Picking the WCHA Nov. 22-23

It’s the end of November, and for the first time all 10 WCHA teams will be in action playing conference games against one another. That’s a sure sign it’s not early anymore — teams are starting to show who they really are now, and that’s exciting.

(And on the picks front: Daver and I were nearly identical last week. The only games we didn’t pick the same ended up being splits anyway. Not bad.)

Daver last week: 4-4-0

Jack last week: 4-4-0

Daver this season: 25-15-3

Jack this season: 38-28-6

On to the action

Lake State at Bowling Green
The Lakers have been struggling lately, but at least they’ve been consistent: Every series has either been a sweep or they’ve been swept. Bowling Green is playing well and they haven’t even been at home. Part of me wants to pick the Lakers to get a win, but I think the Falcons keep winning.
Jack: BG sweep, 5-3, 3-0
Daver: BGSU sweeps, 4-2, 3-1
Northern Michigan at/vs Michigan Tech
The first series in the Upper Peninsula’s premier rivalry (sorry Lake State) should be exciting. NMU has played very well this season but head coach Grant Potulny told the Daily Mining Journal last week they haven’t been playing up to their potential. Tech, meanwhile, finally got a sweep after three straight losses at the hands of Minnesota State and North Dakota. This is always an intense series so I’m picking a split.
Jack: Tech wins Friday 4-2, NMU wins Saturday 4-1
Daver: NMU wins Friday  2-1, MTU wins Saturday 3-2
Alabama-Huntsville at Bemidji State
The Chargers are still searching for their first win of the season. Although they haven’t been playing well and the Beavers have, weird things tend to happen when these two teams meet so don’t be surprised if UAH finally gets one.
Jack: BSU wins Friday 4-2; UAH wins Saturday 1-0
Daver: BSU sweeps, 4-1, 3-1
Alaska Anchorage at Minnesota State
The Mavericks had last week off so should be well-rested to play the Seawolves, who made the long trip down to the lower 48 after a sweep at the hands of Bowling Green. I think MSU will be ready for them.
Jack: MSU sweeps, 4-2, 5-1
Daver: MSU sweeps, 4-1, 5-1
Ferris State at Alaska
The Bulldogs finally broke their six-game losing streak with a split with Bemidji State last weekend. But the way Alaska has been playing, I think they won’t get another win this week.
Jack: Alaska sweeps, 2-1, 4-2
Daver: Alaska sweeps 3-1, 2-1