Drew Stafford to the Wild?

One of the rumors to be surfacing today is the that Minnesota Wild might be interested in former UND Fighting Sioux forward Drew Stafford. Apparently, some of the Sioux hating Gopher fans don't like the idea. One person that might benifit from a change of scenery might be Stafford.

Michael Russo, Russo's Rants --- As I reported in today’s newspaper and on last night’s blog, multiple sources tell me the Wild is very interested in Drew Stafford, who has been playing at a consistently high level for some time for the Sabres. There have been lots of conversations between Fletcher and Sabres GM Tim Murray lately and the big question is whether Murray is indeed willing to trade Stafford, 28, and what the price would be.

He wouldn’t be a rental. He has another year left on his contract at a pretty attractive $4 million (remember, the cap is going up), so this would be more of a “hockey trade” (one of my favorite terms; I’d love to know who coined it).

So it could cost a second-tier prospect, salaried player (Wild would need to trade some cash unless it just puts Backstrom or Harding on LTIR, which allows you to top the cap ceiling by their cap hit if you need the space) and/or a pick.

Stafford is very good friends with Zach Parise from their days at Shattuck and North Dakota, he’s a former teammate of Jason Pominville. (By the way, even though I'm mentioning Stafford on here, I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm sure Fletcher has many balls in the air and this is just one I've heard about).

BLOG: #mnwild talking to the Buffalo Sabres about Drew Stafford http://t.co/uU1fHguls4
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) March 5, 2014

Stafford has heard same MIN rumors: "There's chatter about everything. .. It happens. We're in here watching the same thing all of you are."
— Mike Harrington (@BNHarrington) March 5, 2014

Breaking down the last week in the NCHC

With one week remaining, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference standings are very tight. We probably won’t know the seeding’s for the NCHC playoffs until after all of the games have been played on Saturday night.

University of North Dakota (19-10-3, 14-8-0 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 9. This weekend: North Dakota entertains the Western Michigan University Broncos (16-13-5, 10-10-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking T-21. Season series: UND went 2-0-0 against WMU (3-2, 3-2 North Dakota). North Dakota is closing in on securing an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. More than likely, if UND makes the NCHC tourney they’re in the NCAA tournament. WMU will probably need to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney.

Saint Cloud State University Huskies (19-8-5, 13-6-3 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 4. This weekend: the Huskies travel to Colorado Springs to take on the Colorado College Tigers (6-20-6, 6-11-5 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 48. Season series: the Huskies went 1-0-1 against the Tigers this season (2-2 Tie and 6-2 SCSU). Saint Cloud State is a lock to make the NCAA tourney. Colorado College will have to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney.

Nebraska-Omaha (15-15-2, 12-8-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 28. This Weekend: Nebraska-Omaha travels to Minnesota Duluth (15-13-4, 10-10-2 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 17. Season series: UMD 2-0-0 record against UNO (3-1, 3-2 Minnesota Duluth).  Both teams are going to need help making the NCAA tournament as an at-large bid.

University of Denver (15-13-6, 9-10-3 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 26. This weekend: Denver entertains Miami University (11-18-3, 5-16-1 NCHC) – Pairwise Ranking 41. Season series: The two teams split their season series so far (3-1 Miami and 4-2 Denver). From looking at the Pairwise, it appears that Denver needs to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA tourney. Same for Miami there’s no other way Miami can make the NCAA tournament. 

Related articles

• Bowling Green Unhappy with Travel in NCHC? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Updated standing (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

NCHC Hockey: Connor Gaarder checks in with the fifth best goal of the week

North Dakota junior forward Connor Gaarder's scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season on Friday night, leading UND past Saint Cloud State 5-2. For his efforts, Gaarder checks in this week with the fifth best goal in the NCHC.  Gaarder has (5g-7a—12pts) in 32 games this season. Gaarder’s five goals is a career high for the junior from Edina, Minnesota.   

(Video) UND 5 - SCSU 2

Coming into the game against Saint Cloud State University, the UND hockey team talked about having a bad taste in their mouth after being swept by the SCSU Huskies back in November. UND scored five goals during the second period and cruised past SCSU 5-2.

Junior forward Brendan O'Donnell had a solid night tonight, scoring (0g-3a—3pts) and junior forward Connor Gaarder chipped in (2g-0a—2pts). Junior forward Mark MacMillan also had a strong night (1g-1a—2pts). It was a solid effort and a good road win for the UND hockey team. UND also improved to 15-2-1 since starting the season 4-7-2.

UND is in first place with 42 points with three games to go. They will go for the series sweep tomorrow night. If they get the sweep that would be their sixth sweep of the season. Last year, UND had two.

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(Video) UND no goal against Huskies (2/28/2014)

UND forward Colton St. Claire thought he had scored a goal against SCSU Husky goalie Ryan Faragher. Thoughts? Watch at the end of the video, Faragher kicks his pad out, where do you think the puck is?

