For the first time in program history, Penn State men’s hockey is in the Frozen Four. The Nittany Lions face Boston University at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday in Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

While the Nittany Lions are tasting the Frozen Four for the first time, this is the Terriers’ third consecutive appearance. Will the young, scrappy Nittany Lions advance to the Championship game? Or will Boston University’s depth and experience be the difference-maker? A few of our staff members weighed in.

Jamie Lynch: Penn State 4, Boston University 2

Penn State has been the hottest team in college hockey for weeks and continues to roll. It has shown relentless grit, and I have no reason to hop off the hype train now.

The Nittany Lions have had players step up in the clutch during their postseason run, as the likes of Matt DiMarsico and JJ Wiebusch have demonstrated the talent and depth of Penn State’s roster. I think Guy Gadowsky’s squad will ride the momentum from their win over UConn and minimize the impact of Boston University.

Despite having multiple top NHL prospects, from Cole Hutson to Cole Eiserman, Boston University will not be able to handle Aidan Fink and the power of friendship. Look for the Nittany Lions to punch their ticket to the national championship come Thursday evening.

Alex Smith: Penn State 2, Boston University 3

While the matchup is going to be an instant classic, I think Penn State’s comeback season ends against the Terriers. I could see either team winning, but I think Boston University has the experience that Penn State lacks in this position, with the Terriers being in the national semifinals 24 times.

However, the Terriers did lose against UConn in the Hockey East semifinal, so this is still anyone’s game. If the DiMarsico-Cerrato-Wiebusch line keeps the foot on the gas, along with Fink ending his scoring drought, this may be a different game. I could then see Penn State stunning the hockey world and making it to the national championship.

I think it will be a close game and very similar to UConn, and I could see the game going into overtime. In the end, I think the Terriers will score late to secure the win and move on to the national championship.

Dennis Wilkins: Penn State 3, Boston University 1

Simply put, Penn State remains the hottest team in the nation heading into the Frozen Four. Fresh off of an emotional win in the regional final against UConn, Penn State will carry its momentum into St. Louis and advance to the national championship.

Jack Scott: Penn State 5, Boston University 2

Call me a homer, but it’s hard to bet against the hottest team in college hockey. Much has been said about the Terriers by fans and media alike — that they are stacked with NHL prospects, have a killer power play, and have history on their side — but Penn State has sunk teams with better resumes before and has done so handily.

I think that Boston University will jump to an early lead, but Penn State’s face-off dominance should come into play after the Nittany Lions find their footing, giving Penn State the lion’s share of the puck. The Nittany Lions have also baited their opponents into taking far too many penalties to stay competitive this season, and against the NCAA-worst Terriers, should get plenty of opportunities on the power play. After slowing down the game, possessing the puck, and picking its shots, Penn State’s hot forward lines should find success and see Penn State ahead 3-2 by the end of the second period.

I see Boston University pulling its goalie earlier than usual in a physical third period to try and break Penn State’s conservative defense. The Nittany Lions should hold off the Terriers’ final push, netting two insurance goals on the empty cage before the final buzzer and earn a spot in the NCAA championship match with a deceptively dominant score of 5-2.

Nolan Wick: Penn State 2, Boston University 1

Penn State, despite being among the hottest teams in college hockey for months, isn’t getting the respect it deserves. Two of the most dangerous things a hockey team can have are confidence and hot goaltending. The Nittany Lions are feeling it right now, and Arsenii Sergeev is currently playing arguably the best hockey of his career. Combine those things with the depth Penn State has, and you have a championship-caliber team.

While Boston University has a great team on paper, it isn’t invincible. The Terriers did lose to UConn in the Hockey East Tournament, so there’s a way. So screw it, I’ll pick the underdog, red-hot Nittany Lions playing with house money to upset a heavyweight.