The University of Denver got badly outplayed for 40 minutes, but never allowed Wisconsin to pull away, either. In the end, the Pioneers won their 11th national title, and third in five years, in a thrilling 2-1 game.

Denver is gunning for its third championship in five years, while Wisconsin wants its first in two decades. The Pioneers are unbeaten in their last 16 games, but do the Badgers have the possession game to knock them off?

Wisconsin ground out a 2-1 win over North Dakota, then Denver survived a double-overtime Michigan blitz to set up the NCAA championship game on Saturday.

In both of Thursday's Frozen Four matchups, there are compelling cases for and against every team.

Let's talk about why the college hockey awards voters will choose the winners of the Hobey Baker, Mike Richter, and Tim Taylor trophies, and whether they will be getting those calls right.

Even beyond the drama of the NCAA tournament, it's been a busy couple of weeks in college hockey.