Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

I would like to wish a Happy Valentine’s Day to every one of the Goon’s World Fans reading this weekend’s article.  With another full weekend of NCHC games will any team be showing any love for their opponent?  I don’t think so! 

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

St. Cloud St……………….9-4-3-0…………...30
Minnesota-Duluth…………8-6-2-2……….….28
North Dakota………………9-7-0-0……….….27
Nebraska-Omaha…………8-6-2-1…………..27
Western Michigan………..8-7-1-1…………...26
Denver…………………..…7-6-3-2……………26
Miami………………………4-11-1-1….…….…14
Colorado College……….. 3-9-4-1…….….…..14

NCHC Games

Western Michigan @ Colorado College

Last weekend the Broncos swept the RedHawks (5-2, 3-2) in Oxford and the Tigers tied and lost to the Bulldogs (2-2SOL, 2-1L) in Duluth.

The Broncos have been hot in 2014 and the Tigers are not, need I say more?  Okay, I’ll add a little more, WMU schedule this year, 2014, has them already beating the RedHawks four times, so that helps.  The Broncos need another sweep this weekend, since their schedule gets tougher, UNO, DU, and UND to end the season.  Speaking of ending the season, I bet the Tigers wish this season was already behind them.  BRONCOS SWEEP

#13 Minnesota-Duluth @ #8 SCSU
Last weekend the Bulldogs swept the Tigers (2-2SOW, 2-1W) in Duluth and the Huskies split with the Pioneers (2-2SOL, 4-2W) in St. Cloud.

This is the series of the weekend, in my opinion, since it the battle for the top spot in the league.  If SCSU can sweep at the NHC, they will have good gap over the Bulldogs with three weeks to go.  And the Huskies have a schedule advantage down the stretch.  They play Miami, UND, and CC to end the season, and two of those teams are less than good.  The Bulldogs need to pull some points out of the Huskies if they want a shot at the first NCHC title.  Back in early December the Huskies swept the Bulldogs in Duluth; don’t see why they can’t do it again.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#23 Denver @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Pioneers split with the Huskies (2-2SOW, 4-2L) in St. Cloud and the Mavericks split with NoDak (4-2L, 6-3W) in Grand Forks. 

The Mavericks have split their last two series and appear to be heading in the right direction, late in the season.  The Pioneers have split their last few series too, and depending on how you want to figure they have been splitting everything the last two months.  Being only separated by a point in the standings and both teams are doing fine as of late, I don’t see a sweep in this series.  SPLIT

Miami @ #18 North Dakota

Last weekend the RedHawks were swept by the Broncos (5-2, 3-2) in Oxford and NoDak split with the Mavericks (4-2W, 6-3L) in Grand Forks. 

NoDak has split its last two series with teams that are right next to them in the standings.  And now the struggling RedHawks come to Grand Forks this weekend.  NoDak needs points this weekend to keep its place in the standings.  Their schedule gets tough after this weekend, they go on the road to UMD and SCSU, and host WMU to end the season.  NODAK SWEEP

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (By Donn) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Hockey: Taking a Look at the UNO Mavericks with Matthew Semisch (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)

Nebraska-Omaha head coach Dean Blais tossed from game

During UNO's 6-3 win against UND, Nebraska-Omaha head coach Dean Blais was tossed from the game by NCHC official Andy Thiessen for not putting a player in the penalty box after his team took an unsportsmanlike penalty.  No one really knows what was said, for the Mavericks to get an unsportsmanlike bench penalty.

“We dealt with some adversity at the start of the game,” UNO Maverick forward Josh Archibald said. “With (Dean) Blais getting kicked out of the game, our team battled back and good things happen when you battle back. We’re lucky to come out on top tonight.”

“I don’t really know how we got the two-minute unsportsmanlike penalty for the bench minor to start things off. I just don’t think that coach agreed with it and a lot of the guys on the bench didn’t agree with it. He just kept saying no to the ref and I guess he got thrown for that.”

It appears that coach Blais being tossed from the game, actually fired up his hockey team. Archibald would go on to score a natural hat trick and add an assist for a four-point night.

Archibald was asked if his coach getting tossed from the game fired up the Mavericks.

“If he (coach Blais) is going to do stuff for like that for us, we’re going to battle for him any day.” 

