Looking to clinch
All four conferences could be won outright by the end of this weekend, and two of the leaders have that objective entirely within their own control.
No. 1 Boston College can wrap up Hockey East with two wins. First is a rematch of the Beanpot final when the Eagles host No. 6 Northeastern, Friday, 2 p.m. EST. On Tuesday, BC took control early and put the game out of reach with a five-goal third period.
Sunday, BC travels to Vermont for another 2 p.m. start. The Catamounts own a two-game win streak for the first time since winning on both sides of the holiday break, as they attempt to break the Boston College victory string that has grown to 30. If it stretches to 32 on Sunday, the Eagles will have their third straight season title.
No. 2 Wisconsin can earn the WCHA trophy with a sweep of Minnesota State when the Mavericks visit LaBahn Arena for contests Saturday and Sunday at 2:07 p.m. CST. The Badgers outscored MSU by a 13-0 margin when they made a trip to Mankato in October. This will be UW’s first season crown since 2012. If Ann-Renée Desbiens adds two more shutouts, she’ll tie the NCAA season mark.
In ECAC Hockey, No. 4 Quinnipiac claims at least a share of the championship with a pair of victories. The Bobcats welcome St. Lawrence Friday at 5 p.m. EST. Quinnipiac cruised to a 5-0 triumph over the Saints in November in Canton. Saturday brings No. 5 Clarkson, the second-place team in the ECAC, for a 4 p.m. faceoff in Hamden. The Bobcats have won the last three meetings over the Golden Knights, all shutouts.
Ironically, either St. Lawrence or Clarkson can help Quinnipiac clinch an outright title if they can take points at No. 8 Princeton. The Golden Knights and Tigers drop the puck Friday, 7 p.m. EST. On Saturday at 3 p.m. EST, its the Saints’ turn in Hobey Baker Rink.
Mercyhurst, with only a two-point lead over Syracuse, needs help from Robert Morris if its going to lock up the CHA. The Lakers head to RIT for games Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. EST. Meanwhile, the Colonials will be in Syracuse to square off with the Orange, Friday, 7 p.m. EST, and Saturday, 3 p.m.
