WCHA Picks: Jan. 19-20

Bemidji State at Ferris State
Jack: The Beavers lost and tied against North Dakota last week (ironically, they lost the game in which they largely looked like the better team and tied the one they looked like the worse one… hockey is weird). Still, they carry a long conference unbeaten streak into this series at Ferris State and I think until they lose again in league play I won’t pick against them. Beavers 4-1, 3-1

Sean: Tough non-conference weekends can be a rallying point for WCHA play. It feels like a sweep for the Beaves. Beavers 2-0, 3-1

Alaska at Michigan Tech
Jack: The Nanooks has a pretty good weekend, getting a rare win against Minnesota State. The Huskies had last weekend off and should be pretty rested. Still, I think the Nanooks are good enough to earn a split. Huskies 4-1, Nanooks 4-3

Sean: It’s not easy going to Houghton and Michigan Tech is playing well and rested. Huskies 4-1, 5-2

Lake Superior State at Northern Michigan
Jack: The Wildcats are now in sole possession of second place thanks to a home sweep of Bowling Green. They’re rolling at the moment. The Lakers finally eked out a win against Ferris State last weekend, but I think the Wildcats are too good right now. Wildcats 4-2, 5-3

Sean: I wrote all about Lake Superior needing to get a big win this weekend. Maybe that’ll be a motivator. Lakers 3-1, Wildcats 4-2

Alaska Anchorage at Bowing Green
Jack: UAA finally got a victory Saturday against Alabama Huntsville — their first since the beginning of November. It was a long time coming, but the schedule hasn’t done them any favors this weekend at Bowling Green. This feels like a Falcons sweep. Falcons 4-2, 4-2

Sean: Two wins this season for the Seawolves, Falcons will get that in one weekend. Falcons 5-3, 3-1

Minnesota State at St. Cloud State (Saturday); Minnesota Duluth at Minnesota State (Tuesday)
Jack: The league-leading Mavericks get two different nonconference opponents in three days with instate rivals St. Cloud and Duluth. On Saturday they’re in St. Cloud for Hockey Day Minnesota while they’re back home Tuesday to close out their non-league play against the Bulldogs. The Mavs lost to both teams when they played single games earlier this season, but I have a feeling that those games will go the other way this time around. MSU is playing too well right now. Mavericks 4, Huskies 3, Mavericks 3, Bulldogs 1

Sean: It’s a bit of an odd schedule, but it should be exciting slate. Mavericks 4-2, Bulldogs 2-0