This week we only have WCHA contests, four series to be specific, and no non-conference games. UM and MSUM have played 6 WCHA games this year and everyone else has played 4. After this weekend, UM will be leading the WCHA in one catagory, games played, with 8. (Everyone else will be at 6, except SCSU at 4.) We should get a much better idea where each team is at, as far as progress, and where they might end the year, top or bottom half of the league.
WCHA standings
TEAM.................GP...W-L-T..PTS
1 Colorado College.....4...3-0-1...7
1 Denver................4...3-0-1...7
3 Minnesota-Duluth....4...2-1-1...5
3 North Dakota.........4...2-1-1...5
3 St. Cloud State.......4...2-1-1...5
3 Minnesota.............6...2-3-1...5
7 Wisconsin.............4...1-2-1...3
7 Minnesota State......6...1-4-1...3
9 Alaska-Anchorage....4...1-3-0...2
9 Michigan Tech........4...1-3-0...2
Minnesota at #18 Wisconsin
The Gophers got their first win last weekend, and earned a sweep over visiting UAA. Wisconsin flexed their muscles in a sweep over Hockey East perennial power New Hampshire
It is safe to say UW has played against some tough teams and won, UM hasn't. The Gophers failed to win a game against UND and DU. Gopherville has to be happy that they put some goals up on the scoreboard last weekend, but beating UAA doesn't tend to help one out in the rankings. We here at GOONS WORLD wish Nick Leddy a speedy recover to the broken jaw he suffered last weekend. The Badger's moved up one spot in the poll from last week. UW only allowed 1 goal each night, against a good UNH team. The Gopher might find themselves back in the land of 10,000 zeros this weekend in Madison. UW has arguably the best set of d-men in hockey, and see the UM's track record this season against good teams... UM might get a new nickname the O-phers. I'm going to back Bucky in these tilts, WISCONSIN SWEEPS.
#20 Minnesota-Duluth at #12 Colorado College
The Tigers were resting last weekend with a bye, and the Bulldogs swept Clarkson U.
The Tigers are the early surprise this season in the WCHA, leading the league, when most of us picked them to finish in the bottom half of the league in the preseason. The Bulldogs are right on the Tigers tail, in 3rd place only two points behind. In 4 WCHA games this season CC has scored 16 goals and UMD has scored 13 goals. These teams should light the lamp this weekend too, making it an exciting series to watch. If either team gets a sweep it will help them to get a good grip on the WCHA top half of the league. I say both teams come up winners, SPLIT.
#3 North Dakota at Michigan Tech
UND was off last weekend, while MTU split a pair of home games with scores of 1-3 and 3-1 against SCSU.
UND should be well rested and recovered from their bye-week, meanwhile the Huskies are trying to get their offense going. MTU has only scored 10 goals (5 were in one game) through 4 WCHA games and given up 16. The Huskies have to be more consistent on offensive if they want to avoid being in the dog-house. The Sioux are looking to rebound after suffering their first lose of the season two weeks ago in Anchorage.
Again this time out for the Sioux the opposing teams fans don't look to be an issue, with MTU getting about 1,500 people in the seat for a game (much like UAA's attendance). I have to pick my alma mater, SIOUX SWEEP.
#2 Denver at Alaska-Anchorage
The Pioneers took 3 points from visiting MSU-Mankato, and the Seawolves were swept at the hands of the Gophers. DU's star goalie, Mark Chevrie also suffered a cut to his leg by a skate and is expected to miss a few weeks, we all wish him quick recovery.
UAA has been "better" at home (2-2-0) than on the road (0-2-0), DU has 3-0-1 road record and is 2-1-1 at home for the season. The Seawolves have scored a total of 4 goals in their past 4 games, the Pioneers have scored 14 goals in their last 4 games. DU may have lost their starting goalie, but their offense is still intact. I always say UAA is a tough road trip, but the Seawolves are a beat-able team. I'm going to say #2 wins, PIONEERS SWEEP.
BYE - Off Week
Minnesota State University - Mankato
St. Cloud State University
Pretty fair predictions for the weekend there goon. I agree on Bucky sweeping Goldy in Madison and you provide some very valid point as to why you think that will happen. I disagree with you on the UND-Tech series in Houghton though. I think Tech will get a tie one night, maybe even a split. They will slow the game to a crawl and keep the offense at a minimum much like Anchorage does. And speaking of Anchorage, I believe they split at home against Denver.
ReplyDeleteActually those are Sioux7's prediction but I agree with most of what he had to say. :)
ReplyDeleteLast week my predictions cost me a beer, I will be buying Goon a beer of his choice at the next UND home series.
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