Weekend Match-Ups, 1st Round NCHC games (by Donn)

Here we are the regular season has come to an end in the inaugural NCHC season.  The race for the Penrose Cup is over with SCSU claiming the first ever NCHC regular season title.  Now we are at the first round of playoffs, so let’s get it started in here.

FINAL NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

St. Cloud St……………….15-6-3-0…………...48
North Dakota……………..15-9-0-0…..…….….45
Nebraska-Omaha………..13-9-2-1…..………..42
Minnesota-Duluth………..11-11-2-2….….……37
Western Michigan………..11-11-2-2…….……37
Denver……………………..10-11-3-2……….…35
Colorado College……….. ..6-13-5-1…….….…24
Miami………………………..6-17-1-1….…….….20

NCHC 1st Round Playoff Series

#21 Western Michigan @ #18 Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Broncos split with NoDak (2-0L, 2-1W) in Grand Forks and the Bulldogs split with UNO (8-2W, 4-1L) in Duluth.

Season series – UMD wins 3-1-0 – split in Duluth swept in Kalamazoo

Well with the teams tying in the standing, with identical records too, it make sense to predict a three game series.  These teams are evenly matched on paper, and similar on the ice. I’m giving my nod to the home team.  BULLDOGS IN 3

#27 Denver @ #26 Nebraska-Omaha (Thurs/Fri/Sun)

Last weekend the Pioneers split with the RedHawks (5-2W, 2-1L) in Denver and the Mavericks split with the Bulldogs (8-2L, 4-1W) in Duluth.

Season series – UNO wins 3-1-0 – swept in Denver and split in Omaha

This is short week for both teams with the series starting on Thursday.  DU was one win away from hosting a first round game, but could pull it off on Saturday night.  Can the Pioneers put last weekend behind them and focus on the Mavericks?  The Pioneers are 6-6-5 on the road, doesn’t get much more even than that, the Mavericks are 9-9-0 at home and 7-7-2 on the road… someone is going to end up with a losing there five hundred record.  MAVERICKS IN 3

#40 Miami @ #5 SCSU

Last weekend the RedHawks split with the Pioneers (5-2L, 2-1W) in Denver and the Huskies split swept CC (7-4, 4-1) in Colorado Springs.

Season series – tied 2-2-0 – splits in both Oxford and St. Cloud  

The RedHawks started the season the number one team in land, now they are 40^th in the pairwise rankings, and the Huskies are 5^th in the PWR.  The Huskies have only 8 loses all season, 6 in the NCHC and 2 are to Miami.  I think the Huskies will be ready when MU comes calling this weekend, but it wouldn’t surprise me if MU forced a three game series.  HUSKIES IN 2

#51 Colorado College @ #10 North Dakota

Last weekend NoDak split with the Broncos (2-0W, 2-1L) in Grand Forks and the Tigers were swept by SCSU (7-4, 4-1) in Colorado Springs.

Season series – UND wins 2-0-0 – UND swept in Grand Forks

The Tigers have been abysmal on the road this season, going 1-13-2 away from Colorado Springs.  CC is currently on a four game skid, after winning the previous three, they have given up 19 goals in those last four loses.  Look for UND to bring the pressure and score early and often, to keep the Tigers in their cage, so to speak.  NODAK IN 2

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Here we are the last weekend in the inaugural NCHC season.  The race for the Penrose Cup will be decided this weekend.  We know for sure is both SCSU and UND will be at home for the first round of the playoffs, oh and they are the top contenders for the inaugural league title.  I’m not sure on how all the tie breakers work, but we might have to find out come Sunday!

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

North Dakota……………..14-8-0-0…..…….….42
St. Cloud St……………….13-6-3-0…………...42
Nebraska-Omaha………..12-8-2-1…..………..39
Minnesota-Duluth………..10-10-2-2….….……34
Western Michigan………..10-10-2-2…….……34
Denver………………………9-10-3-2……….…32
Colorado College……….. ..6-11-5-1…….….…24
Miami………………………..5-16-1-1….…….….17

NCHC Games

Nebraska-Omaha @ #17 Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Bulldogs swept Miami (5-4, 1-0) in Oxford and the Mavericks swept the Tigers (6-0, 2-1ot) in Omaha.

