WCHA Web Media Poll: Week 13

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.

There is no movement in the first two spots in the poll, but there is a new number three this week. Omaha moves from six to three. Saint Cloud State moves from three to six. Minnesota Duluth and Wisconsin both moved up two spots.

Here are the results of the Tech Hockey Guide WCHA Web Media Poll for Week 13:

	Team	Pts	Previous	Record	High	Low
1)	Minnesota (8)	137	1	13-3-3	1	3
2)	North Dakota (2)	132	2	12-5-3	1	3
3)	Nebraska Omaha (2)	116	6	13-8-1	1	6
4)	Denver	108	4	12-6-3	3	6
5)	Minnesota State	97	5	14-6-2	4	7
6)	St. Cloud State	92	3	12-10-0	3	7
7)	Minnesota Duluth	59	9	7-10-3	6	9
8)	Wisconsin	58	10	6-7-5	6	10
9)	Colorado College	51	7	8-12-2	7	11
10)	Michigan Tech	47	8	6-10-3	87	11
11)	Bemidji State	27	11	5-11-4	10	11
12)	Alaska Anchorage	12	12	3-11-4	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

Originally posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine. 

What's wrong with this picture?

Looking at this screen shot, what's wrong with this picture? The WCHA's nonconference record is unimpressive this year against the other conferences.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12 (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 12/16/12 (insidehockey.com)

WCHA Power Rankings: 12/09/12

Here’s this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

I think that the Denver Pioneers came crashing down to earth this past weekend.  Again, I think that you could swap any of the top five to six teams in the league as well, there are also seven teams separated by just two points.

1. University of North Dakota – (8-5-3, WCHA 5-2-3) – This past weekend, UND took (2-2 T – 6-3 W) three points in their series with the Denver Pioneers. This weekend, the University of North Dakota travels to Houghton Michigan to play the Tech Huskies in an important two game WCHA series.

2. Minnesota Gophers – (11-3-3, WCHA 6-3-3) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers took three points (4-2 W – 4-4 T) in their weekend series with the Colorado College Tigers, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This weekend, the Gophers are off.

3. Nebraska Omaha – (10-5-1, WCHA 6-3-1) – This past weekend, the Mavericks split (6-5 W – 1-2 L) their weekend series against the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the National Hockey Center.  This weekend, the Mavericks entertain the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska in an important two game series.  

4. Denver University – (9-5-2, WCHA 7-3-2) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers took (1-1 T – 1-3 L) a single point from the University of North Dakota. This weekend the Pioneers travel to Bemidji, MN to play the Bemidji State Beavers in an important two game WCHA series. Denver is has a record of 0-4-2 in the last six games, that is the Denver Pioneers worst winless streak in 13 seasons, dating back to the 1999-2000 season.

5. Saint Cloud State – (9-7-0, WCHA 7-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split (5-6 L – 2-1 w) their weekend series with the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks at the National Hockey center. This weekend the Huskies entertain the Colorado College Tigers at the National Hockey Center.

6. Colorado College – (8-8-2, WCHA 5-4-1) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers took (2-4 W – 4-4 T) a single point in their weekend series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the World Arena in Colorado Spring Colorado. This weekend the Tigers travel to the National Hockey Center to play the Saint Cloud State Huskies.

7.) Minnesota State Mankato – (9-5-2, WCHA 7-5-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks swept (3-1 W – 3-0 W) the hapless University of Anchorage Alaska Seawolves at the Verizon Wireless Center.  This weekend the Mavericks travel to Omaha to play the University of Nebraska Omaha in an important two game WCHA series. While the Mavericks have a winning record, the Mavericks have played a very easy schedule and have only beat one team (Minnesota) with a winning record.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (5-8-3, WCHA 3-6-3) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs split (4-2W – 2-1 L) their weekend series with the Bemidji State Beavers in a two game series at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Anchorage Alaska to play the University of Alaska Anchorage in an important two game series in Sullivan Arena.

