Last week Theresa: 10-5-2
Last week Tyler: 0-0-0
Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23
Denver vs. Wisconsin:
Theresa: Denver needs at least a point here; not only for crucial league points, but to prove they can play. My gut says Wisconsin sweep, but ultimately I’m going to call a split – UW Friday, DU Saturday.
Tyler: Denver didn’t show up against No. 1 Boston College last weekend but should get up for a WCHA opponent. Wisconsin’s defense and goaltending will still be too much for the Pioneers. UW takes three points.
Colorado College vs. Minnesota State
Theresa: Both of these teams are targeted to be bottom-barrel WCHA teams this year so in theory this series should be equally matched. That being said, I think the Mavericks will continue to stay winless. CC sweeps.
Tyler: The Mavericks continue this loss and tie trend as the visiting Tigers take three points.
Alaska-Anchorage @ Minnesota-Duluth
Theresa: As much as I’m liking UAA’s early season progress, I don’t think they’ll start putting it together here, as the Bulldogs’ firepower is too great. UMD sweep.
Tyler: UMD’s high-powered offense has had no trouble scoring so far and with an opponent like Alaska-Anchorage, the Bulldogs will score at least eight goals this weekend. UMD sweep.
Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State
Theresa: The Gophers have shown signs of promise in this season, but the Huskies are even more of an offensive force than the Mavericks and have an arguably better defense. SCSU sweep.
Tyler: The Gophers have been such a hot-and-cold team the past few seasons and after they got swept last weekend, the Gophers will bounce back against the in-state rival Huskies. But SCSU owned the Gophers last season and its offensive weapons still match up well with Minnesota’s soft defense. Lots of goals by both teams. Split.
Maine vs. North Dakota
Theresa: This is a tricky series to call. A good Sioux team goes into a hostile environment in the Alfond Arena to play a decent Maine team. I could see a split; I could see two ties; I could see a team taking three points. That being said, let’s go big or go home – UND sweep.
Tyler: The WCHA has had a tough time with non-conference opponents so far but UND is too tough. The Sioux win a game but the Black Bears salvage a tie.
Michigan vs. Nebraska-Omaha
Theresa: The Mavericks visit an old CCHA foe this weekend in Michigan. Both teams are off to pretty good starts and are very used to each other’s styles. I think we’ll see a split – UM Friday, UNO Saturday.
Tyler: The Mavericks have a great opportunity to prove themselves against a top-five opponent and UNO has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone but still, it’s time for someone to bring the Mavericks back down to earth. Michigan win and a tie.