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Taking a Look at the UNO Mavericks with Matthew Semisch (thehockeywriters.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

Nebraska-Omaha…………2-0-0…………..6
St. Cloud St……………….2-0-0…………...6
Western Michigan………..2-0-0…………...6 
Colorado College………...1-3-0…….….….3
Miami……………………….1-1-0……….….3
Minnesota-Duluth…………1-1-0……….….3
North Dakota………………1-3-0……….….3
Denver…………………..…0-2-0…………..0

NCHC Games

Denver vs Colorado College

Last weekend the Pioneers were swept by the UNO Mavericks by identical 3-2ot scores in Denver.  The Tigers were swept by the Broncos, 3-2ot and 5-1 in Kalamazoo.

Neither team can really afford to get swept again this weekend, especially in league play.  I’m guessing these longtime rivals will have no problem getting jacked-up for this home and home series.  Now it just comes down to which team wants that Gold Pan more. I’m going with a split, with each team winning at home.  SPLIT

#7 Miami @ #3 St. Could St.

Last weekend the RedHawks swept the Golden Griffins of Canisius, 3-0 and 5-2, in Oxford.  The Huskies swept NoDak last weekend, 3-2, 3-1, in Grand Forks.

Back on March 31^st the Huskies ended the RedHawks season in the NCAA Midwest Regional and advanced to the Frozen Four.  I’m sure the RedHawks remember that and will use that as motivation this weekend.  The Huskies didn’t look like world beaters last weekend, but they did the job done.  This will be “upset” special, MIAMI 3-pts.

#11 North Dakota @ Nebraska-Omaha (Sat/Sun)

Last weekend NoDak was swept by the Huskies, 3-2 and 3-1, in Grand Forks.  The Mavericks swept the Pioneers in Denver with a pair of 3-2ot wins.

NoDak looked fairly average last weekend, solid defensive play, put not much offensive pressure.  The scoring needs to pick up for NoDak if they want some points, one or two goals a night won’t get you much.  The Mavericks with the scoring three goals in each of their games last weekend, gave them the wins, that and Josh Archibald scoring both overtime winners.  But UNO scored half of their goals on the power play, and NoDak is stingy on the penalty kill, only giving up 1 on 29 opportunities this season. SPLIT

Non-Conference Games

Northern Michigan @ Western Michigan (Sat/Sun)

Last weekend the Wildcats split with Nanooks 5-4L and 2-1W, in Fairbanks, Alaska.  The Broncos swept the Tigers, 3-2ot and 5-1, in Kalamazoo.

The Wildcats are 1-4-0 away from Marquette this young season and the Broncos are 2-1-0 at home.  No reason not to pick the home team in both games.  BRONCOS SWEEP

BYE WEEK

#20 Minnesota-Duluth

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)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We have a full slate of WCHA games this week with all 12 teams in action against each other.  Most teams are down to their last 8 league games coming into this weekend.  The numbers are starting to show who is likely to be on the top half or bottom half of the bracket. A month from now the regular season will wrap up the WCHA as we have known it for about half a century.  The numbers are looking good for the top 4 teams to host first round games, and they will most likely be hosting the current bottom 4 teams.  That leaves the middle 4 teams to sort things out and fight it out for the last two home series.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………14-5-1…….….29
2. Nebraska-Omaha….....12-6-2…....…..26
3. Denver…………..……..10-6-4……......24
3. Minnesota……………...10-4-4……..…24
3. North Dakota.………..…9-5-6…….…..24
6. Wisconsin…....…………8-6-6………...22
7. Minnesota State……….10-9-1.…...….21
8. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-9-3…………19
9. Colorado College ……..7-10-3..…..….17
10. Michigan Tech………..5-11-4…..……14
11. Bemidji State……..…..4-12-4......……12
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...1-15-6…...……8

WCHA Games

Colorado College vs #9 Denver

Last weekend the Tigers tied the Seawolves twice (2-2ot, 3-3ot) in Anchorage and the Pioneers swept the Bulldogs (3-0, 4-3) in Duluth.

The Gold Pan is looking to move up to Denver this season.  Back in mid-November the Pioneers swept the Tigers with a 6-5 win on the road and a 6-2 in Magness Arena.  All DU needs is a tie or win this weekend to capture the Gold Pan.  The Pioneers have been streaky as of late, but appear to be heading in the upward direction.  The Tigers have been chasing their tail since the calendar flipped to December, since then they have just 2 wins.  But like we all know you can throw the records and recent game outcomes out the window for rivalry games. SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ Michigan Tech

Last weekend the Seawolves tied the Tigers twice (2-2ot, 3-3ot) in Anchorage and the Huskies split with the UNO Mavericks (4-3L, 2-1Wot) in Omaha.