9.  Michigan Tech – (4-8-3, WCHA 3-6-3) – This past weekend, the Huskies took (1-1 T – 3-3 T) two points Wisconsin Badgers. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the University of North Dakota in an important to game series at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in Houghton, Michigan.

10. Wisconsin – (2-7-5, WCHA 2-5-5) – This past weekend, the Badgers took two points (1-1 T – 3-3 T) from the Michigan Tech Huskies. This weekend the Badgers entertain the University of Alabama Huntsville in a two game nonconference series at the Kohl Center in Madison Wisconsin. How bad is the Wisconsin Badgers offense? The Badgers have scored 26 goals in 14 games.

11. Bemidji State – (4-8-2, WCHA 3-7-2) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers split  (0-3 L – 1-6 W) their weekend series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, entertain the Denver Pioneers at Sanford Center in Bemidji, MN.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-7-4, WCHA 1-6-3) – This past weekend, the Seawolves were (1-3 L – 0-3 W) swept by the Minnesota State Mavericks in Mankato, Minnesota at the Verizon Wireless Center. This weekend, the Seawolves return home to entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Sullivan Arena. This past weekend, was the first time that the Seawolves have failed to pick up at least a point in a weekend series.

Taylor Seibel’s WCHA Power Rankings.

1. North Dakota – (8-5-3, 5-2-3 WCHA) – North Dakota took 3 points from arch rival Denver on the weekend, and move up to the #1 spot in my WCHA Rankings.  UND dominated play in the third period and OT on Friday, but were robbed of a point by the DU goalie.  On Saturday, North Dakota continued their solid play to get the win.  Next weekend, North Dakota travels to Michigan Tech with a chance to have the WCHA lead at the Christmas break.

2. Minnesota – (11-3-3, 6-3-3 WCHA) – The Gophers outplayed Colorado College on the weekend, and if not for a furious rally by the Tigers in the third on Saturday to tie the game, Minnesota would have likely earned their first conference sweep of the season.  The Gophers are off next weekend, and do not play again until after Christmas when they host the Mariucci Classic.

3. Denver – (9-5-2, 7-3-2 WCHA) – Denver played very well on Friday in the first 40 minutes, and goalie Juho Olkinuora was absolutely amazing in net in the final 20 and OT to steal a point for the Pioneers.  DU kept it close on Saturday, but were unable to get the win.  Denver is now winless in their last 6, going 0-4-2 in that stretch.  Denver travels to Bemidji State next weekend.

4. Nebraska Omaha – (10-5-1, 6-3-1 WCHA) – UNO played two one-goal games, winning a barn-burner 6-5 on Friday, before dropping a close 2-1 contest on Saturday against St. Cloud State.  With the split, Omaha remains in contention for the WCHA lead going into Christmas.  The Mavs host…The Mavs of Minnesota State next weekend in a key WCHA series.

5. St. Cloud State – (9-7-0, 7-5-0 WCHA) – SCSU managed yet another split, their fifth in a row, with a 2-1 victory on Saturday against Omaha.  The Huskies fell on Friday 6-5 despite a hat trick from David Morley and outshooting the Mavericks 34-27.  St. Cloud hosts Colorado College next weekend.

6. Minnesota State – (9-5-2, 7-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavs are on a hot streak.  Since dropping five of their first six WCHA conference games, Mankato has rolled of six straight wins, allowing a total of six goals in those games.  This weekend, Minnesota State rolled Alaska Anchorage in a sweep, winning 3-1 on Friday, and 3-0 on Saturday.  Minnesota State looks continue their hot streak against UNO in Omaha next weekend.

7. Colorado College – (8-8-2, 5-4-1 WCHA) – The Tigers played well at times against Minnesota, but were only able to salvage 1 point on the weekend, thanks to a furious rally from a 4-1 deficit on Saturday.  The Tigers have only won once in their last 8 games, going 1-5-2 in that stretch.  CC has another difficult task next weekend, as the Tigers travel to St. Cloud to take on the Huskies.

