April 10, 2008
DENVER -- Nathan Gerbe's hat trick helped Boston College advance to its third straight championship game, once again at North Dakota's expense. John Muse stopped 28 shots and the Eagles rode a four-goal opening period to a 6-1 victory over the Fighting Sioux on Thursday night in the Frozen Four semifinals.
The Eagles have beaten North Dakota the last three years in the semifinal round, but haven't won a national title since 2001, when they beat the Sioux in overtime.
Boston College lost to Michigan State in the final last season and to Wisconsin in 2006.
Not even the nation's top-ranked goalie could slow down high-flying Boston College, which will play the Michgan-Notre Dame winner in the final on Saturday night.
The Eagles (24-11-8) roughed up Jean-Philippe Lamoureux for four goals on just 13 shots in the opening period, setting the tone for the evening.
Andrew Orpik, Dan Bertram and Ben Smith also scored for the Eagles in their eighth straight victory.
It was Gerbe's third hat trick this season. He also had an assist on Smith's goal, the fifth time in 2007-08 he's had at least four points in a game. Gerbe has 33 goals this season to go with 31 assists.
Gerbe, a Hobey Baker finalist, also turned in a memorable contest in last year's semifinals against North Dakota, scoring two goals and adding two assists.
Muse's shutout bid came to an end with 76 seconds remaining when Jake Marto beat him with a shot over his left shoulder. The freshman goalie has been in net for all 43 games this season.
