Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

We are now 7, that’s seven weeks into the college hockey season.  I noticed a few key zeros in the standings, as in, the Tigers are the only undefeated team in league play, and the Bulldogs and Seawolves are the only winless teams in the league.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Denver…………..………5-1-0………...11
2. Nebraska-Omaha………4-1-1…….......9
3. Colorado College ……..4-0-0..….…….8
4. St. Cloud St………….…4-2-0………….8
5. Minnesota………………3-2-1………….7
6. North Dakota.………..…2-1-1…..……..5
7. Bemidji State……..…….1-2-1.……......3
7. Wisconsin…....…………1-2-1………....3
9. Alaska-Anchorage…......0-2-2….…..….2
9. Michigan Tech………….1-5-0…………2
9. Minnesota State………..1-5-0.….……..2
12. Minnesota-Duluth….….0-3-1…..…….1

WCHA Games

Michigan Tech @ Bemidji St.

Last weekend the Huskies had the weekend off and the Beavers were swept by the Tigers, 3-2 and 6-3, in Colorado Springs.

The Beavers have a chance this weekend to even their record or go above it.  The Beavers at 1-1-0 at the Sanford center this year, and the Huskies are 0-3-0 on road this year.  MTU started off winning two of three, but have since lost 5 in a row.  The Beavers haven’t played a home game in almost a month now, so I’m sure their fans are excited to see them return.  The Huskies have given up 5 goals in 3 of their last 4 games.  MTU needs to clamp down on the defensive zone and get some timely saves, if the hope to leave Bemidji with some points.  SPLIT

#2 Denver  vs  #14 Colorado College (home and home series)

Last weekend the Pioneers swept the MSUM Mavericks, 4-3 and 3-2, in Mankato and the Tigers swept the Beavers, 3-2 and 6-3, in Colorado Springs.

The quest for the Gold Pan starts this weekend in Colorado.  The Tigers will look to remain perfect in league play and take the top spot from their arch-rival Pioneers.  Meanwhile, DU will look to keep their counterparts below them in the standings and retain the top spot this weekend.  Also of note, CC is in the mist of playing 8 of 9 home games, before they enter a 8 of 10 on the road.  I know players’ emotions and fans feeling will be full of adrenaline this pre-Thanksgiving weekend.  I’m going with each home team winning.  SPLIT

Wisconsin @ #3 Minnesota

Last weekend the Badgers were resting up on a bye weekend and the Gophers took three points from the Seawolves, 4-0 and 2-2, in Anchorage.

The Badgers are undefeated on the road this year at 1-0-1 and the Gophers are undefeated at home 4-0-0, so something has to give, well unless they tie twice.  UW has scored just 11 goals in 5 total games, so just barely over 2gpg, whilst the Gophers have scored 31 goals in 9 games for a 3.4gpg.  If the Badgers want to get back across the border bootlegging some points they are going to have to either play perfect defense or get some timely/frequent goals.  SPLIT

Minnesota-Duluth @ #6 North Dakota

Last weekend the Bulldogs were swept by the UNO Mavericks, 3-2 and 6-3, in Omaha and NoDak split with the SCSU Huskies, 3-0 and 2-5, in St. Cloud.

The Bulldogs have been the surprise team so far in the league and not for the right reasons.  I didn’t think they would be at the bottom of the standings after four games.  UMD has scored only 7 goals in those 4 WCHA contests, and surrender only 13 goals against.  NoDak has scored 12 goals in their 4 league games and only given up 9.  The guys from Grand Forks have not lost a Friday night game this year, so they have given themselves chances for sweeps, but haven’t been able to cash in on Saturday night.  I say that changes this weekend.  NoDak Sweep

BYE WEEK

Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota State
#18 Nebraska-Omaha
#15 St. Could St