The Mavericks have almost secured home ice, and with at least a tie this weekend, they will secure a home spot.  The Bulldogs need to win, since they are tied with WMU for the last home ice spot and DU is only two points behind.  Both UMD and UNO beat up on the two bottom teams in the standings, so they both should have some confidence going into the weekend.  UNO is even stevens this year, 6-6-0 on the road and 9-9-0 at home, the Bulldogs are 4-7-3 at home and 10-6-0 on the road.  Perhaps UMD is better of throwing these games, so they are on the road the first round?  SPLIT

Miami @ Denver

Last weekend the RedHawks were swept by the Bulldogs (5-4, 1-0) in Duluth and the Pioneers split with the Broncos (4-2W, 3-1L) in Kalamazoo.

I’m guessing the season can’t end fast enough in Oxford, ugh.  MU has just two wins in 2014, and thus has lost seven of their last eight games.  The Pioneers still have a shot at home ice but they need some help; they need to pass up UMD and WMU.  The RedHawks are 4-9-2 on the road, and they did split with DU earlier this season.  The Pioneers are 9-6-1 in Denver this year.  They will need at least one win this weekend and lots of help or two wins and some help, to host games next weekend.  PIONEERS SWEEP

#3 SCSU @ Colorado College

Last weekend the Huskies split with NoDak (5-2L, 3-1W) in St. Cloud and the Tigers were swept by the Mavericks (6-0, 2-1ot) in Omaha.

This match-up could happen again next weekend too, but with SCSU hosting the games.  The teams meet way back about thanksgiving with the teams tying Friday (CC won shoot out) and SCSU winning the Saturday game.  With the cup on the line, I think SCSU will bring its “A” game to Colorado Springs.  Unless the Huskies are affected by thee, ahem, “haze”, at CC, they should leave a couple of wins.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#21 Western Michigan @ #9 North Dakota

Last weekend the Broncos split with the Pioneers (4-2L, 3-1W) in Kalamazoo and NoDak split with the Huskies (5-2W, 3-1L) in St. Cloud.

These teams met the first week of December in Kalamazoo, with NoDak sweeping the series by identical 3-2 scores.  NoDak is 11-5-1 at home in The Ralph this season and the Broncos are 5-5-3 on the road.  As far as I can recall this will be WMU first ever trip to Grand Forks (correct me if I’m wrong).  The Broncos are in a precarious spot, sitting in a tie for fourth place and the last home ice spot.  And playing on the road at the top team in the conferences barn doesn’t help their cause any.  NoDak has been hot the second half, like usual, and I don’t see them slowing down this weekend at home, with home crowd advantage cheering them on.  NODAK SWEEP

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

The race for the Penrose Cup is on.  We are down to the last three weekends of NCHC regular season play.  The only thing we know for sure is Miami is out of contention for the title.  The other good bet is CC will also not win the title.

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

St. Cloud St……………….11-4-3-0…………...36
North Dakota……………..11-7-0-0…..…….….33
Nebraska-Omaha………..9-7-2-1…..…………30
Denver…………………….8-7-3-2…….…….…29
Minnesota-Duluth………..8-8-2-2….…….……28
Western Michigan……….8-8-2-1…….……….28
Colorado College……….. 4-9-5-1…….….…...18
Miami………………………4-13-1-1….…….….14

NCHC Games

Colorado College vs #22 Denver (home/home)

Last weekend the Tigers tied and beat the Broncos (4-4SOW, 3-0W) in Colorado Springs and the Pioneers split with the Mavericks (4-2L, 4-1W) in Omaha.

