Final 5 Match-Ups (by Donn)

This is it, the last WCHA Final 5 as we have known it for decades.  Three out of last weekend’s first round series went to three games, which is not too surprising, given the depth and talent of the conference as a whole.  I’m looking forward to this long weekend of hockey and hopefully will take a lot of good memories from it. Most of the teams that are not going to St. Paul are done for the year, with the exception of DU.  The Pioneers could get an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament; they are currently sitting at #13 in the pairwise.

WCHA FINAL STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………18-9-1.……….37
2. Minnesota……………...16-7-2……..…37
3. North Dakota.………….14-7-7………..35
4. Denver…………..……..14-9-5..….......33
5. Wisconsin…....………..13-8-7………...33
6. Minnesota State………16-11-1....…….33
7. Nebraska-Omaha…......14-12-2…....…30
8. Colorado College …….11-13-4..….….26
9. Minnesota-Duluth….….10-13-5……….25
10. Michigan Tech………..8-16-4…..…..20
11. Bemidji State……..…..6-15-7......…..17
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....2-20-6.....…..10

The # numbers below are now the PAIRWISE rankings.

Thursday Games

Colorado College @ #6 North Dakota

Last weekend NoDak ended MTU’s season in three games (5-3W, 2-1L, 6-0W) in Grand Forks and the Tigers beat their archrival Pioneers in three games (5-3L, 2-1W, 4-3W) in Denver.

2012-13 series – Tied wins 2-2-0

The first series was in Colorado Springs Nov30/Dec1 with the Tigers winning the first game (5-3) and UND winning the second in overtime (3-2).  They met for the second series in Grand Forks in mid-January with the Tigers again winning the opening game (4-3) and UND winning the finale (5-3).

UND has a chance to be the first four-peat champion this weekend and it starts with a stiff test in CC.  The Tigers have the offensive power to compete with anyone in the league; the big question is their defense and goaltending.  The same could be said about UND, they too have has some blips in their own zone too.  Both have a short week after playing three games (Fri/Sat/Sun) and then a short rest and travel before this Thursday night game.  The Tigers need to keep winning to extend their season, UND could lose and still make the NCAA tournament.  I’m going with UND in this game, since they have been getting more consistent play in the net.  NODAK WINS

(I also want them to win so we all get to see another UND/UM game.)

#9 Minnesota State @ #16 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Mavericks took out the UNO Mavericks in three games (4-3Wot, 2-1L, 3-1W) in Mankato and the Badgers ended the UMD Bulldogs season by sweeping them (3-1, 4-1) in Madison.

2012-13 series – Tied 2-2-0

The first series was in Madison on Nov23/24 with the Mavericks sweeping the series (4-2, 4-2).  They met for the second series in Mankato in mid-January with the Badgers returning the favor in dramatic fashion, by sweeping the Mavericks in overtime in both games (4-3ot, 2-1ot).

The Badgers have clawed their way back in the NCAA tournament picture, now they are firmly on the bubble with their #16 rank.  The Mavericks would be in the NCAA tournament if it started this weekend, but if get some wins this weekend they can move up the rankings and improve their seeding. 

This game I’m not sure about who is going to win, I don’t have a feeling right away for one team or the other.  Both are playing well and need/want to advance to Friday’s game against SCSU.  Even with UW being the “home” team in this game, I’m going to go with the “visitors” for the win, in overtime.  MAVERICKS WIN

Friday Games

#12 St. Could St.

Last weekend the Huskies swept the Seawolves (6-1, 5-1) in St. Cloud.

Season Series
vs MSUM – SCSU wins 2-0-0
vs UW – Tied 1-1-0

Since the Huskies are the top seed they will “host” the winner from Thursday’s MSUM/UW play-in game.

If my prediction from Thursday hold true, the Huskies will be facing in-state foe Mankato for the right to advance to the championship game.  SCSU had to settle for “sharing” the MacNaughton Cup and now will want the Broadmoor Trophy all to themselves.  The Huskies have not captured the playoff title since 2001 and the Mavericks have never hoisted either piece of hardware.  HUSKIES WIN

#2 Minnesota

Last weekend the Gophers swept the Beavers (2-1ot, 4-3) in Minneapolis.

Since the Gophers are the second seed they will “host” the winner of the CC/UND from Thursday’s play-in game.

