Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I hope everyone who is reading this while ignoring their families is having a lovely time (and that those reading this after their meals won’t fall asleep two quickly after starting this sentence).
Seven different WCHA teams are in action this weekend — including two conference battles. One to watch out for: With Bemidji State playing a nonconference series against Princeton and Minnesota State on a bye, Michigan Tech has a chance to gain even more ground on BSU in the standings with a series at Alaska.
Bowling Green, too, can leapfrog MSU with a win or two against Anchorage.
The three nonconference series should be pretty interesting, too — Lake State takes on old CCHA foes Michigan in a set that should test the Lakers’ mettle.
Anyway, without further ado, here are the picks. Enjoy the games!
Alaska Anchorage at Bowling Green
Jack: The Seawolves seem to be playing slightly better now, but the Falcons do, too. I think Bowling Green keeps rolling and prevents UAA from its first conference win. Falcons 5-2, 3-1
Sean: Bowling Green had a big weekend against Alabama Huntsville and the Falcons seem to have shaken off the early season struggles. Should be a nice Thanksgiving weekend for Bowling Green. Falcons 5-1, 4-2.
Michigan Tech at Alaska
Jack: The Huskies seem to be back on track, but I can see them getting a little worn out Saturday night. The Nanooks, too, have recovered since their early struggles. I foresee a split. Huskies 5-3, Nanooks 3-1
Sean: Michigan Tech spends another weekend in Alaska and they should have a better showing after a battle with Anchorage. This one feels like a sweep. Huskies 4-2, 3-1
Omaha at Northern Michigan
Jack: I don’t know what to expect from the Wildcats after they were pumped by Bemidji State last Saturday, but I think they will recover from it and get the split. Wildcats 4-2, Mavericks 4-2
Sean: Omaha has been an up-and-down team this season. You could say the same thing about Northern Michigan. With a matchups like this you’d be smart to expect a split. Wildcats 3-1, Mavericks 4-2
Lake Superior State at Michigan
Jack: The Lakers are scuffling right now, but a win over the Wolverines could be just what they need to get back on track. I think they’ll get a split in Ann Arbor. Lakers 5-3, Wolverines 4-1
Sean: Michigan has been battle tested by No. 4 Boston University and play strong defense under coach Red Berenson. Lake Superior has a dangerous with potential to go off at any time. Wolverines 4-2, 3-1
Princeton at Bemidji State
Jack: This seems like it could be a “trap series” for BSU — and I know next-to-nothing about Princeton. But I still have a feeling the Beavs shouldn’t have much to worry about. Beavers 3-1, 3-0
Sean: Princeton has struggled scoring this season, Bemidji State simply doesn’t let up goals very often. Seems like an obvious result to me. Beavers 3-0, 2-0.