8. Minnesota Duluth – (5-8-3, 3-6-3 WCHA) – The Bulldogs split with in-state rival Bemidji State this weekend, winning 4-2 on Friday before falling 2-1 on Saturday.  The Bulldogs are 3-2-1 in conference play after a disastrous 0-4-2 start.  Next weekend, the Bulldogs travel up north to take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.

9. Michigan Tech – (4-8-3, 3-6-3 WCHA) – The Huskies traveled to Madison to take on the Badgers this weekend, and played two nail biters, both of which ended in ties.  Michigan Tech has had an inconsistent season, and is 2-7-3 in their last 12 games, including 0-2-3 in their last five.  The Huskies will have another opportunity to prove themselves, as North Dakota is coming to Houghton next weekend.

10. Wisconsin – (2-7-5, 2-5-5 WCHA) – The Badgers were able to take 2 points from a drama-filled weekend against Tech.  The Badgers and Huskies played to a 1-1 tie on Friday, and then followed that with a 3-3 draw on Saturday.  That pushes Wisconsin’s unbeaten streak to 4 games, and after starting the season 1-5-2 in conference play, the Badgers are 1-0-3 in their last four.  Wisconsin hosts Alabama Huntsville in a Thursday-Friday non-conference series

11. Bemidji State – (4-8-2, 3-7-2 WCHA) – The Beavers were able to salvage a split at Duluth this weekend, winning a close 2-1 contest on Saturday.  Bemidji State has struggled offensively this season, going over 3 goals in conference play just twice in 12 tries.  The Beavers will look to get an offensive boost next weekend, but they will have to play very well to do so because Denver will be the Beaver’s guest next weekend.

12. Alaska Anchorage – (3-7-4, 1-6-3 WCHA) – Alaska Anchorage’s road woes continued this past weekend, as the Seawolves were swept in Mankato.  UAA is now 0-4-2 on the road in WCHA play.  Fortunately for the Seawolves, they won’t have to travel next weekend.  The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs are making the trek north to take on Anchorage next weekend.

I like it..

Bay State (ROAD) Sports blog had this posted on his blog and I thought it was worth posting. I hope we hear this song a lot this weekend against our heated rivals the Denver Pioneers. For the latest in smack talk check out the DU Sports Blog.

WCHA Power Rankings for 11/25/2012

Here’s this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly for Inside Hockey.com.

I think there is a little bit of separation starting to emerge in the WCHA, which is very balanced league this season. Wisconsin Badgers are on the verge of being buried in the bottom of the WCHA standings.

I also think that you could swap any of the top four teams in the league as well. The Power Rankings are a snap shot of the WCHA teams on this date in the season. I am not convinced that UMN is a top two team in the WCHA – throw their record out – which they have padded playing some very bad non-conference teams and then split with MTU and MSU-M.

To quote UND head coach Dave Hakstol, “polls are meaningless this time of year.”

That being said, they’re still fun to look at.

I tend to agree!  The other night, I saw ECAC fans talking about the Pairwise Rankings and how there are X number of ECAC teams in the top 12 right now. That is also a meaningless stat because we are only 6-12 games into a 34-36 game season. The Pairwise Rankings are going to move a lot between now and selection Sunday.

1. Denver University – (9-3-0, WCHA 7-1-0) – This past weekend, the Denver Pioneers were swept (1-2 O.T. L – 4-6-L) by nonconference foes Yale and New Hampshire at Magness Arena. This weekend, The Pioneers entertain the hapless Wisconsin Badgers in a two game series. The Pioneers opponents have a combined record of 44-36-10 (.544) winning percentage.

2. University of North Dakota – (6-4-2, WCHA 3-1-2) – This past weekend, UND split (2-1 W – 2-5 L) their nonconference series with the #6 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the CCHA. This weekend, UND is back on the road and travels to Colorado Springs to play an important two game series with the Colorado College Tigers. UND’s opponents, have a combined record of 34-29-9 (.534) winning percentage.