The fight for the Gold Pan continues this weekend.  The teams met back in November, with the Pioneers winning the first game in a shoot-out and taking the second game 2-1 in regulation.  The Tigers shot at the title are not realistic, but a shot at taking arch-rival Denver out of the race picture is realistic.  The Pioneers need to get points this weekend for two reasons, one to keep the last home ice spot, and keep a shot at the title within reach.  I think CC will get a win this weekend and so will DU.  SPLIT

#28 Nebraska-Omaha @ #22 Western Michigan

Last weekend the Mavericks split with the Pioneers (4-2W, 4-1L) in Omaha and the Broncos tied and lost to Tigers (4-4SOL, 3-0L) in Colorado Springs.

The Broncos have been hit and miss this season, one weekend their hot, the next their not.  It’s hard to guess what WMU team will show up at Kalamazoo this weekend.  The Broncos are 5-6-1 at home this season and the Mavericks are 5-5-2 on the road.  The numbers point to these old CCHA teams splitting this weekend’s games.  SPLIT

#3 SCSU @ Miami

Last weekend the Huskies swept the Bulldogs (5-3, 4-3) in St. Cloud and the RedHawks were swept by NoDak (3-2, 9-2) in Grand Forks.

Honestly what can I say about this series, the top team in the conference versus the bottom team.  A bottom team now, that started off the season the top team in the nation, in the pre-season polls.  The RedHawks have fallen on hard times, especially after their last game in Grand Forks.  MU might show some life this weekend, to prove that they are not dead, and recoup some pride.  The Huskies on the other hand look to be rolling right along, and could just flatten the RedHawks this weekend.  A SCSU sweep would just about secure them home ice advantage and dibs on the Penrose Cup.  I think the RedHawks might surprise the Huskies, but they still won’t win.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#11 North Dakota @ #16 Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend NoDak swept the RedHawks (3-2, 9-2) in Grand Forks and the Bulldogs were swept by the Huskies (5-3, 4-3) in St. Cloud.

These teams met back in November in Grand Forks, with UND wining the opener 4-2, and UMD winning the next night 6-3.  The Bulldogs might have lost their shot at the conference last weekend at SCSU, now eight points behind the Huskies.  But NoDak is holding steady at second place with a shot next weekend at SCSU.  NoDak needs to keep on keeping on, and that means getting at least one win this weekend in Duluth.  If the can play like they did last Saturday, watch out, they can score goals.  UMD needs to play sound defense this weekend to keep the scoring low, if they want to win.  SPLIT 

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Weekend Match-Ups (By Donn)

The rest of the season is nothing but NCHC games, so the race is on for the first ever NCHC regular season championship.  And mathematically everyone still has a shot at the title. 

Last weekend in the Saturday SCSU-UNO game both teams had a player score a hat trick, Kossila for the Huskies and Zombo for the Mavericks, you don’t see that very often!

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

St. Cloud St……………….8-4-2-0…………...26
North Dakota………………8-6-0-0……….….24
Denver…………………..…7-5-2-1…………..24
Nebraska-Omaha…………7-5-2-1…………..24
Minnesota-Duluth…………7-6-1-1……….….23
Western Michigan………..6-7-1-1…………...20
Miami………………………4-9-1-1….…….….14
Colorado College……….. 3-8-3-1…….….….13

NCHC Games

Western Michigan @ Miami

Last weekend the Broncos were swept by the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1) in Kalamazoo and the RedHawks had a bye weekend.

The Broncos suffered their first losses of 2014 last weekend, and head to Oxford this weekend.  These teams just played a series last month, to kick off 2014, which resulted in a Broncos sweep.  But this time around it’s at the RedHawks home rink. Miami started off the season as one of the pre-season favorites to win the league.  Now the RedHawks are looking at a bottom half finish.  If the Broncos sweep the RedHawks this weekend, it would be a monumental task for the Oxford guys to get into the top half.  SPLIT

#15 Denver @ #6 SCSU

Last weekend the Pioneers were on a bye and the Huskies split with the Mavericks (5-3W, 8-6L) in Omaha.