No goal after video review. Still scoreless 5:22 into the game.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 1, 2014

UND vs. SCSU game one

UND Forward lines

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks (A)
28 Stephane Pattyn (A)–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
25 Mitch MacMillan–29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair

North Dakota Defense Pairings

5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher

UND Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders

Out: 7-Wade Murphy (Fr., F), 20-Gage Ausmus (Fr., D), 22-Andrew Panzarella (Jr., D), 26-Coltyn Sanderson (So., F), 30-Matt Hrynkiw (Fr., G)

SCSU Huskies Forward lines

16 Jimmy Murray–26 Nic Dowd–13 David Morley
10 Ryan Papa–11 Kalle Kossila–22 Jonny Brodzinski
9 Joey Benik–8 Cory Thorson–21 Brooks Bertsch
27 Nick Oliver–37 Joe Rehkamp–6 Daniel Tedesco

SCSU Defense Pairings

15 Niklas Nevalainen–12 Ethan Prow
7 Kevin Gravel–40 Tim Daly
19 Ben Storm–2 Jarrod Rabey

SCSU Goalies

29 Ryan Faragher
35 Charlie Lindgren
33 Joseph Phillippi

TV tonight: CBS Sports Network, DirecTV (channel 221), DISH Network (158). NO webcast tonight.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 1, 2014

Out: Murphy, Ausmus, Panzarella, Sanderson, Hrynkiw || Referees: Todd Anderson, Steve Patafie || Linesmen: Nick Bradshaw, Tony Czech
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 1, 2014

UND Hockey: This week's Inside the NCHC (Video)

The NCHC does a good job promoting their member schools. This is a really nice video. Enjoy.

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NCHC honors Zane Gothberg and Luke Johnson

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Luke Johnson, North Dakota

Freshman Forward

Grand Forks, N.D.

Johnson sparked North Dakota to a sweep at Minnesota Duluth, UND’s second straight sweep, behind a two-goal, four-point series. In Friday’s 3-0 victory, the Chicago Blackhawks prospect had a hand in all three goals for a career-high three-point game, scoring twice and assisting on the other. Johnson scored the game’s first goal in the first period on the power play, which proved to be the game-winner, while he set up the second goal with the primary assist and capped the outing with an unassisted goal in the third period. He had a +2 rating in the game and was named the game’s first star. The next night, Johnson assisted on a power play goal in the second period that tied the game at 2-2 as UND went on to a 6-2 victory. He completed the weekend with a +2 rating while earning NCHC Rookie of the Week for the second time this season.

GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

Zane Gothberg, North Dakota

Sophomore Goaltender

Thief River Falls, Minn.

Gothberg continued his strong play in net of late, backstopping North Dakota to a sweep at Minnesota Duluth. He played all 120 minutes in net, while allowing just two goals in the series with a .970 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average. In Friday’s 3-0 win, the Boston Bruins prospect stopped all 33 shots that came his way in his second start back from injury to pitch his first career shutout, while he was named the game’s second star. On Saturday, Gothberg totaled 31 saves on 33 shots against in a 6-2 victory, while stopping all 23 shots over the final 40 minutes, as he is now unbeaten in his last 12 starts. He also helped UND go 9-for-9 on the penalty kill against the Bulldogs, including 5-for-5 on Saturday. Gothberg totaled 64 saves in the wins while claiming NCHC Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season.

@UNDSID have to think that Gothberg should be @TheNCHC defensive player of the week
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) February 23, 2014

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Traditional Circle of Sticks X5

I guess @UNDMHockey decided to mess stuff up and leave… #5brooms pic.twitter.com/DxUKsCGR6Q
— Jackie (@JDeMolee) February 23, 2014

That's five series sweep for the season, two series sweeps in a row. UND only had three series sweeps last season (Holy Cross, Michigan Tech and Nebraska-Omaha). Four regular season games left.

UND vs. UMD Game Two

Champ, UMD mascot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

UND Forward lines

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks (A)
28 Stephane Pattyn (A)–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
25 Mitch MacMillan–29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair

North Dakota Defense Pairings

5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher

UND Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders

Out: 7-Wade Murphy (Fr., F), 20-Gage Ausmus (Fr., D), 22-Andrew Panzarella (Jr., D), 26-Coltyn Sanderson (So., F), 30-Matt Hrynkiw (Fr., G)

Minnesota Duluth’s lines

11 Austin Farley–21 Caleb Herbert–25 Justin Crandall

14 Alex Iafallo–17 Dominic Toninato–26 Adam Krause

8 Kyle Osterberg–13 Tony Cameranesi–19 Max Tardy

23 Austyn Young – 27 Cal Decowsk–28 Sammy Spurell

Minnesota Duluth Defense Pairings

4 Carson Soucy–7 Andy Welinski
6 Derik Johnson–15 Willie Raskob
16 Tim Smith–3 Dan Molenaar

Minnesota Duluth Goalies

36 Matt McNeely

1 Aaron Crandall

30 Alex Fons

TV tonight: Midco Sports Network, My9 (Duluth) || Webcast: http://t.co/Adhs52BWB0
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 22, 2014

