks. 

Forming an impressive 1-2 punch with Celebrini, if they can both get going, it will almost impossible to stop them. Denver has a tall task at hand and stopping Celebrini and Hutson would be key to advancing.

Another Canadiens prospect, Tuch has played an important role for the Terriers at both ends of the ice this past season. With 29 points in 38 games, he sits sixth on the team in points but Tuch has also made his defensive presence known as well. 

Tuch reads and reacts to situations with ease. A solid skater with a good skating base and balanced stride, he has the ability to beat opponents wide in transition and makes smart puck decisions that don't puck his team in danger of turning over the puck. He willingly goes to the front of the net, looking to establish positioning in front and use his frame to cause havoc around the crease. 

In the defensive zone, Tuch consistently scans the ice, closing gaps by identifying the threat and cutting off the passing lanes. He is in position on the breakout and doesn't panic under pressure where he can find teammates across the ice with a quick pass.

While he has yet to sign with the Canadiens, it is certain that they are watching Tuch closely. With an opportunity to earn a contract right there, don't be surprised to see Tuch compete on every shift.  

Greene, a 2022 second-round pick of the Blackhawks, has been another important offensive contributor for the Terriers. The sophomore from St John's, NL., currently has 36 points in 39 games, tied for third on the team in scoring alongside Quinn Hutson.

Greene is someone who likes to create for himself in transition. He carries the puck with confidence, keeping his head up while scanning the ice for open space. If space is given to him, he doesn't hesitate to take it, looking for an opportunity to unleash his quick release or draw a defender in to pass off to a teammate.

In the clip above, Greene drives the middle of the ice in transition on the 2 on 1 looking to create. After looking for the pass, which makes the defender drop to his knees, Greene unloads a quick shot that is able to beat the goalie over the glove. 

With Greene being a threat to create in fast-break opportunities, the Pioneers will have to ensure they don't give Greene the opportunity to do so. With so many offensive options on the Terriers, it may just provide Greene the one chance he nee

The older brother of Lane, Quinn has been downright impressive in his own right this season, tying for third in points with 36 in 39 games. 

The North Barrington, IL., native is coming off an impactful game against the Minnesota Gophers where he scored a goal and generated six shots on net. 

Hutson is at his best when he is driving play offensively. He has a smooth stride that allows him to accelerate past the first layer of pressure and can beat defenders with a quick move using his long range. 

He has excellent awareness in the offensive zone and can make quick plays with little space. Denver will have to keep an eye on both Hutson brothers. 

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