With three points separating the top five teams, it goes without saying that these series are big games for both these teams.  The Pioneer’s hosted the Huskies back a month ago and the teams split that series, SCSU won the opener 6-3 and DU evened it up 5-2 that following night.  I think a repeat is on tap this weekend with each team getting a win.  SPLIT

Colorado College @ #17 Minnesota-Duluth 

Last weekend the Tigers were enjoying an off weekend and the Bulldogs swept the Broncos (5-2, 3-1) in Kalamazoo. 

The Bulldogs are on a good streak, having not lost in their last 5 games (3-0-2).  Meanwhile the Tigers managed only one win in December and one win in January. I don’t think a Bulldog sweep would surprise anyone this weekend, not even the Tigers.  BULLDOGS SWEEP

Nebraska-Omaha @ #16 North Dakota

Last weekend the Mavericks split (5-3L, 8-6W) with the Huskies in Omaha and NoDak was resting up on a bye weekend. 

The Mavericks went winless in December, and managed one win and January and have one win already in February.  NoDak was on a 10 game unbeaten streak until they dropped their last game at Denver.  That last game in DU featured a stellar performance by their goaltender that stopped all 43-shots he faced.  I think NoDak is in the midst of their traditional second half run, and will get back on track this weekend at the expense of Omaha.  NODAK SWEEPS.

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

This weekend is a light schedule for this time of year, but hey, it is what it is…

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

North Dakota………………8-6-0-0……….….24
Denver…………………..…7-5-2-1…………..24
St. Cloud St……………….7-3-2-0…………...23
Nebraska-Omaha…………6-4-2-1…………..21
Western Michigan………..6-5-1-1…………...20
Minnesota-Duluth…………5-6-1-1……….….17
Miami………………………4-9-1-1….…….….14
Colorado College……….. 3-8-3-1…….….….13

NCHC Games

#5 SCSU @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Huskies lost to Minnesota (4-1) in St. Paul and beat Minnesota State (6-4) in the North Star College Cup in St. Paul. The Mavericks were off last weekend. 

The Huskies are road warriors this season, crushing their opponents, in their own house, owning an away record of 9-1-0.  The Mavericks are 5-7-0 this year at home in the CenturyLink Center.  The Mavericks are still within sniffing distance of the dawgs. If they get swept at home, they still be in decent shape at five hundred.  HUSKIES SWEEP

Minnesota-Duluth @ #20 Western Michigan

Last weekend the Bulldogs Beat Minnesota State (5-4ot) and tied Minnesota (4-4) in the North Star College Cup in St. Paul. The Broncos were off last weekend. 

The Bulldogs looked good offensively last weekend in St. Paul, but defensively there is still room for improvement.  UMD has been decent on the road going 6-4-0 in road games, and after last weekend 1-0-1 at neutral sites.  The Bulldogs last four games have gone to overtime.  The Broncos are 5-4-1 at home in Lawson Ice Arena in Kalamazoo (did mention how fun it is to say Kalamazoo).  I did ever mention that the head coach of WMU, Andy Murray, use to coach the LA Kings, and his son, Brady played for the Fighting Sioux?  These teams played a series in Duluth back in mid-December, with WMU winning the opener and UMD winning the closer.  I think the visitors win the first game again before the home team settles the score.  SPLIT

Bye Week

Colorado College
#16 Denver
Miami
#17 North Dakota

Johnny McInnis goal that was waved off... MSU-M vs. UMN

The Mavericks were down 3-0 when the Mavericks score their first goal of the night by Zach Lehrk at the 12:59 mark of third period. The Mavericks appear to get their second goal of the game 27 second later when forward Johnny McInnis appears to have scored off a great pass from Matt Leitner, but the goal was waved off after the WCHA officials Brad Shepherd, C.J. Beaurline reviewed the goal and ruled that the puck was punched in.