Season Series

vs UND – UM wins 1-0-1
vs CC – UM wins 1-0-1

Again, if my Thursday predictions hold true, the Gophers will face long, long, time rival UND in the evening tilt at the Xcel Center.  Last year these team clashed in a semi-final game, remember… the Gophers staked themselves to a 3-0 lead, UND called a time out, and then rattled off 6 unanswered goals for a 6-3 win.  (Then UM and UND met a week later again at the Xcel Center in the NCAA tournament with the UM winning.)  I don’t think we will get that kind of game this time around, but who knows, that’s why they play the games.  I’m inclined this time around to give the nod to the Gophers in this game, to set-up a rubber match with the Huskies.  GOPHERS WIN

Saturday - CHAMPIONSHIP Game

Well this as far as I’m allowed to stretch my predictions.  We’ll know by the end of Friday if I’m even close to correct.  But if I am, it’s a SCSU/UM game for the Broadmoor trophy, a title that cannot be shared, and the auto-bid for the NCAA tournament.  I’m thinking the Gophers might be spent emotionally if they beat UND the evening before.  The Gophers are a pretty solid lock on a number one seed, whereas the Huskies could use another quality win to solidify their spot in the tourney.  HUSKIES WIN

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 22 (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey makes the Final Five for a 11th year in a row with win over Tech

Seal of the University of North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grand Forks, ND – With the win tonight, the University of North Dakota (21-11-7) hockey team has made the WCHA Final Five in each of Dave Hakstol’s nine seasons.

What’s even more impressive with UND’s 6-0 win over Michigan Tech, UND has made the Final Five for the 11th-straight year in a row, that’s the longest current streak in the WCHA.

Since coach Hakstol took over the reins in 2004-05, the University of North Dakota hockey team has never lost a first round WCHA playoff series and currently holds 18-4 (.818) record.

Hakstol also holds an impressive 32-9 record in the WCHA playoff games.

After last night’s 2-1 loss to the Michigan Tech Huskies, that streak appeared to be in jeopardy.  In last night’s game, the Michigan Tech Huskies were a miserable team to play against; they clogged up the neutral zone up and gave North Dakota little time and space. Huskies also beat UND to the puck all night long.

Tonight was a different story, the Green and White left little doubt as they were the better team all night long and beat the Huskies to the puck all night long and the Huskies defenders had no answer for UND team speed as they entered the neutral zone with speed and when the Huskies got a chance on Clarke Saunders the UND defense was there to clear the puck.

In the end, UND blew out the Michigan Tech Huskies (13-20-4) and actually ended up pulling the  starting goalie Clarke Saunders with 4:02 left and inserted the backup goalie Tate Maris who’s a very popular third string goalie with his teammates and with the fans as well.

Think about this, Clarke Saunders had a 27 save shutout, when the ever popular Tate Maris entered the game to a standing ovation. That happened. It was a very classy move by the head coach Dave Hakstol.

“I thought the level of play was our most complete of the year, without a question,” Head coach Dave Hakstol said of his team’s 6-0 win over the Michigan Tech Huskies. “We played at a playoff level for three periods tonight and it started right from the drop of the puck.”

An emotional Tate Maris explained what it was like to finally get a taste of game action in the last home game of his college hockey career. “it’s kind of indescribable I guess,” Maris said. I don’t know. I guess I am kind of at a loss for words for it. It’s kind of four years pushed into one night in four minutes there at the end. Pretty surreal, to say the least, it’s just amazing to be out there with your fellow teammates. To be surrounded by those fans, it’s kind of indescribable, just amazing to say the least.”

According to senior forward Corban Knight, tonight was a statement game for the UND hockey team and the head coach challenged the team to be better for 60 minutes tonight.

“We set the bar pretty high tonight with the way we played,” senior forward Corban Knight said. “In order for us to be successful like you said, we need to keep that bar high and make sure we’re working hard to get to that every night, because we’re only going to be playing better teams from here on in.”

Up next for UND is Colorado College who beat DU 4-3. That game will be next Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. central time. UND and Colorado College split the season series 2-2.

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Results of the 2012-13 Blogger/Website All-WCHA Awards

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

s/t to A Tradition of Excellence for putting on the Second Annual Blogger/Website All-WCHA Awards. This is how the vote shook out.