The Seawolves have not won a game since Dec-1, and that was against SCSU.  However, the bright side for UAA is they are now on a two game unbeaten streak.  The down side is they only have six league games left, and after MTU, they play at UNO and end the year at DU (they play in-state rival Alaska in between those series).  The Huskies are 2-1-1 in their last four WCHA games.  MTU can relegate the Seawolves to a 12^th place finish this year, if they can sweep them this year.  If the Huskies can sweep they can try and avoid the top teams in the first round of the league playoffs.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#1 Minnesota @ #8 St. Could St. 
Last weekend the Gophers were off and the Huskies swept the Beavers (4-0, 4-1) in Bemidji.

This is the most important series this weekend, in terms of seeing who will be the controlling their McNaughton Cup title destiny.  Even though SCSU lead UM by five points UM has two games in pocket.  If the Huskies sweep they control their own fate for winning the league.  If UM gets a sweep, they can win the league title, but might need a little help?  SCSU has series at CC, home with MTU, and at UW after this weekend, so they have a favorable schedule to end the season.  With the teams being red hot in 2013, I don’t see anyone losing twice this weekend.  SPLIT

#11 Minnesota State @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Mavericks were on a bye and the Bulldogs were swept by the Pioneers (3-0, 4-3) in Duluth.

The Mavericks after a bye weekend find themselves in the bottom half of the standings only two points ahead of the Bulldogs.  The Mavericks have been scoring more goals this year and have been rewarded with more wins.  They need to continue to score three or more a game to give them the opportunity to win.  MSUM can put UMD in the rear view mirror, if they get four points out of Amsoil arena, and improve their chances of getting home ice in the first round.  The Bulldogs still to have hopes of a first round series at home, but need some help to get there.  MAVERICKS 3-pts

#7 North Dakota @ #14 Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend NoDak took three points from the Badgers (1-1ot, 4-1) in Grand Forks and the Mavericks split the MTU Huskies (4-3W, 2-1Lot) in Omaha.

NoDak plays six of their last eight games on the road.  It starts this weekend with a special game on Saturday, they are playing outside.  With these two teams separated by two points it should be a battle for every inch of ice, well at least of it doesn’t melt outside.  I just hope the weather doesn’t play too much of a factor.  Coach Blais will get welcome his former team to Omaha once again this weekend, NoDak is hoping his team will be a gracious host and give them points this weekend.  SPLIT

Bemidji St. @ #19 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Beavers were swept by the SCSU Huskies (4-0, 4-1) in Bemidji and the Badgers got a point from NoDak (1-1ot, 4-1) in Grand Forks.

The Badgers are currently holding the last home ice playoff spot, but only by a point.  The Beavers are 10 points behind the Badgers for the spot and with only eight games left, which is a pretty tall task.  However, the industrious Beavers can damn up the Badgers chances of getting home ice with taking points out of Madison this weekend.  The Badgers have been, well, awful at the Kohl Center this season, granted they are 5-5-2 their but, those 2 wins are Huntsville and 2 are the Seawolves.  I’m expecting a couple of very low scoring games in Madison this weekend.  I’d be surprised if there was more than four total goals were scored per game.  With that in mind, a bounce here or there could easily determine the winner of these games.  SPLIT  

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

First I would like to thank the UW Badgers for splitting with Miami, the Goon now owes me a beer!  Second I would like to thank the Minnesota announcer, McCloud, for on Friday night, the used the “S” word, and admitted it would take time to get over using the word Sioux, dang, I said it too.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Minnesota………………9-3-4…………22
1. St. Cloud St………….…11-5-0……….22
3. North Dakota.………..…8-4-4…….…..20
3. Denver…………..……...8-6-4…….......20
3. Nebraska-Omaha…......9-5-2…..…..…20
6. Minnesota State……….9-8-1.…...……19
6. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-7-3…………19
6. Wisconsin…....…………6-5-5………....17
9. Colorado College ……..7-10-1..….……15
10. Bemidji State……..…..4-8-4......……..12
11. Michigan Tech………..4-10-4…..….…12
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....1-13-4…...…….5

WCHA Games

#13 Nebraska-Omaha @ Bemidji St.

Last weekend the Mavericks had a bye and the Beavers got a point from the MTU Huskies (4-0, 2-2ot) in Houghton.