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

Here we are, the regular season has ended and we begin the WCHA playoffs. Congratulations to the Gophers, who captured their 12th WCHA regular season title by beating their arch-rival, the Badgers, on Saturday night. The Bulldogs fell just a little short of a fourth league title and will have to settle for second this year. However, this weekend starts a new season for everyone, now it's do or do not, win two move on, lose two and your playoff season is over (for most teams).

Let’s look back at last year and compare it to this season. This year it took 28pts go get home ice and last year it also took 28 points to get home ice. Last year CC finished in 6th place with an even record too, 13-13-2, very similar to SCSU record of 12-12-4 this year. Both this year and last the 2nd place team had 37 points, and 3rd place had 36 points. It is funny how some things seem to stay the same.


WCHA FINAL STANDINGS 2011-2012

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………20-8-0…..…….40
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..16-7-5….……..37
3. Denver…………..………16-8-4………...36
4. North Dakota.……….….16-11-1….……33
5. Colorado College ……..15-12-1……….31
6. St. Cloud St……………. 12-12-4………28

7. Nebraska-Omaha………11-12-5……....27
8. Michigan Tech………….11-13-4………26
9. Bemidji State……..……..11-14-3.……...25
10. Wisconsin…....……….11-15-2...…..…24
11. Minnesota State……..…8-18-2...……..18
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....5-22-1………..11


(#’s are current Pair Wise Rankings)

Michigan Tech @ #19 Colorado College
(season series - CC wins 2-0)

Last weekend these teams played each other with the Tigers sweeping the Huskies in Colorado Springs, 5-2 and 2-0.

With the sweep last weekend the Tigers improved their home record to 11-5-2 this season. The Huskies fell to 5-10-2 on the road last weekend in Colorado Springs. This series should be a tough fought one. It is hard to sweep the same team back to back weekends, and I don’t think it is going to happen. MTU has fought to hard this season to let it end on a four game losing skid to the same team. The Huskies need to score first in these games to take the crowd out of the equation. Also that will allow MTU to dictate the pace of the game. In the end, I think the Tigers will prevail, but it won’t be easy. TIGERS IN 3


Nebraska-Omaha @ #25 St. Cloud State
(season series - UNO wins 1-0-1)

Last weekend the UNO Mavericks were swept by the Pioneers in Omaha and the Huskies took three points from the Bulldogs in St. Cloud.

These teams met back in late November in Omaha with the Mavericks winning the opener 4-3 and tying in the Saturday rematch, 2-2. The Huskies are heating up at the right time. SCSU is 3-1-1 in their last five and are 5-2-1 in their last eight. The Mavericks have been doing the opposite, they have cooled down, and you might say they have even gone cold. Their losses last weekend cost them home ice and now they hit the road. UNO has now hit a season worst four game losing streak, and have been reeling, going 2-8-1 over their last eleven games. The Mavericks have not swept anybody on the road this season, they closest they came was taking three points from BSU in November. The Mavericks might take a game from the Huskies at the National Hockey Center, but I don’t think they will make it to St. Paul. HUSKIES SWEEP


Alaska-Anchorage @ #6t Minnesota
(season series - UM wins 2-0)

Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Beavers in Anchorage and the Gophers split with the Badgers in Minneapolis.

These teams met in Minneapolis back at the end of October, with the Gophers winning 5-0 in the opener and 3-1 in the finale. And I’m sure most everyone remembers what happened a year ago with the Gophers hosted the Seawolves in the first round, UAA swept them at Mariucci, 4-3 and 2-0. Since last year, these teams have changed significantly, the Gophers are much better than they were last year. The Seawolves have dropped off some since last season. I can’t recall the top seed in the WCHA losing the first round playoff series to the bottom team. On paper this should be a pair of slaughters, but you still have to play the games. I don’t think the Gophers will be over looking UAA this time around. GOPHERS SWEEP


Minnesota State @ #2t Minnesota-Duluth
(season series - UMD wins 3-0-1)

Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the Sioux in Grand Forks and the Bulldogs got a point from the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.