3. Minnesota Gophers – (9-2-2, WCHA 4-2-2) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers swept (5-1 W – 3-1 W) nonconference foe Vermont of Hockey East. This weekend, the Gophers entertain the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks. Fun fact; the Gophers have yet to play a team with a record above .500 so far this season. The Gophers opponents have an “unimpressive” combined record of 22-41-4 (.376) winning percentage.

4. Saint Cloud State – (7-5-0, WCHA 5-3-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split (1-2 L – 5-1 W) their weekend series with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. This weekend the Huskies head north to Alaska to play the UAA Seawolves. The Huskies opponents have a combined record of 33-32-9 (.506) winning percentage.

5. Nebraska Omaha – (8-3-1, WCHA 4-1-1) – This past weekend, Mavericks (3-2 W – 8-0 W) swept nonconference foe Alabama Huntsville Chargers. This weekend, the Mavericks travel to Minneapolis to play the Gophers in an important WCHA matchup. The Mavericks have played one team with a winning record so far this season and their opponents have a combined record of 28-46-9 (.391) winning percentage.

6. Colorado College – (7-6-1, WCHA 4-2-0) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers recorded a tie and a loss (4-4 T – 5-6 O.T. L) against New Hampshire and Yale at the World Arena. This weekend, the Tigers entertain the University of North Dakota in a two game series at World Arena. The Tigers opponents have a combined record of 40-37-15 (.516) winning percentage.

7. Michigan Tech – (4-6-0, WCHA 3-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies were off. This weekend, the Huskies entertain the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The Huskies opponents, have a combined record of 36-20-5 (.631) winning percentage.

8. Bemidji State – (3-5-2, WCHA 2-4-2) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers took three points (2-2 T – 5-4 W) from the UAA Seawolves. This weekend, the Beavers travel to Mankato to play the MSU Mavericks. The Beavers opponents have a combined record of 26-26-4 (.517) winning percentage.

9.  Minnesota Duluth – (3-7-1, WCHA 1-5-2) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs split (2-1 W – 5-1 L) their weekend series against the Saint Cloud State Huskies at Amsoil Arena. This weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Houghton, Michigan to play the Huskies. The Bulldogs opponents have a combined record of 36-27-8 (.563) winning percentage.

10. Minnesota State Mankato – (3-5-2, WCHA 1-5-0) – This past weekend, the Mavericks swept (4-2 W – 4-2 W) the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl center in Madison, Wisconsin. This weekend the Mavericks entertain the Bemidji State Beavers. The Mavericks opponents have a combined record of 30-39-7 (.440) winning percentage.

11. Wisconsin – (1-7-2, WCHA 1-5-2) – This past weekend, the Badgers were swept (2-4 L – 2-4 L) by the Minnesota State Mavericks at the Kohl Center. This weekend, the Badgers travel to Denver to play the Pioneers. The Badgers opponents have a combined record of 29-26-10 (.523) winning percentage.

12.   Alaska Anchorage – (2-4-4, WCHA 0-3-3) – This past weekend, the Seawolves took one point (2-2 T – 5-4) from the BSU Beavers. This weekend, the Seawolves entertain the SCSU Huskies at Sullivan Arena. The Seawolves opponents have a 27-27-15 record (.500) winning percentage.

Taylor Seibel‘s WCHA Power Rankings  for 11/25/2012

1. Denver – (9-3-0, 7-1-0 WCHA) – The Pioneers lost two heartbreaking non-conference games this past weekend, falling 2-1 in OT against Yale before losing 3-0 and 4-2 leads to New Hampshire on Saturday in a 6-4 loss.  On the plus side, Denver is still 7-1-0 in the WCHA, and could have easily won both games.  They stay at the top spot in my WCHA Rankings.  Next weekend DU takes on Wisconsin in Denver.