* Asterik denotes a unanimous selection

All-WCHA First Team:
F - Ryan Walters, Nebraska-Omaha
F - Erik Haula, Minnesota
F - Danny Kristo, North Dakota
D - Nate Schmidt, Minnesota
D - Nick Jensen, St. Cloud State
G - Stephon Williams, Minnesota State

All-WCHA Second Team:
F - Drew LeBlanc, St. Cloud State
F - Corban Knight, North Dakota
F - Rylan Schwartz, Colorado College
D - Mike Boivin, Colorado College
D - Joey LaLeggia, Denver
G - Adam Wilcox, Minnesota

All-WCHA Third Team:
F - Matt Leitner, Minnesota State
F - Josh Archibald, Nebraska-Omaha
F - Eriah Hayes, Minnesota State
D - Andrew Prochno, St. Cloud State
D - Andrej Sustr, Nebraska-Omaha
G - Juho Olkinuora, Denver

WCHA All-Rookie Team:
F - Alex Petan, Michigan Tech
F - Tony Cameranesi, Minnesota-Duluth
F - Jonny Brodzinski, St. Cloud State
D - Nolan Zajac, Denver *
D - Andy Welinski, Minnesota-Duluth
G - Stephon Williams, Minnesota State

WCHA Player of the Year: Ryan Walters, Nebraska-Omaha

WCHA Defenseman of the Year: Nate Schmidt, Minnesota

WCHA Rookie of the Year: Stephon Williams, Minnesota State

WCHA Coach of the Year: Mike Hastings, Minnesota State


Here's the rundown of the voters.

Ryan, Gopher Puck Live
Matt, Bulldog Country
Joe, Colorado Springs Gazette
Travis, @nodakhockey/Fighting Sioux Hockey Facebook Fan Page
Emily, Beyond the Pond
Taylor, The Hockey Writers Combine
Eric, Goon's World/The Hockey Writers Combine
Tim, Tech Hockey Guide
Matthew, USCHO
Nate, College Hockey News/SB Nation Team Minnesota
Donn, Goon's World
Andy, Bucky's 5th Quarter
Andrew, College Hockey High Horse
Jeff, Mav Mania
Dave, Sioux Sports
Chad, A Tradition of Excellence

Related articles

• My 2012-2013 All-WCHA Ballot (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 22 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 22 (insidehockey.com)
• Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Another 2012-2013 All-WCHA Ballot (thehockeywriters.com)

UND’s Zane Gothberg name Red Baron Co-Defensive player of the week

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Third time is a charm for UND's Freshman goalie Zane Gothberg

MADISON, Wis. – A pair of goaltenders who both totalled more than 70 saves in league competition last weekend, Colorado College’s Joe Howe and University of North Dakota’s Zane Gothberg, have been named Red Baron® WCHA Men’s co-Defensive Players of the Week for March 12.

Howe, a 6-0, 195-pound senior from Plymouth, Minn., turned aside 31 shots on goal last Friday (March 8) in a 2-0 setback at Michigan Tech before coming back with 46 stops to lead the visiting Tigers to a 4-3 road victory over the Huskies last Saturday (March 9). He posted 77 total saves in the series, with double-digit stop totals in all six periods and 20 in the second stanza of game two, and helped his team kill off seven of eight MTU power-plays.

Gothberg, a 6-2, 198-pound freshman from Thief River Falls, Minn., had a hot hand throughout visiting North Dakota’s WCHA series split at Minnesota State, stopping 72 shots – the most in a two-game series by a UND goalie this season. In last Friday’s 4-3 UND win, Gothberg made a career-high 37 saves, including 14 in the third period. The following night, he added another 35 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss in the regular season finale, which ended his personal six-game unbeaten streak. 

Gothberg, who is 4-1-2 with a .937 save percentage since Feb. 1, led the WCHA in winning percentage during league play (.708) and finished fourth in save percentage.

Also nominated: Matt Prapavessis, D, BSU; Joey LaLeggia, D, DU; Steven Seigo, D, MTU; Andrew Prochno, D, SCSU.

