We’ve reached the final week of the WCHA regular season, and we still don’t have the playoff pairings figured out.
Let’s get picking:
Alabama Huntsville at Bowling Green
Sean: The Falcons were the preseason pick to win the WCHA, that obviously didn’t pan out. Now they’ll have to lock up home-ice advantage in the final weekend of the season. I think they get the job done with a sweep. Falcons 3-1, 2-1
Jack: BG’s looking to shore up home ice for the second straight season after struggling to start the season. UAH wants to qualify for the playoffs. I think it’s going to be close. Splitsville. Falcons 5-2, Chargers 3-1
Michigan Tech at/vs. Northern Michigan
Sean: Northern Michigan is playing to avoid missing the playoffs while Michigan Tech is playing for the second seed. I think it leads to an exciting split. Huskies 2-1, Wildcats 1-0
Jack: Tech’s been the only team besides Bemidji State that really had a chance at the MacNaughton. That’s no longer a possibility for them, but they can clinch the No. 2 seed with a sweep this weekend. I think that’s what happens here, although Atte Tolvenen is going to make it tough on them. Huskies 2-1, 3-2 (OT)
Ferris State at Lake Superior State
Sean: It’s a pair of teams that have had so-so seasons, but always seems to have a flair for the dramatic near the postseason. Overtime anyone? Bulldogs 2-1 (OT), Lakers 2-1 (OT)
Jack: Ferris State still has a chance at home ice in the playoffs. The Bulldogs aren’t having a remarkable season, but it seems like they’re always right there, doesn’t it? Lake State (down an equipment manager) still could finish in home ice position as well (No.s 4-10 in the WCHA is nuts). I think this is another split. Lakers 4-2, Bulldogs 3-2
Minnesota State at Bemidji State
Sean: Could this be a preview of the championship game? Even with Bemidji State having nothing to play for, I think it will be back-and-forth weekend. Beavers 2-1, Mavericks 3-2
Jack: Although Bemidji State doesn’t have a ton to play for — having already won the MacNaughton Cup and locked up the No. 1 seed and home ice through the playoffs — they certainly don’t want to back in to the conference tournament. And MSU is still fighting for a No. 2 seed. I think the Mavs win Friday to keep the race for No. 2 interesting before the Beavs win the finale Saturday and get win No. 20. Mavericks 4-2, Beavers 3-0
Alaska at Alaska Anchorage
Sean: Hockey in Alaska got some rough news this week as the ECHL’s Alaska Aces announced they would shutter after this season. Hopefully these teams give Alaskan hockey fans something to cheer about. Seawolves 3-2, Nanooks 2-1 (OT)
Jack: The Seawolves don’t have much margin for error here. They’re in last place, four points back of ninth-place Alabama Huntsville. They have to sweep if they want any hope of making the playoffs. I don’t think they’re going to get there. I could see them winning Saturday and scoring the Governor’s Cup, though. Nanooks 4-3, Seawolves 4-1
