All eyes in the WCHA will be on the Michigan Tech vs. Bemidji State series this weekend, as the battle for the MacNaughton Cup starts to get tighter.
Let’s get picking:
Northern Michigan at Bowling Green
Jack: The Wildcats have been playing much better as of late, but is it enough for them to save their season and pull themselves out of the cellar? I don’t know, but I think they can earn a split. Wildcats 3-1, Falcons 4-2
Sean: Northern Michigan faces a difficult February to make the playoffs and they’ve been playing better lately. But is it enough to make the playoffs? They’ll get one win at Bowling Green, but not a sweep. Wildcats 3-2, Falcons 5-4.
Michigan Tech at Bemidji State
Jack: Undoubtedly the biggest series of the season in the WCHA. The second-place Huskies are four points behind the first-place Beavers. Tech has been playing excellent hockey in 2017; and they haven’t lost a WCHA game since Dec. 2 against BSU. The Beavers haven’t played as well, either, but they’ll be motivated to finish the job. Still, I have a feeling this is going to be a split and we won’t see the MacNaughton Cup decided until the final weekend, in true WCHA fashion. Beavers 3-2. Huskies 2-1
Sean: This is the series to watch, and I think it will deliver a couple exciting games. Michigan Tech knows whats on the line and will come in firing on Friday, while Bemidji State will defend home ice on Saturday. Huskies 4-1, Beavers 2-0
Minnesota State at Alaska Anchorage
Jack: Minnesota State still has an outside chance to claim the league title. I think they get closer to that goal this weekend, although it won’t be an easy sweep. Mavericks 5-3, 2-1
Sean: This feels like the most obvious sweep of the weekend. Mavericks 3-1, 4-2
Alabama Huntsville at Alaska
Jack: A big series for playoff positioning, as Alaska is three points ahead of Huntsville. I can’t really separate these teams yet, so I will cop out and call another split. Chargers 3-1, Nanooks 4-2
Sean: Both teams have been playing better lately, but something tells me the Chargers get this done and make a move in the standings. Chargers 3-2, 4-3
