Ryan Leonard, the eighth pick in the 2023 NHL draft, had everyone thinking he'd rack up goals in the NHL after scoring 31 as a freshman. With the puck heading his way and a wide-open net, he seemed primed for another goal. But then Matt Davis came flying in for what would become a legendary save.
"That was the best save I have ever seen in my entire life," exclaimed King, with a perfect view from Xcel Energy Center. This was after the University of Denver beat Leonard's Boston College Eagles 2-0 in the 2024 NCAA championship game.
Davis saw the puck move from left to right as BC's Gabe Perreault passed it across to Leonard. Will Smith, another future NHL star on the Eagles' roster, started the play. Davis, caught in the moment, recalled his first thought: "Uh oh."
It was a pivotal moment for the Eagles, who were trailing 2-0 and hoping to mount a comeback led by their trio of future NHL stars. However, Davis's heroic save kept them at bay, securing the win for Denver.
The game had plenty of memorable moments. Massimo Rizzo confidently told his roommate Aiden Thompson, "We are winning this game." Sean Behrens was in disbelief, watching the replay on the big screen.
Davis's performance throughout the postseason was nothing short of spectacular. He finished with an 8-0 record, stopping 219 of 229 shots for an incredible .956 save percentage. His standout performance continued at the Frozen Four, where he faced some of the toughest offenses in the country.
Boston University's Macklin Celebrini, winner of the Hobey Baker Award and projected No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL draft, couldn't get past Davis on a breakaway. Neither could Will Smith in an earlier game, or Ryan Leonard in the championship match. Davis's stellar play earned him the title of Most Outstanding Player at the Frozen Four, capping off an unforgettable season for him and the Pioneers.
"This weekend will be talked about for generations," said King, acknowledging the impact of Davis's heroics. And for Davis, it was about honoring the legacy of those who came before him. "Our alumni group is awesome," he said. "It's a lot of unbelievable people who have given a lot to this program. I'm so proud and happy to honor them like this. I mean, we had a lot of valleys this year, that's for sure. But man, it feels good to be on the summit."
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