Ever since these teams joined the WCHA the Beavers seem to have gotten UNO’s number.  But they say the past performance doesn’t predict the future, and that does hold the truth, but not the whole truth.  The Mavericks might be a little rusty after a free weekend.  UNO should be hungry for points this weekend; their last action saw them get a point from the Pioneers in Denver.  Way back in October these teams met in Omaha with the first night ending in a 3-3 tie and rematch went to BSU 3-2.  The Beavers are on a tough streak, going winless in their last six games.  This will most likely be the last series these teams play in while, unless they meet in the WCHA playoffs.  If the Beavers can muster some goals they can be the Mavericks, if their offense falls flat, uh-oh.  SPLIT

#14 Minnesota State @ #1 Minnesota

Last weekend the Mavericks took three points from the Seawolves (3-3ot, 4-0) in Anchorage and the Gophers took three points from NoDak (5-1, 4-4) in Minneapolis.

This is a split series, Friday Minneapolis, Saturday Mankato, between these two in-state rivals.  These teams met back in early November, with the home teams winning in those games, Gophers 3-2 at home, and the Mavericks 5-3 in Mankato.  Both teams have been scoring goals this year, so I’m predicting a couple of high scoring affairs.  The Gophers just can’t afford to have a NoDak let down after last weekend.  SPLIT

#16 St. Could St.  @ #5 North Dakota

Last weekend the Huskies swept the Pioneers (5-2, 5-1) in St. Cloud and NoDak took a point from the Gophers (5-1, 4-4ot) in Minneapolis.

This is the second series this year between these two “McLeod WCHA Rivals” the first go around was in November in St. Cloud, with UND winning the opener 3-0, and Huskies returning the favor in the closer with a 5-2 win.  With as close as the top half of standings are points are getting more and more important, and both clubs have their eyes on the top spot.  NoDak is looking to back on track this weekend for their prototypical second half run up the standings.  The Huskies are trying to be the top dog in league after losing that title shortly into 2013.  SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ #20 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Seawolves got a point from the MSUM Mavericks (3-3ot, 4-0) in Anchorage and the Badgers split with the Miami RedHawks (1-0W, 2-1L) in Madison.

This is the second time this month that these two teams square off against each other.  Three weeks ago the Badgers swept the Seawolves in Anchorage by scores of 5-3 and 1-0.  The Badgers are on a red hot (or cardinal hot, if you prefer) stretch, only losing once in the past 13 games, going 8-4-1.  Let’s face the facts; UAA is just the opposite, ice cold, going winless in their last 10 with only one tie in there, 0-9-1.  I’m taking the obvious choice here.  BADGERS SWEEP

Exhibition

US U-18 team @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Bulldogs split with the CC Tigers (3-2W, 5-1L) in Colorado Springs.

Since this in an “unofficial” game I will “unofficial” pick a winner, no wait, I won’t pick a winner, or they are both winners…  TIE

BYE WEEK

Colorado College
#10 Denver
Michigan Tech

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Edit: Week 14 Power Rankings

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is the week 14 WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I have been doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

In my humble opinion, there are three tiers that are starting to emerge in the WCHA. You have the first tier; this is the top six teams that all have at least 12 wins in their over-all record. You also have a middle tier of three teams (Minnesota State, Minnesota Duluth and Colorado College) . Then you have a bottom tier of three teams (Bemidji State, Michigan State and Alaska Anchorage).

Also, Bemidji State, Minnesota, North Dakota and Saint Cloud have only played 14 games while the rest of the league has played 16 league games.

1. Minnesota Gophers – (16-3-3, WCHA 8-3-3) – This past week, the Minnesota Gophers beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4-1 at Mariucci Arena. Then, this past weekend, the Gophers sweep (4-3 W – 7-1 W) the UAA Seawolves.  The Gophers entertain UND in a pivotal two game WCHA series.

2. University of North Dakota – (13-5-3, WCHA 8-3-3) – This past weekend, UND split (3-4 L – 5-3 W) their series with the Colorado College Tigers at the Ralph Englestad Arena. This weekend the Green and White travel to Mariucci Arena to play the Gophers in an important two game conference series.

3. Denver University – (13-6-4, WCHA 8-4-4) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers took three points (7-4 W – 3-3 T) against the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Pioneers travel to Saint Cloud to play the Huskies at the National Hockey Center.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, WCHA 9-5-2) – This past weekend, the Mavericks took one point (4-7 L – 3-3 T) against the Denver Pioneers at Magness Arena. This weekend, the Mavericks are off.

