BOSTON — Providence sent Nebraska-Omaha packing Thursday in the opening game of the 2015 Frozen Four, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort by Mavericks goaltender Ryan Massa.
Massa, playing in what would be his final collegiate game, finished with 44 saves in the 4-1 loss, and none were prettier than the move he pulled to deny Friars winger Nick Saracino late in the third period.
Saracino gained control of the puck in front of the Omaha crease and backhand one past Massa, but the senior netminder was able to smother the puck with his glove just before it crossed the goal line.
Though he came up empty on this particular bid, Saracino was one of PC’s most effective offensive players Thursday. The junior assisted on the Friars’ first two goals and added an empty-netter to seal the win.
Providence, which has never won an NCAA title, advanced to Saturday’s national championship game, where it’ll face either Boston University or North Dakota.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