These teams first played back in mid November in Duluth with the Bulldogs sweeping the games by scores of 5-2 and 7-3. They just played in three weeks ago in Mankato, with UMD winning Friday night 4-2 and then tying Saturday night 4-4. It is fairly obvious that the Mavericks need to hold the Bulldogs to less than four goals a game, if they want to make some noise in the post season. The Mavericks are 6-12-0 away from Mankato this year and the Bulldogs are 12-5-1 in Duluth this year. MSUM has their work cut out for them this weekend, but if they can clamp down defensively and get some timely saves they could make a series out of it. In the end, UMD just has to much fire power up front and the Mavericks cannot stymie them forever. BULLDOGS SWEEP


Bemidji State @ #13 North Dakota
(season series - UND wins 2-0)

Last weekend the Beavers swept the Seawolves in Anchorage and the Sioux swept the MSUM Mavericks in Grand Forks

Edit: These teams split in Bemidji, back in November, with UND winning the first game of the series 5-2 and Bemidji winning the second game 1-0. The Sioux are heating up late in the season they are 8-2-1 in their last eleven games. The Beavers snapped out of four game losing streak by sweeping the Seawolves last weekend. With those pair of wins BSU improved their road record to 6-10-2, meanwhile UND in 14-4-3 in Grand Forks this season. The Beavers need to play some solid defense in front of their net minder, if they hope to extend their season. UND just needs to play their up tempo game style and stay out of the penalty box, in order to prevail this weekend. The Sioux are heating up and that doesn’t bode well for the Beavers. SIOUX SWEEP


Wisconsin @ #11 Denver
(season series - CC wins 2-0)

Last weekend the Badgers split with the Gophers and the Pioneers swept the UNO Mavericks in Omaha.

These teams just played three weeks ago in Madison with the Pioneers winning on Friday 3-0 and the Badgers taking Saturday’s game 5-2. The Pioneers are 12-5-2 at Magness Arena and the Badgers are 4-9-1 away from the Kohl Center. The Badgers just had their four game winning streak snapped on Saturday night, but going 4-1-0 over their last five is a good sign for cardinal and white fans. The Pioneers have won three in a row and six of their last eight games, with the loses to UW and UND. DU was the pre-season favorite to win the league, and as of late they are looking like the team everyone was expecting. UW is playing with a lot of confidence right now and will give DU all they can handle and then some in this series. However, DU has some of the best top end talent in their forwards, which will be the difference maker in this series. PIONEERS IN 3

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

This week we have a full schedule of six WCHA series. Every team is now down to six games left in the regular season, except MSUM and UAA which are down to four. This means teams have a maximum of twelve points left on the table to grab in an effort to move up the WCHA rankings. Taking that into account, it is looking the MSUM Mavericks, the Badgers will be on the road in the first round, and the Seawolves are already assured of first round trip. It also appears to be down to a three team, UM, UMD, and DU, race for the coveted McNaughton Cup.

Also we wish the young Mr. Zucker a quick and full recovery from the illegal hit he received from the UM’s Kyle Rau.


WCHA STANDINGS

Team………………………W-L-T………Points
1. Minnesota………………15-7-0…..……30
2. Minnesota-Duluth……..13-6-3….…….29
3. Denver…………..………12-6-4………..27
4. Colorado College ……..12-9-1………..25
5. Nebraska-Omaha………10-7-5………..25
6. North Dakota……….….12-10-0….…….24
7. Michigan Tech………….10-9-3………..23
8. St. Cloud St……………. 9-10-3……….21
8. Bemidji State….…………9-10-3…….…21
10. Minnesota State………8-15-1………..17
11. Wisconsin……………..7-13-2…..……16
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...4-19-1…………9


WCHA Games
Note - the #'s are now the PairWise Ranking (PWR)

Nebraska-Omaha @ Colorado College
Last weekend Mavericks took 3-points from the MTU Huskies in Houghton and the Tigers were swept by the Beavers in Bemidji.

