Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

This year’s tournament format is the same as it was last year, we have 6 teams, we have two play-in games on Thursday, two semi-finals on Friday and the championship game on Saturday evening.

Every team in St. Paul has a chance at the Broadmoor Championship and the NCAA auto-bid to the tournament. UMD and UM are all but guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tournament, DU and UND should be okay, as long as they win on Thursday. MTU and SCSU need to pretty much win the Final Five if they want to make the national tournament.

Note - There will be a total of three Broadmoor Trophies. The largest will be on permanent display at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul in conjunction with the WCHA Final Five, one will be a traveling trophy, and one will be given to the winning team each year as a permanent addition to their display case.

WCHA 2011-2012 FINAL STANDINGS

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

(Numbers are current PairWise Rank)


#19 St. Cloud State vs #11t North Dakota
(Season series tied 2-2-0)
Last weekend the SCSU Huskies swept the UNO Mavericks in St. Cloud (4-0, 3-1) and the Sioux swept the BSU Beavers (4-1, 4-3) in Grand Forks.

The teams split both series this year, in late October in Grand Forks the Huskies won the opener 4-0 and then the Sioux rebounded to win the next night 3-1. They met again in mid January in St. Cloud, with the Huskies again winning the opener 3-1 and the Sioux taking the rematch 3-2.

The Sioux have won four games in a row now and are 6-1-1 in their last eight games. The Huskies are unbeaten in their last four game going 3-0-1 and are 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Needless to say, both teams are playing well here at the end of the season. I’m going to say the game comes down to goaltending and who is on their game. SIOUX WIN


Michigan Tech vs #11t Denver
(Season series MTU wins 1-0-1)
Last weekend the Pioneers beat the Wisconsin Badgers in 3 games with the 3rd game going to overtime in Denver. The Huskies swept the CC Tigers in Colorado Springs, after being swept by the Tigers two weeks ago, what a difference a week makes.

These teams met back in late October in Houghton with the Huskies winning the first game 7-2 and tying the second game 2-2.

After spending the last two weekends in Colorado Springs the revitalized Huskies hit the road to St. Paul. This will be MTU’s first visit to the Final Five since 2007, that year they also beat CC to advance St. Paul. (DU was at the Final Five last year). The Pioneers have five of their last six games, with two of the wins coming in overtime. DU has more depth and fire power than the Huskies, so MTU will need to play solid defense and limit the quality scoring chances, if they want to advance. PIONEERS WIN


#8 Minnesota
The Gophers will play the winner of the SCSU-UND game on Friday evening.

On the season, the Gophers are 3-1-0 versus SCSU, they played in mid November in St. Cloud (3-4, 5-0), and swept the Huskies in Minneapolis in late January (2-1, 3-2).

The Gophers versus the Sioux this year are 3-1-0, and they played in Minneapolis in early November with the Gophers winning 2-0, 3-2, and they met again in Grand Forks in mid January with the Sioux winning the Friday game 2-1 and the Gophers winning Saturday 6-2.

I’m going with the Gophers to win their semi-final versus either SCSU or UND.


#3 Minnesota-Duluth
The Bulldogs will play the winner of the MTU-DU game on Friday afternoon.

On the season, the Bulldogs are 2-1-1 versus MTU, they played in early December in Houghton with the Bulldogs sweeping with a pair of 5-2 wins. The rematches came in late January in Duluth with 4-4 opening tie and MTU winning the Saturday game 5-0.

The Bulldogs are 1-0-1 versus the Pioneers this year, they played a series in Denver in early November, Friday’s game ended in a 3-3 tie, and the UMD won 4-0 the following night.

I’m going with the Bulldogs to win over MTU, or DU to win over UMD, depending on who wins Thursday.

Related articles

• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• WCHA Power Rankings: March 8, 2012 (insidehockey.com)
• The Final Five is set (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7) (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Goon's Weekly Picks 1/20 - 1/21

Fri 01/20/12
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Wisc)
Colorado College at Minnesota 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
North Dakota at St. Cloud State 7:37 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State 7:37 p.m. CT
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)

Sat 01/21/12
Colorado College at Minnesota 5:07 p.m. CT (TV-FSn)
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-TVW,Charter,Wisc)
North Dakota at St. Cloud State 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-Charter)
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State 7:07 p.m. CT
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech 7:07 p.m. ET
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 p.m. CT (TV-My9)

Colorado College at Minnesota - Split
Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin - Wisconsin Sweep
North Dakota at St. Cloud State - Split
Nebraska Omaha at Minnesota State - Split
Alab-Huntsville at Minnesota Duluth - UMD Sweep
Northern Michigan at Michigan Tech (Saturday night only)- NMU win

Last Week 8-4 Record for the season 94-60

Sioux7's picks for this week.

Denver vs MTU - DU Sweep
Bemidji vs UMD - Split
St. Cloud State vs UND - Sweep UND
UNO vs Wisconsin - Split
Minnesota and Alaska Anchorage - Split
C.C. vs RPI - Sweep Tigers

Donn has been really busy so I took the liberty of posting his picks for the week. 

Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)

This is the last weekend in January, which means we only have one full month of the regular season left, February (plus one weekend in March). We'll have to wait and see if a middle of the pack team(s), step up in the following month or so of the season. Currently 5th thru 8th is separated by 5 points with UW leading, but having played 2 more games than the other teams there. The standings looking like teams will need a five-hundred record or better to get home ice in the playoffs. That being said, it appears DU, UND, UMD are locks for home ice, UNO should get home ice, but they have a hard schedule. It also looks likely that BSU, MSUM, and MTU will be on the road come playoff time.

WCHA standings

TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Denver………………12-3-3…27
2. North Dakota……….13-5-0…26
2. Minnesota-Duluth.....12-4-2…26
4. Nebraska-Omaha…..10-6-2…22
5. Wisconsin………….…9-7-2…20
6. Colorado College……8-8-0…16
6. Minnesota……………7-7-2…16
8. St. Cloud State….......7-8-1…15
9. Alaska-Anchorage….6-10-2…14
10. Bemidji State……….5-11-2…12
11. Minnesota State……4-11-3…11
12. Michigan Tech………1-14-1…3

WCHA

#8 Wisconsin @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Badgers swept the MSUM Mavericks in Madison and the Huskies got swept by the UMD Bulldogs in Houghton.

The Badgers and Huskies played in Madison back in October, with UW getting the sweep (5-2 and 4-1). Bucky has lost only once in their past 10 games going 9-1-0 over that stretch. The Huskies still haven’t won a game since October. The Badgers put some distance between them and the teams vying for the sixth and last home ice spot. They also kind of jumped into the title race. After these games, Bucky’s schedule gets tougher - @UNO, UM, @SCSU, CC. Those are the current teams right around UW in the current league standings. Tech is again playing the role of spoiler. IF they can find a way to win some games they can hurt other team’s chances of getting home ice. BADGERS SWEEP


#4 North Dakota @ #20 Colorado College
Last weekend the Sioux split with the UNO Mavericks in Grand Forks and the Tigers swept the UAH Chargers in Colorado Springs.

The Sioux might have cooled off a little the last two series they played but still are in great shape to win the conference. The Tigers are in good shape to get home ice, but still have some tough series on the schedule. After losing three in a row, CC got some much needed wins against the lowly UAH Chargers. UND can reclaim the top spot in the league this weekend with some points, while DU and UMD are on their bye week (the Sioux are on a bye next weekend). The Sioux have an easier schedule down the home stretch, so getting points now will really help them in the title race and put the pressure back on DU and UMD. I’m going to take the easy way out on this series. SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ Minnesota
Last weekend the Seawolves were swept by the Pioneers in Denver and the Golden Gophers enjoyed a free weekend.

The Gophers are just two points of the Seawolves in the standings, but the Gophers have two games in hand. The Seawolves have a 2-6-0 road record and the Gophers have a 5-6-3 home record. The Gophers have a nasty schedule stretch after this - @UMD, DU, @UW. The Seawolves need to get points this weekend to stay in the home ice race, same for the Gophers. The Gophers have gotten some wins against some of the top WCHA teams, but have also lost to some of the bottom teams too. SPLIT

Minnesota State @ St. Cloud St.
Last weekend the Mavericks were swept by the Badgers in Madison and the Huskies swept the Beavers in Bemidji.

The Huskies are on a roll in 2011 they ended 2010 by winning the Florida College Classic. SCSU is riding a six game winning streak, heading into this in-state rivalry games. The Mavericks are win less in their last four games (0-3-1), and those losses were by one goal. MSUM has gone on four game streaks this season, for better (two 4 game winning) and for worse (two 4 game win less), for what it’s worth. Are the Huskies finally turning into the team everyone thought they were going to be to start the season? SCSU has a rough slate of games after this weekend to end the season (@UNO, @UMD, UND, UW, and @DU). The Huskies are now back into the race for home ice, and getting over the hump isn’t going to be easy. SPLIT

NON-CONFERENCE

Alabama-Huntsville (3-23-2 overall) @ #15 Nebraska-Omaha (13-9-2 overall)
Last weekend the Chargers got swept by the CC Tigers in Colorado Springs and the Mavericks split with the Sioux and Grand Forks.

The Chargers have not won a road game this season going 0-12-2 on the road. The Mavericks are 7-2-1 at home at the Qwest Center in Omaha this year. This should be a nice easy weekend for UNO, as long as they don’t have any let downs. MAVERICKS SWEEP


BYE week
Bemidji State University – Beavers
#3 Denver University – Pioneers
#5 University of Minnesota-Duluth – Bulldogs

This weeks picks: Misc Ramblings/Rants

Friday:

St. Cloud State at North Dakota
Minnesota-Duluth at Minnesota
Colorado College at Denver
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State

Saturday:
St. Cloud State at North Dakota
Minnesota-Duluth at Minnesota
Denver at Colorado College
Michigan Tech at Minnesota State

Here is Jason Moy's latest Bracketology. I'll take it. If I remember right last time UND went to Worcester, Mass the Fighting Sioux played well in winning 2005 East Regional aka the Bean Pot against BU and then BC.

