Gophers' season ends in another meltdown

Is there a mercy rule in the Frozen Four? Running time?

Boston College seemed to be able to score at will on Thursday night at times against the Gophers. The final was BC 6, Gophers 1 in the semifinals of the Frozen Four in Tampa.

At least the warm-up game between Ferris State and Union College was close. FSU, which will join the reorganized WCHA in two seasons, led 2-1 late until getting an empty-netter.

In the nightcap, Boston College led 4-0 after two periods and it was 6-1 six minutes into the third quarter before BC called off the dogs, I mean, the Eagles. Ferris State's nickname is the Bulldogs.

Afterward, Gophers coach Don Lucia tried to put a positive spin on things. Overall, it was an enjoyable season, he said. Only one team is happy at the end of the season and so on.

He also said the Gophers' best line was probably freshman center Travis Boyd's line, the third line.Captain Taylor Matson had four shots, Nate Condon three and Boyd three. That's 10 of the Gophers 31. Combined that trio was -3.

Sophomore Nick Bjugstad's top line struggled. His wings Kyle Rau and Zach Budish were both -3 and he was a -2. They had four shots total.

Jake Parenteau fumbled a puck at his blue line. It's a turnover, and BC scores.

Justin Holl appears to accidentally redirect a BC shot past his goalie in the third period.

As BC kept scoring, memories of North Dakota's 6-3 comeback win over the Gophers in the Final Five semifinals came back. This was not the way the Gophers wanted their season to end. Lucia said several times this week if his players played their best and lost, everybody could live with that. This was not their best effort. Not close.

The NCAA stats people broke down the Grade-A chances in the game and it wasn't as lopsided as you might think. BC had 10 and scored four goals. The Gophers had six and scored once.

Here is a rundown on the Gophers' chances:

1. Taylor Matson took a shot from the high slot at 11:58 of the opening period. Parker Milner made the save.

2. Nate Condon had shot from just in front at 15:08. Milner save.

3. Matson from the edge of the right circle at 19:11. Milner save.

Second period

4. Nick Bjugstad had a rebound chance at 3:22. Milner save.

Third period

6. Hansen scores on a redirect in front at 1:26.

The Gophers needed that first goal a lot earlier. The hole they were in was too deep in the third period.