The Tigers have started to slide, only get one win in their last five games, going 1-3-1. Over those games, they have not scored more than two goals in a game. CC needs their offense to start scoring some more, if they want to get claw their way back into the win column. The Mavericks also only have one win in their last five games too, going 1-2-2. However, they have been scoring more than CC, but have given up too many goals. UNO needs to get some solid goaltending in better defensive zone coverage to limit opponents scoring chances. The Mavericks play the Gophers and the Pioneers after this series. UNO will need to get points any way possible to stay in the mix for a home playoff spot. SPLIT


#3 Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota State
Last weekend Bulldogs split with North Dakota in Duluth and the Mavericks swept the Seawolves in Anchorage.

The Mavericks are hot right now, winning five of their last seven games, going 5-2-0. Also since 2012 they have not lost back to back games. The Bulldogs have been struggling lately going 2-3-1 in their last six games. UMD has a chance to win the WCHA again, thanks to DU sweeping UM. I’m sure they are fully aware of this fact and will step up to the challenge and try and win their first McNaughton Cup this millennium. SPLIT


Alaska-Anchorage @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the MSUM Mavericks in Anchorage and the SCSU Huskies enjoyed a free weekend at home.

The Huskies still have a chance to get home ice, but they need points and some help. They can help themselves this weekend by taking four points from the woeful Seawolves. UAA is playing for pride now and can play the spoiler role, if they can get a win here or there. Huskies 3-pts


Bemidji State @ #14 Minnesota
Last weekend the Beavers swept the Tigers in Bemidji and the Gophers were swept by the Pioneers in Denver.

The Beavers are on a four game unbeaten streak going 3-0-1 their last four games. The Gophers saw their grip on the top spot dwindle down to a single point last weekend. UM’s struggles on Friday nights continues on, and if it happens again this weekend they could slip down the standings a spot. These are the only games they play this year, last season the Gophers won one game and tied the other, in Bemidji. This year BSU has struggled on the road, going 4-8-2, and the Gophers are 12-5-0 at Mariucci Arena this season. SPLIT


Michigan Tech @ #15 North Dakota
Last weekend the Huskies earned one point against the UNO Mavericks in Houghton and North Dakota split with the Bulldogs in Duluth.

This will be the first meeting for these long time rivals this year. Last year UND beat MTU the last two games of the regular season (6-1, 11-2) and then twice again the next weekend in the first round of the playoffs (8-0, 3-1). The Sioux…North Dakota has won four of their last five games and looking to be finding their scoring touch again. The Huskies have been sliding their last seven games, going 2-3-2 over that span. Tech is 5-7-1 on the road this season. The last time they won in Grand Forks was March 15th of 2008 in overtime, in a first round WCHA playoff game, UND won the three game series. North Dakota is fighting for home, just like the Huskies are and every point now is critical. North Dakota Sweep


#7 Denver @ Wisconsin
Last weekend the Pioneers swept the Gophers in Denver and the Badgers had a weekend of in Madison.

The Pioneers pulled themselves within three points of the top spot in the WCHA last weekend. In case you forgot DU was the preseason favorite to win the league this year. The Pioneers are heating up going 7-1-1 in their last nine games. The Badgers are just playing for pride now, they best they could do we be to end the season with an even record. The Badgers are winless in their last four games. In the end, the Pioneers just have too much talent for the Badgers to handle this season. Pioneers Sweep

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings - February 13 (insidehockey.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings 2/12/2012 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Goon's WCHA Power Rankings for 11/13/2011 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 20 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Austin Lee Save.

There hasn’t been a lot to cheer about for the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks this season, however, this is an awesome save by the Mavericks goalie Austin Lee. I have to agree with LaPanta, how did that stay out of the net? I think we will be seeing more of the Mavericks net minder.

Related articles

• UMD-Minnesota State Preview (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings - November 13 (insidehockey.com)