Northeast Regional: Worchester Mass

Bemidji State vs. North Dakota
Boston College vs. Denver

This weeks picks: Misc Ramblings/Rants

Non Conference
02/26/08 Nebraska-Omaha at Minnesota State

Friday/29/08

Denver at Michigan Tech
Wisconsin at St. Cloud State
Minnesota at Alaska Anchorage
Minnesota State at Colorado College

Saturday 03/01/08

North Dakota at Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota at Alaska Anchorage
Minnesota State at Colorado College
Denver at Michigan Tech
Wisconsin at St. Cloud State

Sunday 03/02/08

North Dakota at Minnesota Duluth

Last Weeks Picks 7-3
Season Total. 100-68

FSSN broadcast of the men's hockey series at Minnesota Duluth available on FightingSioux.com

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota athletic department is pleased to announce that the Fighting Sioux Sports Network telecast of the men's hockey series at Minnesota Duluth will be available as a video webcast on FightingSioux.com. Viewers can watch the broadcast with their Sioux Xtra subscription.

The broadcast is being produced by WDAZ in conjunction with UND athletics, the Fighting Sioux Sports Network and Midcontinent Communications.

~UND has a 13 game unbeaten streak, Some in the Minneapolis media have suggested that UMD will be a cake walk.Nothing could be further from the truth as I predict a dog fight for these weekend games.

~Look for the Mavericks to beat the Tigers this weekend.

~The WCHA is looking pretty good as far as Pairwise Ratings goes. There is a good chance that 5 teams will make the NCAA tourney. Currently there are 8 WCHA teams fighting for an NCAA tourney bid.

This weeks picks: Misc Ramblings/Rants

Last week one could say that I had trouble with my picks, in fact I had a reverse crystal ball. If I picked your team to win you lost and vice versa. The only pick I was right on was the Sioux and UAA, not that was all that difficult of a pick, the Seawolves had only won two games in WCHA action.

I am not sure if my picking the SCSU to beat the MSU-M Mavericks jinxed the SCSU Huskies or not. I just want to let Heather from WinTwins blog know that it wasn't done on purpose, or with malice. I am sure that she is also in mourning today as the Minnesota Twinkies traded away all-star pitcher Johan Santana. Another botched pick was MTU and C.C.; honestly, I didn't see MTU beating beating the C.C. Tigers but hey I am not going to complain either. Big win for the Huskies, I am thinking they might come back to the pack a little in the second half. Fast forward to this weekend; I also don't see the Huskies losing to the UAA Seawolves, Why? I have a beer riding on that game with Sioux7. Logic tells me that UND should beat the Gophers but I won't be shocked with a couple of sister kissing or a split.

Friday:
Michigan Tech at Alaska-Anchorage - MTU
Denver at Minnesota State - DU
North Dakota at Minnesota - Sioux
Minnesota-Duluth at Wisconsin - Badgers
Clarkson at Colorado College - Tigers

Saturday:
Michigan Tech at Alaska-Anchorage - TIE
Denver at Minnesota State - DU
North Dakota at Minnesota - Sioux
Minnesota-Duluth at Wisconsin - Bulldogs
Clarkson at Colorado College - Tigers

Last week 3-7
For the Season 85-59

This weeks picks: Misc Ramblings/Rants

FRIDAY
Colorado College at Michigan Tech
Minnesota at Wisconsin
St. Cloud State at Minnesota State
Alaska-Anchorage at North Dakota

Non-Conference:
Minnesota-Duluth at Mass.- Lowell

SATURDAY
Colorado College at Michigan Tech
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Minnesota State at St. Cloud State
Alaska-Anchorage at North Dakota

Non-Conference:
Minnesota-Duluth at Mass.- Lowell

Picks last week 8-2
For the Year 82-52

~A fan from Mankato last week made the comment, "that Kaip is nothing more than a goon", however, in looking at the numbers that said goon has one more goal that Mankato's top scoring forward. That same forward had the misfortune of deciding to fight Kaip on Friday night's game.

~UND has won 5 WCHA games in a row for the first time since 2004.

~LGM's favorite UND goalie has given up 8 goals in the past 5 games.

This week's picks

Friday

North Dakota at Minnesota State
Wisconsin at Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota at Minnesota-Duluth

Non-Conference:

Denver at Air Force
Bemidji State at Colorado College

Saturday

North Dakota at Minnesota State
Wisconsin at Alaska-Anchorage
Minnesota at Minnesota-Duluth

Non-Conference:

Bemidji State at Denver
Air Force at Colorado College

Last weeks Picks 7-3
For the Season 74-50

This weeks picks

Friday

North Dakota @ DU - UND
St. Cloud State @ Wisconsin - SCSU
Michigan Tech @ Minnesota - MTU
Colorado College @ Alaska-Anchorage -CC
Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota State-Mankato -TIE

Saturday

North Dakota @ Denver - DU
St. Cloud State @ Wisconsin - SCSU
Michigan Tech @ Minnesota - TIE
Colorado College @ Alaska-Anchorage - C.C.
Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota State-Mankato - Duluth

Last week 5-5
Year 38-22