Last week the WCHA gave us a smorgasbord of overtime options. Seven of the eight games went to overtimes, and the one non-overtime game was decided by just two goals.
Will the league be just as close this weekend? Let’s get pickin’
Alaska at Bowling Green:
Sean: Alaska made a bit of a statement last week and I don’t think you can overlook them. Bowling Green should take the majority of the points this weekend, but it’ll be closer than some people think. Falcons 2-1, 4-3 (OT)
Jack:The Nanooks looked good last weekend at Ferris State, getting five points in a pair of OT games. Bowling Green, meanwhile, split with Minnesota State. I think the Falcons, however, are on a mission. They should sweep. Falcons 3-1, 4-2
Alabama Huntsville at Lake Superior State:
Sean: Alabama Huntsville had last week off and had a chance to watch as the rest of the WCHA went through a crazy overtime-filled weekend. Lake Superior State probably has a bit regrets after an offensive letdown against Northern Michigan, I expect both teams to have one breakout game. Lakers 4-1, Chargers 5-2
Jack: A couple teams looking for wins here. Lake State didn’t get any offense last week when they tied Northern Michigan 1-1 in both games last weekend. I think they’ll get some here, but the Chargers will get a win, too. Lakers 5-2, Chargers 4-3
Minnesota State at Michigan Tech:
Sean: Michigan Tech can sweep a playoff spot this weekend, while Minnesota State really needs this weekend to stay in the race for the regular season title. Michigan Tech should be ready in front of the home fans and lock it down. Huskies 2-1, 1-0
Jack: This is the one to circle. A Tech sweep would finally clinch the Huskies a playoff spot. Meanwhile, an MSU sweep would make the race at the top that more interesting — they’d move just one point back of second place. I have a strong feeling the Huskies will finish the job here and become just the second team to officially make the playoffs. Huskies 4-2, 3-2 (OT)
Alaska Anchorage at Northern Michigan:
Sean: I’d like to think these are a pair of teams that can help make the rest of the WCHA season more interesting. Northern Michigan is better than it’s record and Anchorage has started to play better hockey recently. I think we get a double dose of 3-on-3 in this one. Seawolves 2-1 (OT), 3-2 (OT)
Jack: Alaska Anchorage can make things very difficult on NMU this weekend — a sweep would put the Seawolves 12 points ahead of the Wildcats with just eight games left. That’s a daunting task for a team that’s struggled like NMU has. I think, however, this is a split — UAA is ending a two-week Upper Peninsula excursion. Seawolves 3-1, Wildcats 2-1
Ferris State at Bemidji State:
Sean: This looks like the easiest pick in the bunch. While I’d like to see Ferris State make it more of a competitive weekend, I can’t see that happening. Beavers 3-1, 3-0.
Jack: If I understand correctly, the league-leading Beavers can clinch a first-round home-ice playoff series with a sweep here.The Bulldogs haven’t won since Dec. 9 while the Beavers have been excellent at home. I think they get the sweep. Beavers 3-1, 2-1