Per the UND Athletic Web Page

UND's WCHA Players of the Week

Nov. 20: Danny Kristo (Offensive)

Dec. 11:   Carter Rowney (Offensive)

Dec. 11:   Rocco Grimaldi (co-Rookie)

Dec. 18:   Corban Knight (Offensive)

Jan. 8:     Corban Knight (co-Offensive)

Feb. 5:     Zane Gothberg (Rookie)

Feb. 12:   Zane Gothberg (Defensive)
Feb. 27:   Danny Kristo (co-Offensive)

Mar. 12:  Zane Gothberg (co-Defensive)

Related articles

• UND goalie Zane Gothberg Defensive Player of the Week (mvn.com)

Final WCHA standings

 NEXT WEEK IN THE WCHA

WCHA PLAYOFFS • FIRST ROUND, BEST-OF-THREE

Games for Friday, March 15: #12 Alaska Anchorage at #1 St. Cloud State, 7:37 pm CT; #11 Bemidji State at #2 Minnesota, 7:07 pm CT; #10 Michigan Tech at #3 North Dakota, 7:37 pm CT; #9 Minnesota Duluth at #4 Wisconsin; #8 Colorado College at #5 Denver; #7 Nebraska Omaha at #6 Minnesota State.

Games for Saturday, March 16: #12 Alaska Anchorage at #1 St. Cloud State, 7:07 pm CT; #11 Bemidji State at #2 Minnesota, 7:07 pm CT; #10 Michigan Tech at #3 North Dakota, 7:07 pm CT; #9 Minnesota Duluth at #4 Wisconsin; #8 Colorado College at #5 Denver #7 Nebraska Omaha at #6 Minnesota State.

Games for Sunday, March 17 (if necessary): #12 Alaska Anchorage at #1 St. Cloud State, 7:07 pm CT; #11 Bemidji State at #2 Minnesota, 7:07 pm CT; #10 Michigan Tech at #3 North Dakota, 7:07 pm CT; #9 Minnesota Duluth at #4 Wisconsin; #8 Colorado College at #5 Denver; #7 Nebraska Omaha at #6 Minnesota State.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

This is it!  The last weekend of the regular season, buckle up sports fan, ‘cause we got a full slate of games.  The standings are still jam packed, with the top seven teams separated by 5 points.  It is possible to have a four-way tie for the McNaughton Cup, if things work out that way, not likely, but possible.  What we do know is that CC, UMD, MTU, BSU, and UAA will be on the road next weekend, we just don’t know who’s rink they will be at, and SCSU and UND have wrapped up home ice.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………17-8-1.…….….35
2. Minnesota……………...14-7-2……..…33
2. North Dakota.………….13-6-7………..33
4. Minnesota State………15-10-1....…....31
4. Wisconsin…....………..12-7-7………...31
6. Nebraska-Omaha…......14-10-2…...…30
7. Denver…………..……..12-9-5..…........29
8. Colorado College …….10-12-4...…….24
9. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-13-5……….21
10. Michigan Tech………..7-15-4.…..…..18
11. Bemidji State……..…..6-13-7.......…..17
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...2-18-6.......…..10


The # numbers below are now the PAIRWISE rankings.

WCHA Games

#2 Minnesota @ Bemidji St.

Last weekend the Gophers split (2-0L, 5-1W) with the Pioneers in Minneapolis and the Beavers got a point from NoDak (4-2, 2-2) in Grand Forks.

The Gopher faithfully will be hoping for some help, from Wisconsin, this weekend to keep their hopes alive for the last WCHA title.  The Beavers still have a chance to move up the standings, they could finish as high as ninth place, with a sweep.  BSU plays sound defense and clogs up the passing and shooting lanes.  The Beavers style can frustrate teams, but if their opponents can get a lead, they can force BSU to change their style.  The Gophers will need to draw some penalties to get the power play some chances to score.  All the numbers point to the Gophers, but when teams like have BSU nothing to lose, you need to watch out for the kitchen sink.  GOPHERS 3-PTS

Alaska-Anchorage @ #8 Denver (Fri/Sun)

Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Nanooks (2-1ot, 3-1) in the home/home series and the Pioneers split (2-0W, 5-1L) with the Gophers in Minneapolis.

The Pioneers still have some control over their own fate, but they need to sweep the Seawolves, and have UNO drop below them.  I’m sure the Seawolves would like to welcome DU to the bottom half of the bracket and keep them there, by winning a game or two.  DU played well last weekend in Minneapolis, I watched the replays. And if they play like that again this weekend, they should secure four points.  UAA has nothing to lose; they have been locked into last place for a couple of weeks now.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Shyiak pulled a few tricks out of his sleeve this weekend.  PIONEERS SWEEP

#7 North Dakota @ #8 Minnesota State
Last weekend NoDak got three points (4-2, 2-2ot) from the Beavers in Grand Forks and the Mavericks split (4-1L, 7-2W) with the Tigers in Colorado Springs.

