Minnesota (34-4-1): The Gophers are playing in their fifth consecutive NCAA title game and are 17-1-1 since the turn of the year. Amanda Leveille gave up five goals in Minnesota's championship game loss to Clarkson two years ago but has allowed just seven goals combined in five NCAA tournament games since. Amanda Kessel has 10 goals in 12 games since returning from her two-year concussion absence. Hannah Brandt, the Gophers' all-time leader in points (284), was named the most outstanding player at last year's Frozen Four.
Boston College (40-0): Alex Carpenter, Haley Skarupa and the other Eagles seniors have never reached the NCAA title game before, but this is their fourth trip to the Frozen Four. Carpenter, the daughter of former NHL player Bobby Carpenter, teamed with Kessel on the 2014 U.S. Olympic squad. Skarupa scored two goals in Friday's 3-2 overtime win over Clarkson. Sophomore Katie Burt ranks third in the nation with a 1.17 goals against average. Three players have Minnesota ties: freshman defenseman Grace Bizal (Minnetonka), junior defenseman Lexi Bender (Shattuck) and senior center Dana Trivigno (Shattuck).
JOE CHRISTENSEN