5. Saint Cloud State – (12-10-0, WCHA 9-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies were off. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Denver Pioneers at the national hockey center.

6.  Wisconsin – (8-7-5, WCHA 6-5-5) – This past weekend, the Wisconsin Badgers swept (5-3 W – 1-0 W) Minnesota State Mavericks at the Verizon Wireless Center Mankato Minnesota

7. Minnesota State Mankato – (14-8-2, WCHA 8-8-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks were swept (3-4 O.T. L – 1-2 O.T. L) by the Wisconsin Badgers at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minnesota. This weekend, the Maverick travels to Alaska Anchorage to play the Seawolves.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (9-10-3, WCHA 7-6-3) – This past weekend, the Bulldogs swept (1-0 W – 5-4 W) the Michigan Tech Huskies at Amsoil Arena.  This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Colorado College to play the Tigers at World Arena.

 9. Colorado College – (9-12-2, WCHA 6-9-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers split (4-3 W – 3-5 L) their series with UND. This weekend, the Tigers entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at the World Arena.

 10. Michigan Tech – (6-12-3, WCHA 3-10-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies were swept (0-1 L – 4-5 L) by the Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Bemidji State Beavers at John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

11. Bemidji State – (5-11-4, WCHA 4-7-3) – This past weekend, the Beavers were off. This weekend, the Beavers travel to Houghton, Michigan to play the Huskies at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, WCHA 1-12-3) – This past weekend, Seawolves were swept (3-5 L – 0-1 L) by the Minnesota Gophers at Marriucci Arena. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain Minnesota State at the Sullivan Arena. The Huskies are mired in horrible streak and have won one game in the last 16 games (1-12-3).

Taylor Seibel's WCHA Power Rankings

1. Minnesota – (16-3-3, 8-3-3 WCHA) – The Gophers outclassed Notre Dame on Tuesday before sweeping Alaska Anchorage this weekend.  Minnesota is playing their best, most consistent hockey of the season (with a slight exception for Friday’s game against UAA).  Next weekend, the Gophers host North Dakota in a crucial WCHA series for both sides.

2. North Dakota – (13-6-3, 8-3-3 WCHA) – North Dakota struggled to a split this weekend against Colorado College.  A lackluster performance on Friday led Coach Hakstol to make significant changes in his lineup for Saturday.  It worked, as North Dakota squeaked by the Tigers 5-3.  Next weekend, UND travels to Mariucci to take on rival Minnesota.

3. Denver – (13-6-4, 8-4-4 WCHA) – The Pioneers played inconsistent hockey this weekend against Nebraska Omaha, but managed to walk away from the series with 3 points.  Denver now is tied with UNO with 20 points to lead the WCHA.  Next weekend, the Pioneers take on the Huskies of SCSU in St. Cloud.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (13-9-2, 9-5-2 WCHA) – The Mavericks played well enough to sweep Denver this weekend, but were only able to manage a draw on Saturday.  However, UNO still is tied with Denver for the WCHA lead with 20 points.  Next weekend, UNO is off.

5. Wisconsin – (8-7-5, 6-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers just might be the hottest team in the WCHA right now.  Since the addition of Nic Kerdiles to the lineup, Wisconsin is 7-0-3.  This weekend, the Badgers traveled to Mankato and swept the Mavericks with 2 overtime victories…the program’s first OT victories in conference in over 6 years.  Next weekend, Wisconsin hosts Miami in a key non-conference series for the Badgers.

6. St. Cloud State – (12-10-0, 9-5-0 WCHA) – The Huskies were off this weekend, and hopefully they were able to recover and get healthy for the stretch run in WCHA play.  Currently a “bubble” team for the NCAA Tournament, the Huskies host Conference leader Denver in a key WCHA series next weekend.

7. Minnesota State – (14-8-2, 8-8-0 WCHA) – Luck was simply not on their side this weekend, as the Mavericks were swept in heartbreaking fashion by the visiting Wisconsin Badgers.  Mankato dropped both games in OT, but still look like a solid contender for home ice advantage.  Next weekend, the Mavs make the trek up north to take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in WCHA play.

8. Colorado College – (9-13-2, 6-9-1 WCHA) – The Tigers finally ended their winless streak with a 4-3 victory over North Dakota in Grand Forks on Friday, and nearly pulled off another point or two on Saturday before succumbing to UND 5-3.  The Tigers are capable of making a push for home ice, but will need to keep playing hungry.  Next weekend, CC hosts Minnesota Duluth in conference action.