This is a big series for both teams.  UND still has an outside chance at the title and MSUM for that matter too.  The Mavericks are 10-5-1 at home this year and UND is 8-6-1 away from Grand Forks.  NoDak has scored three more goals and given up three more than MSUM has in the WCHA this season, so those are pretty even numbers.  The big difference is that NoDak has 7 ties in the league and the Mavericks have just one.  With so much on the line for both teams, this should be a very entertaining series to watch.  SPLIT

Colorado College @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Tigers split (4-1W, 7-2L) with the MSUM Mavericks in Colorado Springs and the Huskies split (5-3L, 5-1W) with the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.

The Huskies gave themselves a boost with a win over SCSU on Saturday, and gave the rest of the league hope at title with that win.  MTU has been better over the last month, going 4-4-0 in their last eight games, and CC has gone 3-2-3 over their last eight contests.  The Tigers can’t move up the standings, they are stuck at 8^th place and could slip to 9^th if they lose twice this weekend.  CC hasn’t been too good on the road this season going 4-8-3 away from home and the Huskies are 5-7-2 at home in MacInnis Student Ice Arena.  I’m going say both black and gold teams win.  SPLIT

#10 St. Could St.  @ #20 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Huskies split (5-3W, 5-1L) with the MTU Huskies in St. Cloud and the Badgers swept (4-3, 6-2) the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.

The other top teams will be watching the scoreboard for these games.  If the Huskies win on Friday, they will secure at least a share of the McNaughton Cup.  The Badgers have plans of their own; a win on Friday (coupled with a UNO loss or DU tie/loss) would secure them home ice.  The Badgers are 7-7-3 home this year, but they aren’t playing in the Kohl center this weekend, they are at coliseum, for a throwback weekend, and the Huskies are 7-6-1 on the road.  I’m not sure if the pressure got to SCSU last Saturday, because if they would have won, they would have already secured a share of the title.  This series should have the feel of a playoff series with the stakes high for both teams.  The Badgers need some quality wins to move up the rankings, and improve their odds of getting into the NCAA tournament.  SPLIT

#25 Nebraska-Omaha @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the Badgers (4-3, 6-2) in Omaha and the Bulldogs swept the UAH Chargers (4-2, 4-0) in Duluth.

The Mavericks saw their chance at the McNaughton Cup slip away last weekend.  UNO also saw their home ice spot put in jeopardy, with suffering a pair of losses in Omaha.  They need to put last weekend in the past and move on to this series and get back on track.  UMD is looking to continue to build momentum for the playoffs and what better way to do that by dragging UNO to the bottom half with a sweep in Duluth.  However, that is a tall order given Omaha’s scoring ability and the Bulldogs porous defensive play this year.  SPLIT

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The end is near, we have this weekend and next and then the WCHA regular season comes to an end.  This friday starts a new month, March, or for some teams the playoff run month. 

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………16-7-1.……….33
2. Minnesota……………...13-6-2……..…31
3. North Dakota.………….12-6-6………..30
3. Nebraska-Omaha…......14-8-2…....…..30
5. Minnesota State……….14-9-1.…...….29
6. Denver…………..……..11-8-5..….......27
6. Wisconsin…....………..10-7-7………...27
8. Colorado College ……..9-11-4..…..….22
9. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-13-5……….21
10. Michigan Tech………..6-14-4…..……16
11. Bemidji State……..…..5-13-6......……16
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....2-18-6.....……10

The # numbers below are now the PAIRWISE rankings.
(I was using the USCHO poll previously)

WCHA Games

#7 Minnesota State @ #30 Colorado College

Last weekend the Mavericks were resting up for the playoffs coming up and the Tigers split with the SCSU Huskies (4-3W, 5-2L) in Colorado Springs.

The Mavericks could almost lock up home ice with a pair of wins this weekend against the Tigers.  But, the Tigers still have a chance, however slim, of getting into the top half and host the first round.  Realistically the Tigers are going to end up in eighth place.  The Tigers will need to pounce on the Mavericks early and capitalize on MSUM’s rust, from a week off, if there is any rust.  The big number that sticks out to me in these teams stats is goals for and against.  CC has scored 78 goals in WCHA action this year and MSUM has scored 77, but their againsts are much different, MSUM has allowed 57 and CC has allowed 85.  I’m going to give each team the nod in offense department, but defense goes to the Mavericks.  MAVERICKS 3-pts

Michigan Tech @ #10 St. Could St. 

Last weekend the MTU Huskies were resting up for the playoffs coming up and the SCSU Huskies split with the Tigers (4-3L, 5-2W) in Colorado Springs.

It’s the battle of the Huskies this weekend in Saint Cloud.  SCSU can put a strangle hold on the McNaughton Cup with a sweep of their doppelgänger’s from Houghton.  MTU is relegated to the bottom half and now are in a familiar role, spoiler.  If a little rust doesn’t affect SCSU or the pressure of winning the WCHA title doesn’t weigh them down, they should get a couple of wins this weekend.  But don’t count MTU out just yet, they are 3-4-0 in their last seven games.  So, the Houghton Huskies are starting to play better as of late.  In the end, I see the SCSU getting the points this weekend.  SCSU SWEEP

#12 Denver @ #2 Minnesota

Last weekend the Pioneers split with NoDak (5-4W, 6-1L) in Denver and the Gophers took 3-pts from the UMD Bulldogs (5-3, 2-2ot) in Minneapolis.

Both teams are fighting for position late in the season, DU for securing home ice in the first round, UM hopes for the top spot.  These teams haven’t played each other since February 10-11, 2012 in Denver, with Pioneers getting the sweep (5-3, 4-3ot).  The Gophers are 3-2-1 in their last six games and the Pioneers are also 3-2-1.  The numbers point to the Gophers winning the series, but DU seems to have had the Gophers number that last few years.  Couple that with DU fighting for the home ice and I don’t see DU getting swept.  SPLIT

Bemidji St. @ #6 North Dakota
Last weekend the Beavers were resting up for the playoffs coming up and NoDak with the Pioneers in Denver.

The last time the Beavers visited Grand Forks was March 8-9, 2012 for the first round of the WCHA playoffs, in which they were swept 4-1, 4-3.  BSU has only one win in 2013 and it might be their only one until next fall, the Beavers host the Gophers next weekend.  I think NoDak will be looking at this series as a must have sweep, and to lock up home ice for the first round.  The Beavers are tied for last place with UAA for the fewest goals scored in WCHA play, at 50.  Needless to say, if BSU wants any chance at getting a point or two this weekend they will need to limit UND to two or less goals per game.  NoDak appears to have heated up during the month of February and will look to keep heating up in March at the expensive of BSU.  NODAK SWEEP

#28 Wisconsin @ #21 Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Badgers split with the PSU Lions (5-0W, 3-2otL) in Madison and the Mavericks beat the US U-18 team in Omaha.

These teams are in a very similar boat, both need points to try and secure home ice in the first round of the playoffs.  And they both need wins to try and move up the rankings and have a shot at the NCAA tournament.  Of course, either could win the WCHA playoffs and receive an auto-bid.  These games will come down to how well the Badgers play their defensive game against the high scoring Mavericks.  If UW can control the tempo and avoid falling behind, they could get a win or two.  However, if UNO scores first and dictates the pace, UW could return home pointless.  SPLIT

NON-Conference Games

#17 Alaska (14-14-4) vs Alaska-Anchorage (4-19-7)

Last weekend the Seawolves were resting up and the Nanooks split with the Michigan State Spartans (1-0L, 4-2W) in Fairbanks.

Last season the teams split the Governor’s Cup series, with each home team winning.  The Seawolves have been playing better hockey of late, but I don’t know if that will translate into a win or two this weekend.  Being the big rivalry in the last frontier state, you can throw the records and any other numbers out the window.  SPLIT

Alabama-Huntsville (3-19-1) @ Minnesota-Duluth (10-17-5)

Last weekend the Bulldogs got a point from the Gophers (5-3L, 2-2ot) in Minneapolis and the Chargers where off last weekend. 
(These are UAH's last games of the year.)

The Bulldogs slide continued last weekend, bringing their winless stretch to nine games, their last win came on Jan-18 versus CC.  The Chargers are a woeful 1-15-0 in away games this year, which is most of their schedule, they are 2-2-1 at home, and are 0-2-0 at neutral locales.  The Bulldogs need some wins this weekend to up their confidence and boost moral heading into the home stretch of the season.  BULLDOGS SWEEP

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: Week 20 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Tiebreaker Scenarios - February 25 (thehockeywriters.com)

UND’s Kristo Red Baron WCHA Co-Offensive Players of the Week

MADISON, Wis. – University of North Dakota forward Danny Kristo and Colorado College forward Rylan Schwartz, a pair of assistant team captains who both produced impressive numbers in league competition last weekend, have been named Red Baron® WCHA Men’s co-Offensive Players of the Week for February 27.

Kristo, a 5-11, 185-pound senior right winger from Eden Prairie, Minn., had a goal and an assist for two points in each of North Dakota’s two games at Denver on February 22-23, led his team with nine shots on goal and earned a +2 plus/minus rating. In a one-goal 5-4 loss to DU last Friday, Kristo factored in on goals that twice brought his team to within one with an assist in the second period and a shorthanded goal in the third. Then last Saturday he was named the No. 1 Star of the Game after scoring another goal and assist to help propel UND to a 6-1 victory over the host Pioneers, extending his point streak to seven games.

With 43 points (20g, 23a) on the season, Kristo has also surpassed the 150 career point plateau with his 152 leading all active NCAA Div. 1 men’s players. He is a NHL draftee of Montreal.

Schwartz, a 5-10, 196-pound senior from Wilcox, Sask., led the Tigers with a five-point series against league-leading St. Cloud State last weekend. He had a goal and two assists last Friday, including one on the game-winner, and was the No. 2 Star of the Game as Colorado College defeated the Huskies 4-3. He then scored two more goals last Saturday and was the No. 3 Star of the Game in the Tigers’ 5-2 setback. In addition to his five points, Schwartz also had four shots on goal in the series and was a +4 on the plus/minus.

Over his 146-game collegiate career, Schwartz has averaged a point per game with 53 goals, 93 assists and 146 points. He is fifth in scoring overall among WCHA players this season with 40 points (14g, 26a).

Also nominated: Sam Warning, F, UM; Jonny Brodzinski, F, SCSU; Tyler Barnes, F, UW.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We have now arrived at the last games of February, which means that the regular season is nearing the end.  It also signals the start of March and the march into the playoff stretch.  The only spot we know for certain is 12^th place, the Seawolves are officially locked into the basement and will play at the league winners rink in three weeks.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………15-6-1…….….31
2. Nebraska-Omaha….....14-8-2…....…..30
3. Minnesota State……….14-9-1.…...….29
4. Minnesota……………...12-6-4……..…28
5. North Dakota.………….11-5-6………..28
6. Wisconsin…....………..10-7-7………...27
7. Denver…………..……..10-7-5..….......25
8. Colorado College ……..8-10-4..…..….20
9. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-12-4……….20
10. Michigan Tech………..6-14-4…..……16
11. Bemidji State……..…..5-13-6......……16
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....2-18-6.....……10

WCHA Games

#7 St. Could St.  @ Colorado College

Last weekend the Huskies and the Tigers were taking breaks from hockey.

The Huskies still control their destiny for the McNaughton Cup, keep winning and win the cup.  The Tigers odds of getting home ice are not good, needing to make up five points in six games, and then they need help, lots of help.  CC hosts MSUM next week before ending the season at MTU.  The Huskies on the other hand have MTU next week and go to UW to end the season.  The Huskies have only one loss in their last eight games, and that was to the UM.  The Tigers are undefeated in their last five games going 2-0-3 over that span.  When a team is desperate like CC, the Huskies better be ready for the kitchen sink to be thrown at them this weekend.  SPLIT

#6 North Dakota @ #10 Denver

Last weekend NoDak was on a bye and Pioneers were also on a bye.

These teams met earlier this year in Grand Forks with UND taking three points in a Friday night 2-2 tie and a win on Saturday 6-3.  NoDak is on a three game winning streak and a five game unbeaten streak, DU is 2-2-1 in their last five contests.  The games in December were not as heated as some of the past season.  And this weekend with valuable WCHA points at stake, I don’t think anyone wants to take any unnecessary penalties.  The Pioneers have played well in Denver this season owning a 10-4-3 record at Magness Arena, NoDak is a respectable 7-5-1 away from The Ralph this year.  I think this series comes down to goal tending and who makes a few timely saves or even steals a game.  SPLIT

Minnesota-Duluth @ #2 Minnesota

Last weekend the Bulldogs got a point from the Beavers (4-2, 1-1ot) in Bemidji and the Gophers split with the Badgers (3-2W, 2-3L) in Madison/Chicago.