2. North Dakota – (6-4-2, 3-1-2 WCHA) – North Dakota managed a split in South Bend against the Fighting Irish this weekend, taking Friday’s contest 2-1 before falling 5-2 on Saturday.  UND is still struggling with consistency, but Notre Dame is a great squad.  A split on the road against the Irish is nothing to sneeze at.  North Dakota travels to Colorado Springs next weekend to play the CC Tigers.

3. Minnesota – (9-2-2, 4-2-2 WCHA) – The Gophers traveled to Vermont this weekend and walked away with a sweep of the Catamounts in non-conference play.  Minnesota is slowly rounding into form, a scary sign for the WCHA.  Look for the Gophers to continue to improve as the season progresses.  Next weekend, Minnesota hosts Nebraska Omaha.

4. St. Cloud State – (7-5-0, 5-3-0 WCHA) – SCSU took on Duluth this weekend, and after a subpar performance on Friday in a loss, the Huskies responded with a dominating victory on Saturday.  SCSU drops a spot primarily due to Minnesota’s play, but expect the Huskies to stay in the top 4 of the conference throughout the rest of this season.  SCSU travels to Anchorage to take on UAA next weekend.

5. Nebraska Omaha – (8-3-1, 4-1-1 WCHA) – Dean Blais ripped into his team following a disappointing performance on Friday against Alabama Huntsville where the Mavs won a tight game.  It worked.  On Saturday, UNO dominated UAH in their 8-0 victory.  UNO is quietly on the verge of breaking the top 4 if any of those above them falter.  The Mavs travel to the Twin Cities to take on Minnesota next weekend.

6. Colorado College – (7-6-1, 4-2-0 WCHA) – The Tigers played two tight non-conference games this past weekend against New Hampshire (4-4 tie) and Yale (6-5 OT loss).  CC proved that they are capable of playing with anyone in the country this weekend, but only managing a draw is a disappointing result.  CC will have the opportunity to rebound next weekend as North Dakota comes to town.

7. Michigan Tech – (4-6-0, 3-5-0 WCHA) – Michigan Tech was off this past weekend, and stay at #7 in my ranking.  The Huskies have the talent and coaching to make a push in the rankings before Christmas, but will need to get consistent play out of their entire lineup.  Tech hosts Minnesota Duluth next weekend.

8. Bemidji State – (3-5-2, 2-4-2 WCHA) – The Beavers took 3 points from the visiting UAA Seawolves this weekend, and continue to show that they are going to be a tough matchup for almost everyone in the league.  The middle of the WCHA is going to be very competitive, and the fight for home ice should include these Beavers.  Next weekend, Bemidji travels to Minnesota State.

9. Minnesota State – (5-5-2, 3-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks went into Madison and swept the Badgers, winning both games by 4-2 scores.  Coach Hastings has the Mavs playing very well early in the season, and it appears that the Mavs will compete for home ice this season.  The Mavs host Bemidji State next weekend.

10. Minnesota Duluth – (3-7-2, 1-5-2 WCHA) – The Bulldogs’ record does not reflect their ability thus far in the WCHA season.  Duluth finally got their first win of the season on Friday against SCSU, but fell on Saturday for a series split.  UMD has the talent to finish in the top half of the conference, but will need to avoid falling any further behind in order to have a chance at making a second half run.  Duluth travels to Houghton to take on Michigan Tech next weekend.

11. Alaska Anchorage – (2-4-4, 0-3-3 WCHA) – UAA traveled to Bemidji and took 1 point in a 2-2 draw on Friday.  The Seawolves have taken 1 point in each of their three conference series so far this season.  They will get another chance at WCHA points next weekend as SCSU comes to town.

12. Wisconsin – (1-7-2, 1-5-2 WCHA) – The Badgers were without top forward Mark Zengerle and top recruit Nic Kerdiles this past weekend, and it showed.  The Badgers struggled offensively in getting swept against Minnesota State.  Many Badger fans are calling for Coach Eaves to be shown the door.  Wisconsin hopes to turn things around next weekend against Denver in the Mile High City.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/25/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/18/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 11/11/2012 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (11/04/2012) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (10/28/12) (insidehockey.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

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

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

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

WCHA Games

Michigan Tech @ Bemidji St.