9. Minnesota Duluth – (9-10-3, 7-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs used a key sweep over Michigan Tech this weekend to soar into the top 6 in conference play, and are amazingly only 3 points out of first place.  If Duluth can continue getting solid defense and timely scoring, they should find themselves at home for the first round of the WCHA tournament.  Next weekend, Duluth travels to WCHA foe Colorado College.

10. Michigan Tech – (6-12-3, 3-10-3 WCHA) – The Huskies’ chances of home ice took a serious hit this weekend, as they were swept by the Duluth Bulldogs.  In order to make a push for home ice in the second half, it will likely require a sweep of their home games.  Next weekend provides the Huskies their chance to get that goal started on the right foot as Tech hosts Bemidji State in conference play.

11. Bemidji State – (5-10-4, 4-7-3 WCHA) – The Beavers from Bemidji were off this weekend, and now find themselves six points out of the top 6, but with 2 games in hand on each of the four teams in front of them.  Next weekend, Bemidji travels to Houghton to take on Tech in WCHA play.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-13-4, 1-12-3 WCHA) – A disappointing result after a great 55 minutes of play on Friday was the beginning of a not so fun weekend for the Seawolves, as UAA was swept by Minnesota at Mariucci.  Anchorage looks to right the ship next weekend, as they host Minnesota Duluth in WCHA action.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Here we are the start of a new year, 2013, and the start of the second half of the WCHA season.  I hope everyone enjoyed Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa and the New Year Holiday, I know I did J

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St………….…9-5-0………….18
2. North Dakota.………..…7-2-3…..……...17
2. Denver…………..………7-4-3………....17
4. Minnesota State……….8-6-0.…...…….16
5. Minnesota………………6-3-3………….15
5. Nebraska-Omaha………7-4-1……........15
7. Minnesota-Duluth….…..5-6-3…………..13
8. Colorado College ……..5-6-1..….……..11
8. Bemidji State……..…….4-7-3..…….......11
10. Wisconsin…....…………2-5-5………......9
10. Michigan Tech………….3-8-3……….….9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…......1-8-3…...….…..5

WCHA

Wisconsin @ Alaska-Anchorage

Last weekend both the Badgers and Seawolves were off for the holidays.

After this series these teams will be halfway through the league schedule and will be in the lower half still.  The funny thing is this is the first of two series these teams play against each other this month.  They meet again in Madison the 25^th and 26^th of January too.  The Badgers with a sweep could almost even their record, almost. The Seawolves need some wins and momentum if they want to climb their way up the ladder.  This series will likely be the last time the Badgers visit Anchorage in a long time, given the upcoming conference changes.  I’m going with the upset special to start the year.  SEAWOLVES SWEEP

Colorado College @ #16 Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend, the Tigers were off and the Mavericks were swept by the Quinnipiac Bobcats.

The Tigers appear to be on a vegetarian diet as of late, they haven’t feed the win column in the last 5 games.  CC has only one win in its last ten games.  The Mavericks have also fallen on hard times with only one win in their last five games.  The Tigers are a respectable 3-5-0 on the road and the Mavericks are 6-3-1 in Omaha this year.  I’m taking the easy prediction here.  SPLIT

Non Conference Games

#10 Western Michigan @ Bemidji St.

Last weekend, the Broncos tied Michigan St. (1-1) and lost to MTU (4-0) at the Great Lakes Invitational tournament.  The Beavers lost to UMass (4-3) and New Hampshire (3-2 ot) in the Ledyard Bank Classic.

The Broncos are 3-3-1 away from Kalamazoo this year and the Beavers are 3-3-2 at home in Bemidji this year.  The Beavers have been play well the last month and I don’t see them getting swept at home to start 2013.  SPLIT

#12 Cornell @ #11 Denver
The Pioneers defeated Boston U (6-0) over the holiday weekend, to end an eight game winless streak.  The Big Red beat Ferris State (5-3) and lost to Maine (6-4) in the Florida College Classic last weekend.

Cornell has played only three away games this season and are 1-2-0 in those contests.  The Pioneers are 7-4-1 at home in Magnus Arena this season.  It’s hard to say if DU is off their slide after their win.  And if the pollsters are accurate, this should be a very even series with eleven versus twelve.  SPLIT

Providence @ #14 Minnesota State

The Friars were off over the holidays and the Mavericks beat Brown (3-1) and Connecticut (3-1) in the UConn Hockey Classic.

The Mavericks are still red purple hot, only losing once in their last nine games, going 8-1-0 over that span.  The Friars are on a three game winless skid going 0-1-2, and are currently sitting in fourth place in Hockey East.  I have to go with the hot hand in this series.  MAVERICKS SWEEP

Northern Michigan @ #15 St. Could St.

The Wildcats were off over the holidays and the Huskies split a series with RPI (4-3L, 2-1W) in St. Cloud.

The Wildcats have one win (over MTU) in their last six games, and the Huskies have won three of their last four games.  SCSU will be looking to build some momentum this weekend before mushing into the WCHA schedule the rest of the year.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#20 Holy Cross @ #7 North Dakota

Last weekend, the Crusaders beat Yale 5-4 and NoDak enjoying the Christmas and New Years weekends off.

The last time the Crusaders were in Grand Forks was March 24-25, 2006, for the NCAA west regional.  I’m sure many of you remember those games. HC beat the Gophers 4-3 in overtime, in the opening game, which many called the greatest upset in NCAA history of hockey.  UND beat Michigan in their first round game, and then beat HC in the regional final 5-2.  This time around I don’t think Holy Cross will leave Grand Forks with a win.  NODAK SWEEP

#3 Notre Dame @ #1 Minnesota (Tuesday)

The Irish have been off since mid-December and the Gophers beat Air Force (4-0) and Boston College (8-1) in the Mariucci Classic last weekend.

The Irish are on a 6 game winning streak (their last loss was to UND on 11-23-12) and the Gophers are on a 5 game unbeaten streak.  I’m going to say rust is going to be on the Irish and the Gophers will jump to an early lead and hold on to win.

BYE WEEK

Minnesota-Duluth
Michigan Tech

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Welcome to the holiday break and holiday tournament time!  Just before Christmas there were a few WCHA series that ended in sweeps, SCSU swept the visiting CC Tigers, the Bulldogs swept the Seawolves in Anchorage, and UND swept MTU in Houghton, and the Beavers almost swept the Pioneers, win and tied.  The other WCHA series saw the Mavericks split with the Mavericks, both MSUM and UNO got wins against each other.  The Badgers also got a sweep, and their first home win(s) of the season, against the lowly UAH Chargers.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St………….…9-5-0………….18
2. North Dakota.………..…7-2-3…..……...17
2. Denver…………..………7-4-3………....17
4. Minnesota State……….8-6-0.…...…….16
5. Minnesota………………6-3-3………….15
5. Nebraska-Omaha………7-4-1……........15
7. Minnesota-Duluth….…..5-6-3…………..13
8. Colorado College ……..5-6-1..….……..11
8. Bemidji State……..…….4-7-3..…….......11
10. Wisconsin…....…………2-5-5………......9
10. Michigan Tech………….3-8-3……….….9
12. Alaska-Anchorage…......1-8-3…...….…..5

Non Conference Games

Rensselaer @ #16 St. Could St. (Thu/Fri)

The Huskies enter the holiday season atop the WCHA.  I’m guessing if you would have placed a bet in Vegas on that in October, you’d be a little or a lot richer. In my preseason predictions I have them finishing fifth, so they have been the surprise team of the first half. 

The RPI Engineers are 4-6-4 overall this season, and are 1-5-2 in the ECAC, SCSU is 11-7-0 overall, with an 8-2-0 record in the National Hockey Center.  I don’t think the Huskies will end 2012 with a loss, they will say good bye to 2012 with a pair of wins.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#6 Boston U @ #14 Denver (Sat Only)

The Pioneers enter this game, winless in their last eight outings, going 0-5-3 during their drought. DU’s last win was against their rivals CC on November 17^th.  The Pioneers are 9-6-3 overall and the Terriers are 10-5-0 overall.  I’ve see both teams play UND in Grand Forks this year.  And I’ll say it, BU looked better than DU in the game they play at The Ralph.  I have to go with the visitors here.  TERRIERS WIN

#12 Nebraska-Omaha @ #9 Quinnipiac (Sat/Sun)

The Bobcats enter this weekend on a 10 game unbeaten streak, or a four game winning streak, they are 9-0-1 over that long span.  QU is 5-2-1 at home in Hamden, Connecticut, and UNO is 4-2-0 away from Omaha this season.  The Bobcats are 12-3-2 overall, but remember they play in the ECAC, and the Mavericks are 11-6-1 overall.

