It’s anybody’s tournament
Dropping the puck on the NCAA tournament finds there have been six different winners of the national championship over the past six years, including four first-time winners. Each bracket features at least one team that has never claimed a title. The newest kid on the block is Penn State, which is making its debut in the event after only five years since starting its program.
The future of the game will be on display as 96 NHL draft picks take to the ice with all 30 NHL clubs claiming at least one entry. All of the teams enter with at least 20 wins, the first time that has happened since the advent of the 16-team field in 2003.
“We all want to play with the lead at this time of year, but I want to be playing with the lead when the final buzzer goes off,” said Boston University coach David Quinn.
One of the following 16 teams will be hoisting the national championship trophy at the United Center in Chicago on April 8. Here’s how the murky picture shakes up: