Here we are the end of the season, down to four teams in St. Paul. It looks the NCAA didn’t get their wish, four conferences represented; we have four teams representing two conferences, the CCHA and the WCHA. There is one #1 seed and one 4th seed in St. Paul this week. (The # numbers are the NCAA tournament seeding ranks.)
#11 Notre Dame (25-13-5) vs #9 Minnesota-Duluth (24-10-6)
The Fighting Irish won their first round game against Merrimack 4-3 in OT, and then dispatch the host team, New Hampshire 2-1 to advance. The Bulldogs beat Union 2-0 (both goals were on the power play) in the first round and then won somewhat controversial (the 5-minute major penalty and game misconduct to Yale’s top star) game, 5-3, against Yale to earn their trip to St. Paul.
The Bulldogs will need to be much better five on five in this game, versus their last couple of outing. I hate to say it, but UMD might have had the easiest path to St. Paul, having defeated two ECAC teams (no disrespect to the Yale and Union fans). The Irish will get the Cinderella title this year, since they are the lowest seed to advance to the Frozen Four. ND won both their tournament games by a single goal, and UMD won both theirs by two goals. The Irish need to stay out of the penalty box on Thursday and force UMD to score at even strength. Needless to say, this time of year it is important to get the first goal of the game. Getting a lead gives a team the opportunity to try and dictate their game style on their opponent. I’d like to say the Bulldogs are going to win, but I think it will be the luck of the Irish. NOTRE DAME WINS 4-3
#5 Michigan (28-10-4) vs #2 North Dakota (32-8-3)
The Wolverines got passed Nebraska-Omaha 3-2 in OT in their first tournament game that ended on a video replay, which was/is still controversial. Next Michigan ended Colorado College’s season, thus earning a spot in this week’s Frozen Four. The Sioux started by shutting out RPI 6-0 (the Engineers are scoreless in their last three NCAA tournament appearances) in their first game and then disposed of league rival Denver 6-1 in the Midwest Regional Final to advance to St. Paul.
These programs are both powerhouses in hockey, with Michigan owning 9-titles and North Dakota owning 7-titles. If the WCHA Final Five is any indication of the Sioux fan bases, this game will feel like a home game for the Sioux. North Dakota has been on a mission this year, and will need to beat out Michigan to keep their mission on track. Michigan making the tournament this year runs it tourney appearance record to 21 in a row. (Michigan’s run could come to an end soon with the start of the Big Ten hockey league.) The Sioux have made the NCAA tournament every year under coach Hakstol’s reign. UND is playing some great hockey now and just need to continue their game, speed, puck control, and solid defense and goal tending. The Sioux are just too deep for the Wolverines to handle. SIOUX WIN 3-1
Showing posts with label Analysis - College hockey - Sioux7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Analysis - College hockey - Sioux7. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
The Bulldogs are still on top of this week’s league standings followed by the Sioux, UNO and DU. It’s hard to believe we have already completed a quarter of the league games. Looking at the standings and you’ll notice that only 5 points separate 5th place from 12th. Right now it looks to be four team (UMD, UND, UNO, DU) race for the McNaughton Cup, with two teams looking for a top half finish (SCSU & UW). We have the usual suspects in the basement, MTU and UAA, ugh. Yet again, we only have 5 series on the schedule this weekend.
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....6-1-1…13
2. North Dakota………6-2-0…12
3. Nebraska-Omaha…5-0-1…11
3. Denver……………...5-2-1…11
5. Wisconsin…………..3-3-2…8
6. Minnesota…………..3-4-1…7
7. Minnesota State…...2-6-2…6
8. St. Cloud State….....2-3-1…5
8. Bemidji State……….2-5-1…5
10. Colorado College…..2-4-0…4
11. Alaska-Anchorage...1-4-1…3
12. Michigan Tech……..1-4-1…3
Here’s the penalty minutes (WCHA games only) teams have acquired this season.
TEAM………………PEN-for-MIN….MIN/GAME
1 Michigan Tech……….41-for-128….21.33
2 Denver………………..52-for-118….16.86
3 Minnesota State……..65-for-149….16.56
4 Nebraska-Omaha……42-for-95….15.83
5 North Dakota…………39-for-122….15.25
6 Colorado College…….36-for-91….15.17
7 Bemidji State………….51-for-121….15.12
8 Minnesota-Duluth……42-for-103….12.88
9 St. Cloud State……….36-for-72…..12.00
9 Wisconsin…………….48-for-96…..12.00
11 Minnesota……………44-for-88….11.00
12 Alaska-Anchorage…..25-for-61….10.17
If you look at the overall penalty minutes, all games, the Sioux are tied for 1st with 220 minutes (with Northern Michigan). Wisconsin would be 6th with 199 minutes, and Nebraska-Omaha would be 7th with 195 minutes, and it drops off from there.
WCHA
#19 Minnesota @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Gophers had a free weekend (maybe they had a snowball fight or built snowmen with all the snow that feel there) and the Huskies were swept by the Bulldogs in Duluth.
The Gophers are off to another ho-hum start at about a five hundred record. Looking at the attendance numbers, it shows that they are not putting as many butts in the seats as usual. The Huskies have but their own butts in seats, the penalty box seats, that is. MTU is averaging the most penalty minutes per game in the league. The Gophers need to get off their butts this weekend and capitalize on their power play. In order to get the power play, the Gophers will need to move their feet and crash net, forcing the Huskies to take some penalties. GOPHERS 3-pts
#8 North Dakota @ #4 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Sioux swept the Badgers in Madison and the UNO Mavericks took 3-pts from the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
This is the marquee matchup of the weekend. Not just because both teams are ranked, but because the Sioux will be playing against their old coach, Dean Blais. I liked Blais when he coached at UND, he did well and got the Sioux back up to a national powerhouse again. Now he has got his new team, the UNO Mavericks, doing well in their first year in the WCHA. With both teams liking to hit and skate, this should be a humdinger of a weekend in Omaha. UNO is the only WCHA team yet to lose a league game, while the Sioux have dropped two, one to DU and one to UMD. I just hope I can find the games on TV somewhere this weekend, ‘cause I really want to watch these tilts. I’m going to take the easy pick here, SPLIT.
#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ #15 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Bulldogs swept the MTU Huskies in Duluth and the Badgers were swept by the Sioux in Madison.
The Bulldogs have had an easy schedule to this point, excluding UND, and haven’t left many points on the table. It could be a little harder for them this weekend as they visit the Badgers. This will be the first games on the big sheet (Olympic size) of ice for the Bulldogs this year. The Badgers will be looking to avenge last weekend’s lack luster performances. The Badgers will need to pick up the offense this series and put more shots on net, if they want to get some points. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to get quality shots on the Badger net. Wisconsin has a real good set of d-men and could cause problems for the Bulldogs. SPLIT.
Bemidji State @ #13 Denver
Last weekend the Beavers split with the Seawolves in Bemidji and the Pioneers swept the MSUM Mavericks in Denver.
The Beavers will be making their first WCHA appearance in Denver for a pair of games. BSU is off to a rough start in their first WCHA season, of course they have played the top two teams in the league (UMD and UND). The Pioneers got some need points last weekend to keep up with the other league leaders. DU bounced back nicely last weekend after getting drubbed by rival CC the previous Saturday. The Beavers put up 8 goals and the Pioneers put up 9 goals last weekend. If both offenses can put those numbers up this weekend, this could be a fun series. SPLIT.
St. Cloud State @ Alaska Anchorage
Last weekend the Huskies got 1-pt at home against the UNO Mavericks in St. Cloud and the Seawolves split with the Beavers in Bemidji.
The Huskies have yet to live up to the preseason predictions. And if they don’t get their dogsled moving this weekend, they will have a steep trail to mush-up. This really is a must sweep series for SCSU, in my opinon. The Seawolves play hard, but just don’t have the high end talent of other WCHA schools. If SCSU wants to be a top tier team this year, you need to take points from the bottom teams, and I mean at least 3 points. (UMD has got their points from the bottom teams.) SPLIT.
BYE WEEK
Minnesota State University – Mankato – Mavericks
Colorado College – Tigers
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....6-1-1…13
2. North Dakota………6-2-0…12
3. Nebraska-Omaha…5-0-1…11
3. Denver……………...5-2-1…11
5. Wisconsin…………..3-3-2…8
6. Minnesota…………..3-4-1…7
7. Minnesota State…...2-6-2…6
8. St. Cloud State….....2-3-1…5
8. Bemidji State……….2-5-1…5
10. Colorado College…..2-4-0…4
11. Alaska-Anchorage...1-4-1…3
12. Michigan Tech……..1-4-1…3
Here’s the penalty minutes (WCHA games only) teams have acquired this season.
TEAM………………PEN-for-MIN….MIN/GAME
1 Michigan Tech……….41-for-128….21.33
2 Denver………………..52-for-118….16.86
3 Minnesota State……..65-for-149….16.56
4 Nebraska-Omaha……42-for-95….15.83
5 North Dakota…………39-for-122….15.25
6 Colorado College…….36-for-91….15.17
7 Bemidji State………….51-for-121….15.12
8 Minnesota-Duluth……42-for-103….12.88
9 St. Cloud State……….36-for-72…..12.00
9 Wisconsin…………….48-for-96…..12.00
11 Minnesota……………44-for-88….11.00
12 Alaska-Anchorage…..25-for-61….10.17
If you look at the overall penalty minutes, all games, the Sioux are tied for 1st with 220 minutes (with Northern Michigan). Wisconsin would be 6th with 199 minutes, and Nebraska-Omaha would be 7th with 195 minutes, and it drops off from there.
WCHA
#19 Minnesota @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Gophers had a free weekend (maybe they had a snowball fight or built snowmen with all the snow that feel there) and the Huskies were swept by the Bulldogs in Duluth.
The Gophers are off to another ho-hum start at about a five hundred record. Looking at the attendance numbers, it shows that they are not putting as many butts in the seats as usual. The Huskies have but their own butts in seats, the penalty box seats, that is. MTU is averaging the most penalty minutes per game in the league. The Gophers need to get off their butts this weekend and capitalize on their power play. In order to get the power play, the Gophers will need to move their feet and crash net, forcing the Huskies to take some penalties. GOPHERS 3-pts
#8 North Dakota @ #4 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Sioux swept the Badgers in Madison and the UNO Mavericks took 3-pts from the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
This is the marquee matchup of the weekend. Not just because both teams are ranked, but because the Sioux will be playing against their old coach, Dean Blais. I liked Blais when he coached at UND, he did well and got the Sioux back up to a national powerhouse again. Now he has got his new team, the UNO Mavericks, doing well in their first year in the WCHA. With both teams liking to hit and skate, this should be a humdinger of a weekend in Omaha. UNO is the only WCHA team yet to lose a league game, while the Sioux have dropped two, one to DU and one to UMD. I just hope I can find the games on TV somewhere this weekend, ‘cause I really want to watch these tilts. I’m going to take the easy pick here, SPLIT.
#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ #15 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Bulldogs swept the MTU Huskies in Duluth and the Badgers were swept by the Sioux in Madison.
The Bulldogs have had an easy schedule to this point, excluding UND, and haven’t left many points on the table. It could be a little harder for them this weekend as they visit the Badgers. This will be the first games on the big sheet (Olympic size) of ice for the Bulldogs this year. The Badgers will be looking to avenge last weekend’s lack luster performances. The Badgers will need to pick up the offense this series and put more shots on net, if they want to get some points. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to get quality shots on the Badger net. Wisconsin has a real good set of d-men and could cause problems for the Bulldogs. SPLIT.
Bemidji State @ #13 Denver
Last weekend the Beavers split with the Seawolves in Bemidji and the Pioneers swept the MSUM Mavericks in Denver.
The Beavers will be making their first WCHA appearance in Denver for a pair of games. BSU is off to a rough start in their first WCHA season, of course they have played the top two teams in the league (UMD and UND). The Pioneers got some need points last weekend to keep up with the other league leaders. DU bounced back nicely last weekend after getting drubbed by rival CC the previous Saturday. The Beavers put up 8 goals and the Pioneers put up 9 goals last weekend. If both offenses can put those numbers up this weekend, this could be a fun series. SPLIT.
St. Cloud State @ Alaska Anchorage
Last weekend the Huskies got 1-pt at home against the UNO Mavericks in St. Cloud and the Seawolves split with the Beavers in Bemidji.
The Huskies have yet to live up to the preseason predictions. And if they don’t get their dogsled moving this weekend, they will have a steep trail to mush-up. This really is a must sweep series for SCSU, in my opinon. The Seawolves play hard, but just don’t have the high end talent of other WCHA schools. If SCSU wants to be a top tier team this year, you need to take points from the bottom teams, and I mean at least 3 points. (UMD has got their points from the bottom teams.) SPLIT.
BYE WEEK
Minnesota State University – Mankato – Mavericks
Colorado College – Tigers
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Semi-Final Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
Here we are the end of the season, down to four teams in the Motor City. It looks the NCAA got their wish, four teams from four conferences. There are three #1 seeds and one 4th seed in Detroit this week. If Denver would have won their regional, the frozen four would have had the top 4 rated teams at the end of season polls in Detroit.
Miami (OH) (29-7-7) vs Boston College (27-10-3)
The RedHawks won their first round game against Alabama-Huntsville, and then need two overtimes to dispatch league rival Michigan, to advance to Detroit. The Eagles beat Cornell in the first round and then won a wildly entertaining game, 9-7, against Yale to earn their trip to Detroit.
The Eagles will need to be much better defensively in this game, versus their last outing. Giving up 7 goals in a game, not often that happens and you still win the game. Miami has been atop the polls most of the season and have played well wearing the #1 target on their back. I don’t see any reason not to pick the RedHawks in this game, then again, a bad bounce here or there will end your season. REDHAWKS WIN
Wisconsin (27-10-4) vs RIT (28-11-1)
The Badgers disposed of Vermont in their first game and then beat SCSU in a rematch of the previous weeks WCHA Final Five, to advance to the Frozen Four. RIT started their run with a win over Denver, followed by a win over New Hampshire.
The Tigers are the Cinderella story of this year’s tournament; I know I’m stating the obvious with that remark. This is only RIT’s 5th year as a division one hockey program, so needless to say they are off to a good start. However, they now face a storied hockey program in the UW Badgers. By comparison the Badgers have 6 NCAA hockey titles, the fourth most (only Michigan-9, North Dakota-7, and Denver-7 have more). This is Bucky’s big chance to get to another title game this decade. After this season UW losses seven seniors and could possibly lose a few others to the pro’s, so next year could be a rebuilding season. I have to go with our conference in this tilt. WISCONSIN WINS
Miami (OH) (29-7-7) vs Boston College (27-10-3)
The RedHawks won their first round game against Alabama-Huntsville, and then need two overtimes to dispatch league rival Michigan, to advance to Detroit. The Eagles beat Cornell in the first round and then won a wildly entertaining game, 9-7, against Yale to earn their trip to Detroit.
The Eagles will need to be much better defensively in this game, versus their last outing. Giving up 7 goals in a game, not often that happens and you still win the game. Miami has been atop the polls most of the season and have played well wearing the #1 target on their back. I don’t see any reason not to pick the RedHawks in this game, then again, a bad bounce here or there will end your season. REDHAWKS WIN
Wisconsin (27-10-4) vs RIT (28-11-1)
The Badgers disposed of Vermont in their first game and then beat SCSU in a rematch of the previous weeks WCHA Final Five, to advance to the Frozen Four. RIT started their run with a win over Denver, followed by a win over New Hampshire.
The Tigers are the Cinderella story of this year’s tournament; I know I’m stating the obvious with that remark. This is only RIT’s 5th year as a division one hockey program, so needless to say they are off to a good start. However, they now face a storied hockey program in the UW Badgers. By comparison the Badgers have 6 NCAA hockey titles, the fourth most (only Michigan-9, North Dakota-7, and Denver-7 have more). This is Bucky’s big chance to get to another title game this decade. After this season UW losses seven seniors and could possibly lose a few others to the pro’s, so next year could be a rebuilding season. I have to go with our conference in this tilt. WISCONSIN WINS
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Weekend Final 5 Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
The first round of WCHA playoffs have come and went, with all the home teams winning their series. DU and UW ended their series in 2 games, while SCSU, UND, UMD took 3 games to close out their first round home series. The national picture is looking like all 5 WCHA teams in St. Paul this weekend will also be playing next week in the NCAA tournament.
My predictions last weekend turned out really good, the only thing a missed was UND taking 3 games to dispatch the Gophers, and everything else was dead on. Speaking of that series, I hope, as well as everyone else, that UM defensemen Kevin Wehrs makes a quick recovery from the hit he took on Sunday, as well as UM defensemen Nick Leddy. (I missed Leddy getting hit, but I don’t think anybody missed the Wehrs hit)
Sunday’s Sioux-Gopher hockey game could have been the last of an era. Next season it might be "the team formerly know as the North Dakota Fighting Sioux” versus the Gophers. With that possibility, I took it upon myself to by another Sioux jersey (I got a home white one, in case you’re wondering) Sunday. If they don’t get permission to use the Sioux name, I have the feeling Sioux gear will be flying off the shelves across the region this summer. The powers that be, need to resolve the issue by November.
Speaking of flying the Goon and I will again be attending the Final 5. We are looking forward to meeting some of our old friends and making some new ones.
This will most likely be my last posting for a while. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading my ramblings this hockey season. I might post some predictions for the NCAA tournament...
THURSDAY (Play-in Game 7:07pm)
#11 Minnesota-Duluth vs #5 North Dakota (season series UND wins 3-1-0)
Last weekend the Sioux defeated the Gophers in 3 games in Grand Forks, and the Bulldogs beat the Tigers in 3 games in Duluth.
These teams met last year in the Final 5, with UMD taking that game (3-0) while riding a hot goalie named Stalock to the Broadmoor trophy. This year the Bulldogs don’t have a shut down net minder and have gotten things done offensively. However, a good portion of their goals have come on the power play, and the Sioux have the best defense in the league. UMD really needs to win this game to solidify a spot in the tourney; they’re still on the bubble. The Sioux are still hot going 9-1-0 in their last 10 games, and the Bulldogs are 5-5-0 over their last 10 games. Part of me wants the Sioux to throw this game, so they can rest up for the NCAA tourney and the other part says win this and the Final 5, to get the auto-bid and possibly a number one seed. Whoever wins this game will be playing 6-games in 9-days. SIOUX WIN
FRIDAY (Semi-final game 2pm)
#6 St. Cloud State vs #3 Wisconsin (season series tied 2-2-0)
Last weekend the Seawolves hosted the Bulldogs and split their series, and the Badgers and Gophers split a pair in Minneapolis.
The Badgers have not won more than three games in a row this season, and have not lost consecutive games. And after last weekend, they are now 2-0 heading into the Final 5. I wonder if the Badgers will want to get some measure of revenge against the Huskies Marvin in this game. I know the Sioux still want a piece of Marvin. UW is definitely the deeper team, where SCSU relies heavily on Roe & Lasch for most of their offense. If the Badgers blue-liners can live up to their NHL draft status and shut that line down, I see the Huskies going down. BADGERS WIN
FRIDAY (Semi-final game 7pm)
UND/UMD vs #1 Denver
Last weekend the Pioneers swept the MTU Huskies in Denver.
DU vs Bulldogs (season series tied 1-1-0)
DU vs Sioux (season series DU wins 4-0-0)
I’ll take UND over DU in that match-up. Or if the Bulldogs play DU, I’m going with the Pioneers over the Bulldogs.
SATURDAY (3rd Place game @ 2pm, Championship @ 7pm)
Possible match-ups on Saturday
DU vs UW (season series UW wins 1-0-1)
DU vs SCSU (season series tied 1-1-0)
I’ll take DU over SCSU, or UW over DU, depending on how Friday’s games shakes out.
UND vs UW (season series UW wins 1-0-1)
UND vs SCSU (season series tied 2-2-0)
I’ll take UND over either UW or SCSU.
UMD vs UW (season series --)
UMD vs SCSU (season series --)
I’ll take UW over UMD, or SCSU over UMD
Edit: Sioux7's prediction made the Rink and Run blog that is run by Kevin Pates. Kevin runs a pretty good beat writers hockey blog on UMD hockey.
My predictions last weekend turned out really good, the only thing a missed was UND taking 3 games to dispatch the Gophers, and everything else was dead on. Speaking of that series, I hope, as well as everyone else, that UM defensemen Kevin Wehrs makes a quick recovery from the hit he took on Sunday, as well as UM defensemen Nick Leddy. (I missed Leddy getting hit, but I don’t think anybody missed the Wehrs hit)
Sunday’s Sioux-Gopher hockey game could have been the last of an era. Next season it might be "the team formerly know as the North Dakota Fighting Sioux” versus the Gophers. With that possibility, I took it upon myself to by another Sioux jersey (I got a home white one, in case you’re wondering) Sunday. If they don’t get permission to use the Sioux name, I have the feeling Sioux gear will be flying off the shelves across the region this summer. The powers that be, need to resolve the issue by November.
Speaking of flying the Goon and I will again be attending the Final 5. We are looking forward to meeting some of our old friends and making some new ones.
This will most likely be my last posting for a while. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading my ramblings this hockey season. I might post some predictions for the NCAA tournament...
THURSDAY (Play-in Game 7:07pm)
#11 Minnesota-Duluth vs #5 North Dakota (season series UND wins 3-1-0)
Last weekend the Sioux defeated the Gophers in 3 games in Grand Forks, and the Bulldogs beat the Tigers in 3 games in Duluth.
These teams met last year in the Final 5, with UMD taking that game (3-0) while riding a hot goalie named Stalock to the Broadmoor trophy. This year the Bulldogs don’t have a shut down net minder and have gotten things done offensively. However, a good portion of their goals have come on the power play, and the Sioux have the best defense in the league. UMD really needs to win this game to solidify a spot in the tourney; they’re still on the bubble. The Sioux are still hot going 9-1-0 in their last 10 games, and the Bulldogs are 5-5-0 over their last 10 games. Part of me wants the Sioux to throw this game, so they can rest up for the NCAA tourney and the other part says win this and the Final 5, to get the auto-bid and possibly a number one seed. Whoever wins this game will be playing 6-games in 9-days. SIOUX WIN
FRIDAY (Semi-final game 2pm)
#6 St. Cloud State vs #3 Wisconsin (season series tied 2-2-0)
Last weekend the Seawolves hosted the Bulldogs and split their series, and the Badgers and Gophers split a pair in Minneapolis.
The Badgers have not won more than three games in a row this season, and have not lost consecutive games. And after last weekend, they are now 2-0 heading into the Final 5. I wonder if the Badgers will want to get some measure of revenge against the Huskies Marvin in this game. I know the Sioux still want a piece of Marvin. UW is definitely the deeper team, where SCSU relies heavily on Roe & Lasch for most of their offense. If the Badgers blue-liners can live up to their NHL draft status and shut that line down, I see the Huskies going down. BADGERS WIN
FRIDAY (Semi-final game 7pm)
UND/UMD vs #1 Denver
Last weekend the Pioneers swept the MTU Huskies in Denver.
DU vs Bulldogs (season series tied 1-1-0)
DU vs Sioux (season series DU wins 4-0-0)
I’ll take UND over DU in that match-up. Or if the Bulldogs play DU, I’m going with the Pioneers over the Bulldogs.
SATURDAY (3rd Place game @ 2pm, Championship @ 7pm)
Possible match-ups on Saturday
DU vs UW (season series UW wins 1-0-1)
DU vs SCSU (season series tied 1-1-0)
I’ll take DU over SCSU, or UW over DU, depending on how Friday’s games shakes out.
UND vs UW (season series UW wins 1-0-1)
UND vs SCSU (season series tied 2-2-0)
I’ll take UND over either UW or SCSU.
UMD vs UW (season series --)
UMD vs SCSU (season series --)
I’ll take UW over UMD, or SCSU over UMD
Edit: Sioux7's prediction made the Rink and Run blog that is run by Kevin Pates. Kevin runs a pretty good beat writers hockey blog on UMD hockey.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Weekend Match Ups (by Sioux 7)
I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break and took in some holiday games and/or tournaments. (I took in some local action and caught a Fargo Force USHL game, and a couple of local High School games, one game was the Fargo South High and Moorhead High Minnesota tilt.) We now start the year 2010 and the second half of the WCHA season. So with out any more babbling on, here we go.
Current WCHA standings
TEAM.......................GP....W-L-T...PTS
1 Denver.................14....9-3-2...20
2 Colorado College..14....8-3-3...19
3 Wisconsin.............14....8-4-2...18
4 Minnesota-Duluth..14....8-5-1...17
5 St. Cloud State.......14....7-5-2...16
6 North Dakota........14....6-6-2...14
7 Minnesota............14....6-7-1...13
8 Minnesota State.....14....5-8-1...11
9 Alaska-Anchorage..14....4-10-0...8
10 Michigan Tech......14....2-12-0...4
WCHA
Alaska-Anchorage at #2 Denver
Holiday break, UAA was enjoying the Christmas season and DU beat Nebraska-Omaha (7-0) and Boston College (4-3) to win the Denver Cup.
Earlier this season these teams split in Anchorage, and it’s now time for the rematch.
