For the first time this season, everyone is in action at once! That’s always exciting!
And, once again, we’ve got a bunch of solid early conference series to go with some nonconference action. How will we do this week?
Here goes:
Alabama Huntsville at Michigan Tech
Jack: I learned this week that the chargers have never defeated the Huskies, which makes sense given where the teams have been during their recent meetings. As well as Tech is playing, I think that changes this week. I’ll pick a split. Chargers 3-2, Huskies 6-2
Sean: The Chargers have a brutal schedule this season with long stretches on the road and heading up to the UP isn’t an easy trip. On top of that the Huskies are feeling good after last weekend. Huskies 4-1, 5-2
Minnesota State at Bowling Green
Sean: There shouldn’t be any trap games in college hockey. Teams have a week to prepare, so overlooking an opponent is a poor excuse for a loss. With that in mind the Mavericks shouldn’t have any trouble moving on from there big win against No. 2 Boston University and attacking the Falcons on the road. Mavericks 3-1, 4-2
Jack: Not sure we’re giving the Falcons enough credit here. They’re 1-2, but their lone win has been at home, where they’re notoriously tough to beat. This week they’re back at home. I don’t think MSU is going to find a sweep very easy this weekend. Falcons 5-3, Mavericks 3-1
Ferris State at Mercyhurst
Sean: These are the types of weekends the WCHA needs to win. The Bulldogs should get the job done in a matchup between coaches with 56 combined seasons of experience. Bulldogs 3-2, 4-0
Jack: The first of two WCHA/Atlantic Hockey matchups, this one is, with apologies to the Bulldogs and Lakers, the least interesting. I know little about the Lakers this year but they’re usually one of the better programs in AHA. They’re winless so far, while the Bulldogs are 1-2. I think this looks like a split. Bulldogs 4-2, Lakers 2-1
Air Force at Bemidji State
Sean: Michael Bitzer looks like one of the best goalies in college hockey, again. The Beavers pick up a sweep and help the WCHA profile by grounding Air Force. Beavers 2-1, 1-0
Jack: This might be the most entertaining series of the weekend in all of college hockey — and I say that knowing Minnesota is taking on North Dakota in Grand Forks for the first time since realignment. I say that because the Serratore Bowl is definitely going to have the most entertaining postgame press conferences in all of college hockey. The actual games should be pretty good too — the Beavers have everyone back on defense from their WCHA title while the Falcons have almost everyone back on offense from their NCAA tournament run. This one is a split, with some of the best quotes you’ll see taking place afterwards. Beavers 5-0, Falcons 3-2
Wisconsin vs. Northern Michigan
Sean: It’s a “neutral site” game in Green Bay, maybe the Wildcats can catch the Badgers sleeping on Friday. Wildcats 3-2, Badgers 4-1
Jack: Last season the ‘Cats played the Badgers four times — all in the state of Wisconsin — and won twice. I think they’ll get some of that magic back this weekend. Wildcats 4-2, 2-1
Lake Superior State at Denver
Jack: Tough draw for the Lakers. I can seeing them being competitive in both games but I don’t think they’re going to be able to beat Denver in their own barn. Pioneers 4-3, 2-1
Sean: The defending national champions aren’t as good as they were last season and the Lakers could surprise some people. But going into Denver and winning isn’t an easy task. Pioneers 3-2, 5-4
Alaska at/vs Alaska Anchorage
Sean: It’s always a fun series when the Alaska schools get together, and this one isn’t a WCHA game so it’s all about pride. Low-scoring split for sure. Nanooks 2-1, Seawolves 1-0
Jack: Neither team has been terrible this season, but both are looking for their first win. I agree a low-scoring split seems likely. I’m guessing they’re going to beat up on each other a bit… Seawolves 2-1, Nanooks 2-0
