No. 8 Boston University vs. No. 16 Cornell: NCAA Hockey Regional Final Showdown

Matchup: No. 8 Boston University (22-13-2) faces No. 16 Cornell (19-10-6).

When & Where: Saturday, March 29th, 4 p.m. EDT at Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio.

Broadcast: Watch live on ESPNU, ESPN+, or TSN+. Streaming options may be available via FuboTV{:target="_blank"} or DirecTV Stream{:target="_blank"}.

Stakes: The winner advances to the Frozen Four in St. Louis (April 10).

Road to the Final: BU defeated No. 9 Ohio State 8-3; Cornell upset No. 1 Michigan State 4-3 with a dramatic late goal.

Historical Context: 53rd meeting (Cornell leads 27-22-3). BU won the last NCAA tournament meeting (2023 Regional Final, 2-1). Cornell won the most recent regular-season matchup (Red Hot Hockey 2023, 2-1).

Why this matters: This game determines which program continues its quest for a national championship, with BU seeking a third consecutive Frozen Four trip and Cornell aiming for its first since 2003, potentially sending retiring coach Mike Schafer out on a high note.

Boston University's Path: The Terriers are making their 40th NCAA tournament appearance and overcame three deficits against Ohio State, showcasing their offensive firepower by scoring the final six goals. Freshman defenseman Cole Hutson (1g, 3a vs OSU) leads NCAA rookies in points (44) and all defensemen. His brother, junior Quinn Hutson, leads BU with 48 points. Freshman Cole Eiserman netted two goals against OSU, bringing his team-leading total to 23. BU boasts the nation's 4th-ranked power play (28.2%) and has significantly improved its penalty kill since January (85.7%). Goalie Mikhail Yegorov (.929 SV%, 2.06 GAA) has solidified the net recently.

Cornell's Momentum: The Big Red ride a seven-game win streak into the final, highlighted by their stunning upset of top-seeded Michigan State, sealed by Sullivan Mack's power-play goal with 10 seconds left. Cornell's success stems from balanced play: averaging 3.92 goals per game since mid-February while allowing just 1.58 GAA (4th best nationally in that span). Senior goalie Ian Shane is a cornerstone, ranking high nationally (1.84 career GAA, .917 SV%, 66 career wins - 2nd most in Cornell history). Sophomore Ryan Walsh leads in goals (16) and points (30), scoring twice against MSU. Strong faceoff play and a stingy penalty kill (87.1% since Jan 1) are key assets. This is also the final NCAA tournament run for legendary coach Mike Schafer in his 30th and final season.

Key Matchup: BU's high-powered offense and top-ranked power play versus Cornell's structured defense, elite goaltending, and disciplined penalty kill.

Q: What time is the BU vs. Cornell hockey game?

A: Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, March 29th.

Q: How can I watch the game?

A: The game will be televised on ESPNU and streamed on ESPN+ and TSN+. Check services like FuboTV{:target="_blank"} or DirecTV Stream{:target="_blank"} for potential streaming access.

Q: Who won the last time these teams played in the NCAA tournament?

A: Boston University defeated Cornell 2-1 in the 2023 NCAA Regional Final in Manchester, N.H.

Q: What happens to the winner?

A: The winner advances to the NCAA Frozen Four in St. Louis, Missouri, with the national semifinal game scheduled for April 10.

Expect a tightly contested battle between BU's offensive stars and Cornell's defensive structure and goaltending prowess.

Special teams could be decisive, with BU's potent power play facing Cornell's effective penalty kill.

Keep an eye on key players: The Hutson brothers and Eiserman for BU; Walsh, Mack, and goalie Shane for Cornell.

This game carries significant weight, offering a path to the Frozen Four and, for Cornell, a chance to extend Coach Schafer's final season.

BU Athletics: No. 8 Terriers to Face No. 16 Cornell{:}

Cornell Athletics: #16 Men's Hockey Readies to Battle #8 Boston University{:}

MassLive: Where to watch Cornell vs. Boston U{:}