UAA has only 1 win on the road this year and that came in the state of Colorado, against the CC Tigers. DU is the better team, their record shows that, but UAA has got some quality wins, in my opinion, this season. I’m sure everyone in the middle of the league would like to see the Seawolves take some points from the Pioneers. Interesting tidbit is that all of UAA‘s WCHA wins have come on Saturday nights. DU should beat UAA handily on Friday, since UAA hasn’t played a game since December 5th. I’m going to go with a split DU Friday, UAA Saturday.
#3 Colorado College at #13 Minnesota-Duluth
Holiday break, CC was at the Florida College Classic where they beat Cornell (4-2) and lost to Maine (3-2). UMD was participating in the Catamount Cup in Vermont, they beat Mercyhurst (6-0) and lost to host Vermont (5-2).
Early in November these teams split in the Springs with UMD winning 4-3 in the opener and CC winning 6-2 the following night. CC has brutal schedule in 2010 with the only, shall I say lax games against UAA in conference, after going to UMD they host UW. The Tiger have not lost on the road this season, posting a 4-0-3 record to date, and the Bulldogs are 8-4-0 in this, the last year at the DECC. I’m going to go the safe bet and call this a SPLIT.
Minnesota State at #5 North Dakota
Holiday break, MSU-M swept RIT (6-1, 3-0) and UND played in the Shillelagh Tournament beating Niagara (3-1) and tying Notre Dame (3-3).
This will be the only meeting between these teams this season, barring a match up in the playoffs. The Sioux split in Mankato and then swept the Mavericks in Grand Forks in the ’08-’09 season. It looks like UND will still be without the services of D-man Chay Genoway, and possibly without forward Brett Hextall (lower body injury). The Mavericks are 4-5-1 on the road and the Sioux are 5-2-3 at The Ralph this season. Since Coach Hakstol has had the reigns he has gotten the Sioux going after Christmas break, so why change now? SIOUX SWEEP.
Michigan Tech at #15 St. Cloud State
Holiday break, MTU was swept at the Great Lakes Invitational they got hammered by Michigan St. (10-1) and lost to Michigan (5-3). SCSU hosted Brown and swept them last weekend (5-1, 5-3).
To say that MTU has struggled this season is a nice way to put it. They have given up 8 or more goals in 4 games this season already. They have been outscored 85-38 on the season in 19 total games, that’s 2 goals for a game and 4.5 goals against per game. The other Huskies from SCSU have quietly put together a good record in and out of the league, having a 10-7-3 overall record and are 5-2-3 at the National Hockey Center. This should be all Huskies (SCSU that is) in this series, SCSU SWEEP.
Non-Conference
Harvard at Minnesota
Holiday Break, the Gophers hosted the Dodge Holiday Classic (here is my cheap shot to start 2010 – maybe it is sponsored by Dodge because that is what you should do with this tournament, dodge it!) where they beat Bowling Green(3-1) and lost to Northern Michigan (4-2) in the title game.
Harvard are the owners of a 2-8-2 overall record and currently sit in 10th place in the ECAC. The Gopher own a 9-10-1 overall record this year and are looking to improve on that. The Gophers will need to get a pair of wins this weekend if they hope to make a run at the NCAA tournament in March. The rest of the WCHA needs UM to win these non-conference games to help everyone in the league with the PWR system. It kills me to say we need to cheer for the Gophers, but here it is, GOPHERS SWEEP.
Exhibition
US Under-18 Team at #4 Wisconsin (Saturday)
Holiday break, the Badgers hosted the Badger Showdown, where they proceeded to beat Merrimack (5-4) and tie Yale (2-2).
Since this is an exhibition game, it doesn't officially exist. But I have to go with our cheesy friends, BADGERS WIN.
Tuesday January 12th
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech
The Huskies lost to the Wildcats 2-1 on Dec. 18th at Marquette. This time it is in Houghton, and the Huskies don't want to drop another to their Yopper competition. I will go with the Huskies to upset the Wildcats in this match up. HUSKIES WIN.
Current WCHA standings
TEAM.......................GP....W-L-T...PTS
1 Denver.................14....9-3-2...20
2 Colorado College..14....8-3-3...19
3 Wisconsin.............14....8-4-2...18
4 Minnesota-Duluth..14....8-5-1...17
5 St. Cloud State.......14....7-5-2...16
6 North Dakota........14....6-6-2...14
7 Minnesota............14....6-7-1...13
8 Minnesota State.....14....5-8-1...11
9 Alaska-Anchorage..14....4-10-0...8
10 Michigan Tech......14....2-12-0...4
WCHA
Alaska-Anchorage at #2 Denver
Holiday break, UAA was enjoying the Christmas season and DU beat Nebraska-Omaha (7-0) and Boston College (4-3) to win the Denver Cup.
Earlier this season these teams split in Anchorage, and it’s now time for the rematch.
UAA has only 1 win on the road this year and that came in the state of Colorado, against the CC Tigers. DU is the better team, their record shows that, but UAA has got some quality wins, in my opinion, this season. I’m sure everyone in the middle of the league would like to see the Seawolves take some points from the Pioneers. Interesting tidbit is that all of UAA‘s WCHA wins have come on Saturday nights. DU should beat UAA handily on Friday, since UAA hasn’t played a game since December 5th. I’m going to go with a split DU Friday, UAA Saturday.
#3 Colorado College at #13 Minnesota-Duluth
Holiday break, CC was at the Florida College Classic where they beat Cornell (4-2) and lost to Maine (3-2). UMD was participating in the Catamount Cup in Vermont, they beat Mercyhurst (6-0) and lost to host Vermont (5-2).
Early in November these teams split in the Springs with UMD winning 4-3 in the opener and CC winning 6-2 the following night. CC has brutal schedule in 2010 with the only, shall I say lax games against UAA in conference, after going to UMD they host UW. The Tiger have not lost on the road this season, posting a 4-0-3 record to date, and the Bulldogs are 8-4-0 in this, the last year at the DECC. I’m going to go the safe bet and call this a SPLIT.
Minnesota State at #5 North Dakota
Holiday break, MSU-M swept RIT (6-1, 3-0) and UND played in the Shillelagh Tournament beating Niagara (3-1) and tying Notre Dame (3-3).
This will be the only meeting between these teams this season, barring a match up in the playoffs. The Sioux split in Mankato and then swept the Mavericks in Grand Forks in the ’08-’09 season. It looks like UND will still be without the services of D-man Chay Genoway, and possibly without forward Brett Hextall (lower body injury). The Mavericks are 4-5-1 on the road and the Sioux are 5-2-3 at The Ralph this season. Since Coach Hakstol has had the reigns he has gotten the Sioux going after Christmas break, so why change now? SIOUX SWEEP.
Michigan Tech at #15 St. Cloud State
Holiday break, MTU was swept at the Great Lakes Invitational they got hammered by Michigan St. (10-1) and lost to Michigan (5-3). SCSU hosted Brown and swept them last weekend (5-1, 5-3).
To say that MTU has struggled this season is a nice way to put it. They have given up 8 or more goals in 4 games this season already. They have been outscored 85-38 on the season in 19 total games, that’s 2 goals for a game and 4.5 goals against per game. The other Huskies from SCSU have quietly put together a good record in and out of the league, having a 10-7-3 overall record and are 5-2-3 at the National Hockey Center. This should be all Huskies (SCSU that is) in this series, SCSU SWEEP.
Non-Conference
Harvard at Minnesota
Holiday Break, the Gophers hosted the Dodge Holiday Classic (here is my cheap shot to start 2010 – maybe it is sponsored by Dodge because that is what you should do with this tournament, dodge it!) where they beat Bowling Green(3-1) and lost to Northern Michigan (4-2) in the title game.
Harvard are the owners of a 2-8-2 overall record and currently sit in 10th place in the ECAC. The Gopher own a 9-10-1 overall record this year and are looking to improve on that. The Gophers will need to get a pair of wins this weekend if they hope to make a run at the NCAA tournament in March. The rest of the WCHA needs UM to win these non-conference games to help everyone in the league with the PWR system. It kills me to say we need to cheer for the Gophers, but here it is, GOPHERS SWEEP.
Exhibition
US Under-18 Team at #4 Wisconsin (Saturday)
Holiday break, the Badgers hosted the Badger Showdown, where they proceeded to beat Merrimack (5-4) and tie Yale (2-2).
Since this is an exhibition game, it doesn't officially exist. But I have to go with our cheesy friends, BADGERS WIN.
Tuesday January 12th
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech
The Huskies lost to the Wildcats 2-1 on Dec. 18th at Marquette. This time it is in Houghton, and the Huskies don't want to drop another to their Yopper competition. I will go with the Huskies to upset the Wildcats in this match up. HUSKIES WIN.
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