Jack: The Lakers have lost three of four since their great start, whereas the Bulldogs seem to have pulled themselves together since their poor beginning to the season. I’ll say this is a split. A home series Rapids should be worth at least three points for the Dogs. Lakers 5-2, Bulldogs 2-1
Sean: I’m intrigued by this one. It’s two teams trending in opposite directions, and this weekend could be a defining series for both Ferris State and Lake Superior. It’ll be close, but I think Ferris gets the job done. Bulldogs 3-2, 3-2.
Northern Michigan at Bemidji State
Jack: The Beavers are still rolling. I don’t foresee that stopping anytime soon, especially against a team they already shut out twice on the road earlier this season. This is a sweep. Beavers 4-1, 2-0
Sean: Bemidji State is simply too good defensively and the goaltending has been top notch. I have a hard time seeing Northern Michigan scoring more than two goals this weekend. Beavers 2-0, 3-1.
Bowling Green at Alabama Huntsville
Jack: The Chargers are on along three-series homestand that continues this week. They struggled last week against Alaska, and Bowling Green has been playing well more recently. Still, I think this’ll be a split, though. Chargers 4-2, Falcons 4-2
Sean: I think Bowling Green is finally playing with the right attitude and is realizing they have potential to compete for the WCHA title, like many predicted before the season. It’s a long trip to Huntsville, but the Falcons will come out on top. Falcons 5-3, 3-1.
Michigan Tech at Alaska Anchorage
Jack: Are the Seawolves ever going to get out of their rut? They were just swept at Penn State and now find a red-hot Huskies team waiting for them when they get back home. It doesn’t look like this is going to be their weekend. Huskies 5-1, 4-1
Sean: Anchorage doesn’t give me much hope of a turnaround and Michigan Tech is piecing together a nice stretch recently. This one is a sweep in the making. Huskies 3-0, 4-2.
Minnesota at/vs Minnesota State
Jack: This matchup is a good reason why polls are suspect: I’m not convinced the Gophers’ resume is THAT much than the Mavericks. And yet, Minnesota is in the top 10 and Minnesota State dropped to 15 (after losing three of four to two ranked teams. Obviously head-to-head will tell me a little bit more about how wrong I am. I’ll go with a split with each team winning at home. Mavericks 5-4, Gophers 2-1
Sean: I’m a big fan of home-and-home series between in-state rivals. It gives each fan base a chance to show up and, I think it creates a bit more of a playoff feel for each team. It should be a good atmosphere and it should be an exciting split. Gophers 1-0, Mavericks 3-1.