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

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

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

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

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

Wisconsin @ #3 Minnesota

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

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

Minnesota-Duluth @ #6 North Dakota

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

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

BYE WEEK

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

WCHA Power Rankings 11/11/2012

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s this week’s WCHA Power Rankings. This season, I will be doing the WCHA Power Rankings with Taylor Seibel who is a contributor of College Hockey Weekly.

1. Denver University – (7-1-0, WCHA 5-1-0) – This weekend, the Denver Pioneers swept (4-3 W – 3-2 W) the Minnesota State University Mavericks in Mankato. This weekend, the Pioneers have a home and home series with their cross-state rival the Colorado College Tigers.

2. Saint Cloud State – (6-4-0, WCHA 4-2-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies split their series (0-3 L – 5-2 W) with the University of North Dakota at the National Hockey Center. This weekend, the Huskies are idle.

3. University of North Dakota – (4-3-1, WCHA 2-1-1) – This past weekend, UND split their series (3-0 W – 2-5 L) with the with the Saint Cloud State Huskies at the National Hockey Center.  This weekend, UND entertains the last place University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

4. Minnesota Gophers – (6-2-1, WCHA 3-2-1) – This past weekend, the Minnesota Gophers took three points (4-0 W – 2-2 T) from UAA Seawolves in Anchorage, Alaska.  This weekend, the Minnesota Gophers entertain the Wisconsin Badgers.

5. Colorado College – (7-3-0, WCHA 4-0-0) – This past weekend, the Colorado College Tigers swept the Bemidji State Beavers (3-2 W – 6-3 W) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This weekend, the Tigers have a home and home series with their cross-state rivals the Denver Pioneers.

6. Nebraska Omaha – (6-3-1, WCHA 4-1-1) – This past weekend, the Red Mavericks swept (2-1 W – 5-3 W) the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in Omaha, Nebraska. This weekend, the Mavericks are off.

7. Bemidji State – (2-3-1, WCHA 1-2-1) – This past weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers were swept (2-3 L – 3-6 W) by the Colorado College Tigers in Colorado Springs. This weekend, the Beavers entertain the Michigan Tech Huskies at the Sanford Center.

8. Wisconsin – (1-4-1, WCHA 1-2-1) – This past weekend, the Badgers were idle. This weekend the Badgers travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to play the Minnesota Gophers in the Border Battle.

9. Michigan Tech – (2-6-0, WCHA 1-5-0) – This past weekend, the Huskies were idle.  This weekend, the Huskies travel to Bemidji to play the Beavers.

10. Alaska Anchorage – (2-3-3, WCHA 0-2-2) – This past weekend, the Seawolves were able to salvage a point (0-4 L – 2-2 T) against the Minnesota Gophers at Sullivan Arena. This weekend the Seawolves are again idle. 

11. Minnesota State Mankato – (3-5-2, WCHA 1-5-0) – This past weekend, the Purple Mavericks were swept (2-3 L – 3-4 L) by the Denver Pioneers. This weekend,  the Mavericks are off.

12.   Minnesota Duluth – (2-5-1, WCHA 0-3-1) – This past weekend, the UMD Bulldogs were swept (2-3 L – 3-6 L) by the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks. This weekend the Bulldogs travel down highway 2, to play the University of North Dakota. 

Taylor Seibel's WCHA Power Rankings

1. Denver – (7-1-0, 5-1-0 WCHA) – The Pioneers took care of business in Mankato this past weekend, and they stay atop my WCHA Power Rankings.  While the games were close (both were 1-goal games), the Pioneers did what they needed to do in order to get the sweep.  Next weekend, the Pioneers play a home and home with arch-rival Colorado College.