Given both teams rankings it should be a good series, but in the end, I see the WCHA standing tall.  MAVERICKS SWEEP

Florida College Classic (Fri/Sat)

Minnesota-Duluth vs Maine

Up to this point in the season both UMD and UMaine fans have to be disappointed with their records, Maine is 2-11-2 overall and UMD is 7-8-3 overall.  The Bulldogs got a sweep last weekend at the expensive to the UAA Seawolves.  Since both are on the road, I’m going to go with the better record.  BULLDOGS WIN

Minnesota-Duluth vs #19 Ferris St. / #11 Cornell

Ferris St is 7-7-3 overall and Cornell is 6-3-2 overall, and I would like to a Bulldogs versus Bulldogs match-up, with the boys from Duluth winning.  Or if UMD plays the Big Red, the Bulldogs might have some scoring woes, so I’ll go with a TIE.

Mariucci Classic (Sat/Sun)

Air Force @ Minnesota

The Gophers enter their tournament with an 11-3-3 overall record, 6-1-1 at home, and the Falcons are 5-7-4 overall, 3-4-3 on the road, this season.  The Gophers better not be looking past Air Force and towards Sunday’s game with Boston College.  If UM isn’t too rusty from the two weekends off they should dispatch the Falcons.  GOPHERS WIN

#1 Boston College @ #4 Minnesota

This should be the match-up of the weekend; the Eagles enter the tournament with a 11-2-1 overall record, and are 4-2-1 on the road.  These teams met last April in the Frozen Four with the Eagles winning their semi-final game easily over the Gophers by a 6-1 score.  No doubt the Gophers remember that and will want some redemption this weekend at home against a partisan crowd.  Unfortunately I don’t think they will get the revenge they are seeking.  EAGLES WIN

In case you’re wondering the other team in the Mariucci tournament the UAH Chargers.

Great Lakes Invitational (Sat/Sun)

Michigan Tech vs Michigan

The Huskies started the season winning two of three games, and it looked promising, and then the runners came of the sled, ugh.  The upside is that UM is not doing so well this year either, the Wolverines are 6-9-2 overall, and the Huskies are 4-10-3 overall.  Being an in-state rival though, you can over look all the records.  I’m going with the mild upset.  HUSKIES WIN

#8 WMU/MSU vs Michigan Tech

WMU is 11-4-1 overall, and MSU is 5-10-2 overall, I’m going with WMU over MSU.  So we have the Broncos versus the Huskies and Michigan v Michigan State in the other game.  If my predictions are right, I’m saying the Broncos bust the Huskies in their game.  BRONCOS WIN

UConn Hockey Classic (Sat/Sun)

Brown vs #18 Minnesota State

The Mavericks had their seven game winning streak snapped the last game before the Christmas break.  MSUM has overall record of 10-6-2 this season and the Brown Bears have an overall record of 3-5-4, and are 0-3-4 in the ECAC.  The Bears have yet to score more than three goals in a single game, so the key for the Bears will be play solid defense and get some timely goaltending.  The Mavericks have found their scoring touch during their long winning streak and if they can tickle the twine they should win this came.  MAVERICKS WIN

AIC/Connecticut vs #18 Minnesota State

AIC is 4-8-3 overall and 1-6-3 in Atlantic Hockey this year, and Connecticut is 4-7-2 overall and 3-6-1 in Atlantic Hockey.  Since I don’t know much about either American International or Connecticut, I’m going off their records, UConn wins over AIC.  But looking at them versus MSUM, I have to go with the WCHA.  MAVERICKS WIN

Ledyard Bank Classic (Sun/Mon)

Bemidji St. vs Massachusetts

The Beavers have to have some confidence in their game after tying and beating Denver just before Christmas.  BSU is now on a three game unbeaten streak, and own a 5-8-3 overall record.  The Minutemen are on a three game losing streak and are 5-9-2 overall.  Given the almost identical records overall, it should be a close game, but the Beavers heating up; I’m giving them the nod.  BEAVERS WIN

#2 UNH / #10 Dartmouth vs Bemidji St.

Even with the Beavers playing well as of late, the depth of either UNH or DU, will prove just too much for them to overcome.  BSU drops this game.

BYE WEEK

Alaska-Anchorage
Colorado College
#7 North Dakota
Wisconsin

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)