The WCHA schedule this week is a strong mix of what should be tightly-contested in-conference matchups and one of the last chances the league has to send a message in non-conference play.
Let’s get picking:
Lake Superior State at Minnesota State
Jack: The Lakers have a chance to tie the Mavericks if they play their cards right: A LSSU sweep in Mankato would put them in a tie for the fourth place (and the Lakers would have the tiebreaker on the Mavericks if this happened thanks to head-to-head record). This, though, is easier said than done. I think they will get a split. Mavericks 3-1, Lakers 5-3
Sean: Lake Superior State has a golden opportunity this weekend and I think they have the offense to get it done. The problem is consistency, and I don’t think Minnesota State would be caught sleeping twice. Laker 4-2, Mavericks 2-1
Michigan Tech at Alabama Huntsville
Jack: The Chargers have struggled at home this year — just one win. Meanwhile, the Huskies are hungry to close the gap on Bemidji State, who plays out of conference this week. I think Tech gets a sweep, moved three points behind the Beavers to set up the huge showdown for first place next week in Bemidji.Huskies 4-2, 5-2
Sean: For entertainment and competitiveness for the remainder of the WCHA season, we should all be rooting for a sweep by Michigan Tech. It sets up a key battle the following week, and creates a bit more excitement at the top of the standings. Huskies 3-1, 4-2
Bowling Green at Ferris State
Jack: BG finally moved ahead of Minnesota State last weekend after a split with Alaska (and MSU’s two-points at Tech). Ferris won’t be an easy out, though. I think the Bulldogs earn the split. Falcons 4-3, Bulldogs 3-1
Sean: Bowling Green’s struggle for consistency this season has kept them from contending for a regular season title, like many thought they would. Can we trust the Falcons to pick up a sweep against Ferris State? I don’t think so. Falcons 3-2, Bulldogs 2-1 (OT)
Bemidji State at North Star College Cup (vs. St. Cloud State Friday; Minnesota/UMD Saturday)
Jack: BSU’s chances at an at-large bid are very slim, but a couple wins here (plus likely winning out until the conference tournament) may help. It’s still a longshot, but after going 0-5-1 in nonconference play so far, the Beavers need a little redemption. I think they can beat the Huskies before losing in the title game of the last-ever North Star Cup. Semifinal: Beavers 4, Huskies 2; Finals: UMD 2, Bemidji State 1 (OT)
Sean: The WCHA desperately needs a strong out of conference statement, and this is that opportunity. I want to pick the Beavers to win the tournament, but past history isn’t on their side. Semifinal: Beavers 3, Huskies 1. Final: UMD 3, Beavers 1