2. North Dakota – (4-3-1, 2-1-1 WCHA) – UND can thank Clarke Saunders for their split this past weekend in St. Cloud.  The Junior netminder shutout the Huskies on Friday en route to a 3-0 victory.  North Dakota continues to have its struggles, but a road split against St. Cloud is a solid result.  Next weekend North Dakota hosts Minnesota Duluth in WCHA play.

3. St. Cloud State – (6-4-0, 4-2-0 WCHA) – The Huskies played very well against North Dakota, especially in a 5-2 victory on Saturday.  While many SCSU fans will look at this weekend as a missed opportunity to get more points, a split against North Dakota is nothing to be upset about.  SCSU is off next weekend.

4. Colorado College – (7-3-0, 4-0-0 WCHA) – Another weekend, sweep, and the Tigers are off to a great start in WCHA play.  CC has averaged 4.25 goals/game in WCHA play through 4 games, and they will need to keep up that pace if they want to continue their way up the rankings.  CC plays a home and home with arch-rival Denver next weekend.

5. Minnesota – (6-2-1, 3-2-1 WCHA) – The Gophers have arguably the best powerplay in the country, and that showed this weekend as Minnesota scored 5 goals with the man advantage on the weekend.  Unfortunately for Minnesota, they have struggled to find goals even strength.  They will get another chance next weekend as they host arch-rival Wisconsin.

6. Nebraska Omaha – (6-3-1, 4-1-1 WCHA) – The Mavericks continued their strong play, sweeping Minnesota Duluth at home this weekend.  UNO is a dangerous team, and they are capable of wreaking havoc on the rest of the league.  Omaha looks to rest up next weekend, as the Mavericks get a weekend off.

7. Bemidji State – (2-3-1, 1-2-1 WCHA) – The Beavers stay in the #7 spot for at least one more weekend, thanks in large part to most of the bottom-half teams either getting swept (Duluth and Mankato) or having the weekend off (Wisconsin and Tech).  That being said, getting swept in CC is not a great way to move up in the rankings.  The Beavers host Michigan Tech next weekend.

8. Wisconsin – (1-4-1, 1-2-1 WCHA) – Wisconsin had the weekend off, and the Badger faithful hope that they were able to regroup from a disappointing start to the season.  Surely the issues surrounding Nic Kerdiles’ suspension played a role in that, but if Wisconsin wants to make a serious run at home ice this year, they will need better performances.  That starts next weekend when Wisconsin travels to arch-rival Minnesota for a WCHA series.

9. Alaska Anchorage – (2-3-3, 0-2-2 WCHA) – The Seawolves surprised many when they were able to get a road point at North Dakota.  They backed that up with another strong weekend against Minnesota, getting another point against a strong opponent.  UAA will have to improve their penalty kill if they want to maintain this position (or move up).  The Seawolves have next weekend off.

10. Michigan Tech – (2-6-0, 1-5-0 WCHA) – The Huskies benefit from a weekend off, and they move up 1 spot in my rankings.  Tech had big expectations coming into the season, and they were only inflated with a WCHA opening victory over Minnesota.  Since then, Tech is 0-5 in WCHA play.  The Huskies look to get back on track next weekend with a trip to Bemidji State.

11. Minnesota State – (3-5-2, 1-5-0 WCHA) – The Mavericks could have easily split with Denver this weekend, but were unable to take a point in either of their two close games with the Pioneers.  That will have to change if Mankato plans on making a push for home ice this season.  The Mavericks have a weekend off to regroup before traveling to Madison for a series against Wisconsin.

12. Minnesota Duluth – (2-5-1, 0-3-1 WCHA) – The Bulldogs have the offensive talent to compete for home ice, but Duluth will need to get a better showing from their defense and goaltending to do so.  This past weekend the Bulldogs were swept by Omaha, and the schedule is not getting any kinder next weekend, as Minnesota Duluth will have to travel to Grand Forks to take on North Dakota in WCHA play.

Related articles

• WCHA Power Rankings (11/04/2012) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings (10/14/12) (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: 10/21/12 (insidehockey.com)
• WCHA 2012-13 Season Preview (insidehockey.com)