Massachusetts
UMass has been unbelievable all season. This is one of the best teams in program history. Cale Makar has plenty to prove before he heads off to NHL stardom. Getting upset by a mediocre Boston College squad in the Hockey East in the semifinals is not a good look.
Harvard
The Crimson sit at a modest (by tournament standards) 19-10-3. They’re every bit as dangerous as the competition. Adam Fox is one of the best defenseman in college hockey and he’ll be up to the task after announcing he plans to return to Harvard for his senior year.
Notre Dame
The Big Ten champions needed to win the conference tournament to get in. They have the talent to make another run to the Frozen Four. They took down Michigan State, Minnesota and Penn State en route to a Big Ten title.
Clarkson
The ECAC champs are a perfect 5-0-0 on neutral ice this year. Their top line is as good as any in the nation, they’re always a threat to score. They started off slow this season but they’re at their best at the right time of year.
Outlook
The Crimson are gonna go through. Notre Dame could be coming off an emotional high after their Big Ten championship. UMass has been great all year and could be on the verge of tournament success. Clarkson lives and dies by the production of their first line. The winner of the Harvard-UMass semifinal is gonna represent the Northeast in the Frozen Four.