The Bulldogs are all but guaranteed a road trip in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.  They would need to run their remaining schedule and get a ton of help.  UMD has not won a game since defeating CC on Jan-18, that’s more than a month.  If a Bulldog had a tail it would firmly tucked between in legs now.  However, UMD can look ahead to next weekend when they host the Chargers from Huntsville, who only have three wins on the season.  The Gophers will be just too much for the Bulldogs to handle, too much speed, and too much talent.  Plus the Gophers are looking to grab the last McNaughton Cup, and need to gain ground on the teams ahead of them.  GOPHERS SWEEP

NON-Conference

Penn State @ #18 Wisconsin (Sun/Mon)

Last weekend the Badgers split with the Gophers (2-3L, 3-2W) in Madison/Chicago and the Nittany Lions swept Oklahoma (4-1, 3-0) in exhibition play.

PSU has a couple of quality wins this year, over Michigan St., Ohio St., and Air Force.  This is the last series for the Lions this year and are current owners of a 12-13-0 record.  The Badgers are playing well and be the best team PSU has seen this season.  I don’t think PSU will get many scoring opportunities against the stingy Badgers defense.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple of shut outs in Madison this weekend.  BADGERS SWEEP

Exhibition

US U-18 @ #14 Nebraska-Omaha (Fri)

Last weekend the Mavericks swept the Seawolves (3-0, 6-5ot) in Anchorage.

This is Omaha’s last “break” before the end of the season and playoff run starts.  Since this game doesn’t exist in the record books, I look to see Omaha play a few goalies in this game and see who might be the go to guy.  UNO WINS

BYE WEEK

Alaska-Anchorage  
Bemidji St.
Michigan Tech
#9 Minnesota State

Related articles

• Information about the WCHA Final Five Tournament (vividseats.com)

WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 18

Each week, I participate in a WCHA Web Media Poll that is put on by the Tech Hockey Guide with 11 other people that represent both the print media as well as the hockey blogosphere.

The Minnesota Gophers are still the #1 team in this week’s WCHA Web Media Poll, garnering seven of 12 votes. Second in this week’s poll, are the Saint Cloud State Huskies, as they picked up five of 12 first place votes.  Coming in third is the University of North Dakota.

Again, there wasn’t a lot of movement again during this week’s poll. Spots one through five remain the same, as well as spots 10-12. The only real movement is spots six, seven, eight and nine, they all traded places.  Meaning, Minnesota State trades places with Wisconsin and Colorado College trades places with Minnesota Duluth.

Here’s a look at the results the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll for Week 18:

		Pts	Previous	Record	High	Low
1.	Minnesota (7)	138	1	19-5-4	1	3
2.	St. Cloud State (5)	136	2	18-11-1	1	3
3.	North Dakota	122	3	16-8-6	2	3
4.	Denver	96	4	15-9-5	4	6
5.	Nebraska Omaha	95	5	16-12-2	4	7
6.	Minnesota State	88	7	18-9-3	4	7
7.	Wisconsin	78	6	12-9-7	4	8
8.	Colorado College	62	9	11-14-5	7	9
9.	Minnesota Duluth	46	8	10-15-3	9	10
10.	Michigan Tech	39	10	9-14-4	8	10
11.	Bemidji State	24	11	5-17-6	11	11
12.	Alaska Anchorage	12	12	4-17-7	12	12

Representing Name Publication Twitter

Alaska-Anchorage, Taylor Hall College Hockey News @thall907
Bemidji State, Troy Mills The Beaver Pond
Colorado College, Joe Paisley, Paisley Hockey @Paisleyhockey
Denver, Mike Chambers, Denver Post @MChambersDP
Michigan Tech, Tim Braun, Tech Hockey Guide @TBraunTHG
Minnesota, Dan Myers, Minnesota Hockey Magazine @1DanMyers
Minnesota Duluth, Bruce Ciskie, The Ciskie Blog @BruceCiskie
Minnesota State, Chris Dilks, Western College Hockey @ChrisDilks
Nebraska-Omaha, Matt Semisch, Radio Free Omaha @matthewsemisch
North Dakota, Eric Burton The Hockey Writers Combine and Goon’s World @goon48
St. Cloud State, Jeremy Larson, Husky Hockey Time @jclarson02
Wisconsin, Andy Johnson, Bucky’s 5th Quarter @andyjohnsonB5Q

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine... 

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• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 17 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 16 (thehockeywriters.com)
• WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 15 (thehockeywriters.com)