UND vs. UMD game one lines

UND Forward lines

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks (A)
28 Stephane Pattyn (A)–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
25 Mitch MacMillan–29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair

North Dakota Defense Pairings

5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher

UND Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders

Out: Murphy, Ausmus, Panzarella, Sanderson, Hrynkiw || Referees: Brad Shepherd, Tom Sterns || Linesmen: Sterling Egan, Sam Shikowsky
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 21, 2014

Minnesota Duluth’s lines

11 Austin Farley–21 Caleb Herbert–18 Joe Basaraba
14 Alex Iafallo–17 Dominic Toninato–26 Adam Krause
8 Kyle Osterberg–13 Tony Cameranesi–25 Justin Crandall
19 Max Tardy–27 Cal Decowski–23 Austyn Young

Minnesota Duluth Defense Pairings

4 Carson Soucy–7 Andy Welinski
6 Derik Johnson–15 Willie Raskob
5 Willie Corrin–3 Dan Molenaar

Minnesota Duluth Goalies

1 Aaron Crandall
36 Matt McNeely
30 Alex Fons

TV tonight: FOX Sports North PLUS, DirecTV 652-1 (HD), DirecTV 652 (SD), DISH Network 9515 (HD), DISH Network 445 (SD).
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 22, 2014

Webcasts of BOTH games can be purchased at http://t.co/5IOx9PHt2K.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 22, 2014

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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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UND Hockey: Not all Doom and Gloom today

After giving up a two goal last weekend, it seems like things were looking kind of glum. What a difference a week makes. With the win, UND moved up in the Pairwise Rankings.

Watch UND's top plays from Saturday night's 9-2 win over Miam... http://t.co/giKV0dglml
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 16, 2014

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(Video) UND 3 Miami 2

Kudos to CBS Sports Network, when they cover the games, their broadcasts are second to none. Here's something to chew on, during the 11-2-1 run, UND has won five games by a score of 3-2. Breaking it down further, UND is 15-2-1 when they score three or more goals. UND is 0-7-2 when they score two or less.

.@benholdenpxp & @DStarmanHockey lifting the @TheNCHC PenRose Cup for the @UNDMHockey game live on @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/VHsIAooG6t
— Andy Parr (@AndyTParr) February 15, 2014

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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)
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• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)

UND vs. UMD - Tickets still Available

Get your tickets at umdbulldogs.com... It's worth the trip if you can swing it.

UNO's Ryan Walters predicts UNO Sweep against UND this weekend.

On our way to Grand Forks and Ralph Engelstad Arena to grab 6. Home of the Mavsssssssssss
— Ryan Walters (@ryan_wally17) February 6, 2014

Someone quick post this on the North Dakota hockey team's bulletin board in the locker room. I am sure that Blaiser is going to be happy that one of his players is posting this stuff on social media as well. Don't worry, I have a screen shot as well, so it will be there for all eternity.

Putting on the Links; Thursday afternoon

There's some good news, good tickets still remain for this weekend's series. So let's put some butts in the seats this weekend. Cold weather, no problem, fans in North Dakota are tough.

Tickets still left for the @UNDMHockey games this weekend. Don't miss the big @TheNCHC series vs. @omavs. pic.twitter.com/8FVzZYTxIE
— Dexter Albrecht (@dexteralbrecht) February 6, 2014

The hits keep coming. More great news, the series between UND vs. UMD will be on MidcoSN. However, you will need to live in the regional area to watch the games.

MidcoSN picks up men’s hockey series at UMD http://t.co/RwsRV1kJ3Q
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 6, 2014

Former UND goalie Aaron Dell is making an impact in the ECHL. You would have to think he's going to get a look at the next level, if he keeps playing like this.

Aaron Dell of the @UtahGrizz named @Warrior Hockey #ECHL Goaltender of the Month http://t.co/iIDcwtQeKQ pic.twitter.com/tGdfKtQBS4
— ECHL (@ECHL) February 5, 2014

Looking ahead to this weekend's games. Matt Semisch of USCHO fame and I reviewed this weekend's pivotal NCHC series. I think that you will find his answer interesting.

UND Hockey: Taking a Look at the UNO Mavericks with Matthew Semisch - http://t.co/QxhBPJFLrv #hockey #THW pic.twitter.com/sXZ4Plop7k
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) February 5, 2014

The UND vs. UNO series is quickly becoming one of those series that you mark off on the calendar. The two teams don't like each other.

UND Hockey: Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota set to Battle - http://t.co/fdQ4c0qyQP #NHL pic.twitter.com/T9GqTUZkoN
— THW Hockey (@HockeyLinks) February 6, 2014

Check out this article with UND junior defenseman Nick Mattson, he's made the transition from the USHL to college hockey very nicely. My brother-in-law Andy Brink, who run the Breakaway Hockey School with former Gopher and Buffalo Sabres forward Dave Snuggerud, talks highly of Mattson and his skills as well.

@goon48 @SchlossmanGF Check out this interview with Nick Mattson. http://t.co/sR9gaPnz8H
— Indiana Ice (@indianaice) February 6, 2014

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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.

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers at the Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)

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