Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The end is near, we have this weekend and next and then the WCHA regular season comes to an end.  This friday starts a new month, March, or for some teams the playoff run month. 

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………16-7-1.……….33
2. Minnesota……………...13-6-2……..…31
3. North Dakota.………….12-6-6………..30
3. Nebraska-Omaha…......14-8-2…....…..30
5. Minnesota State……….14-9-1.…...….29
6. Denver…………..……..11-8-5..….......27
6. Wisconsin…....………..10-7-7………...27
8. Colorado College ……..9-11-4..…..….22
9. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-13-5……….21
10. Michigan Tech………..6-14-4…..……16
11. Bemidji State……..…..5-13-6......……16
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....2-18-6.....……10

The # numbers below are now the PAIRWISE rankings.
(I was using the USCHO poll previously)

WCHA Games

#7 Minnesota State @ #30 Colorado College

Last weekend the Mavericks were resting up for the playoffs coming up and the Tigers split with the SCSU Huskies (4-3W, 5-2L) in Colorado Springs.

The Mavericks could almost lock up home ice with a pair of wins this weekend against the Tigers.  But, the Tigers still have a chance, however slim, of getting into the top half and host the first round.  Realistically the Tigers are going to end up in eighth place.  The Tigers will need to pounce on the Mavericks early and capitalize on MSUM’s rust, from a week off, if there is any rust.  The big number that sticks out to me in these teams stats is goals for and against.  CC has scored 78 goals in WCHA action this year and MSUM has scored 77, but their againsts are much different, MSUM has allowed 57 and CC has allowed 85.  I’m going to give each team the nod in offense department, but defense goes to the Mavericks.  MAVERICKS 3-pts

Michigan Tech @ #10 St. Could St. 

Last weekend the MTU Huskies were resting up for the playoffs coming up and the SCSU Huskies split with the Tigers (4-3L, 5-2W) in Colorado Springs.

It’s the battle of the Huskies this weekend in Saint Cloud.  SCSU can put a strangle hold on the McNaughton Cup with a sweep of their doppelgänger’s from Houghton.  MTU is relegated to the bottom half and now are in a familiar role, spoiler.  If a little rust doesn’t affect SCSU or the pressure of winning the WCHA title doesn’t weigh them down, they should get a couple of wins this weekend.  But don’t count MTU out just yet, they are 3-4-0 in their last seven games.  So, the Houghton Huskies are starting to play better as of late.  In the end, I see the SCSU getting the points this weekend.  SCSU SWEEP

#12 Denver @ #2 Minnesota

Last weekend the Pioneers split with NoDak (5-4W, 6-1L) in Denver and the Gophers took 3-pts from the UMD Bulldogs (5-3, 2-2ot) in Minneapolis.

Both teams are fighting for position late in the season, DU for securing home ice in the first round, UM hopes for the top spot.  These teams haven’t played each other since February 10-11, 2012 in Denver, with Pioneers getting the sweep (5-3, 4-3ot).  The Gophers are 3-2-1 in their last six games and the Pioneers are also 3-2-1.  The numbers point to the Gophers winning the series, but DU seems to have had the Gophers number that last few years.  Couple that with DU fighting for the home ice and I don’t see DU getting swept.  SPLIT

Bemidji St. @ #6 North Dakota
Last weekend the Beavers were resting up for the playoffs coming up and NoDak with the Pioneers in Denver.

The last time the Beavers visited Grand Forks was March 8-9, 2012 for the first round of the WCHA playoffs, in which they were swept 4-1, 4-3.  BSU has only one win in 2013 and it might be their only one until next fall, the Beavers host the Gophers next weekend.  I think NoDak will be looking at this series as a must have sweep, and to lock up home ice for the first round.  The Beavers are tied for last place with UAA for the fewest goals scored in WCHA play, at 50.  Needless to say, if BSU wants any chance at getting a point or two this weekend they will need to limit UND to two or less goals per game.  NoDak appears to have heated up during the month of February and will look to keep heating up in March at the expensive of BSU.  NODAK SWEEP

#28 Wisconsin @ #21 Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Badgers split with the PSU Lions (5-0W, 3-2otL) in Madison and the Mavericks beat the US U-18 team in Omaha.

These teams are in a very similar boat, both need points to try and secure home ice in the first round of the playoffs.  And they both need wins to try and move up the rankings and have a shot at the NCAA tournament.  Of course, either could win the WCHA playoffs and receive an auto-bid.  These games will come down to how well the Badgers play their defensive game against the high scoring Mavericks.  If UW can control the tempo and avoid falling behind, they could get a win or two.  However, if UNO scores first and dictates the pace, UW could return home pointless.  SPLIT

NON-Conference Games

#17 Alaska (14-14-4) vs Alaska-Anchorage (4-19-7)

Last weekend the Seawolves were resting up and the Nanooks split with the Michigan State Spartans (1-0L, 4-2W) in Fairbanks.

Last season the teams split the Governor’s Cup series, with each home team winning.  The Seawolves have been playing better hockey of late, but I don’t know if that will translate into a win or two this weekend.  Being the big rivalry in the last frontier state, you can throw the records and any other numbers out the window. SPLIT

Alabama-Huntsville (3-19-1) @ Minnesota-Duluth (10-17-5)

Last weekend the Bulldogs got a point from the Gophers (5-3L, 2-2ot) in Minneapolis and the Chargers where off last weekend. 
(These are UAH's last games of the year.)

The Bulldogs slide continued last weekend, bringing their winless stretch to nine games, their last win came on Jan-18 versus CC.  The Chargers are a woeful 1-15-0 in away games this year, which is most of their schedule, they are 2-2-1 at home, and are 0-2-0 at neutral locales.  The Bulldogs need some wins this weekend to up their confidence and boost moral heading into the home stretch of the season.  BULLDOGS SWEEP

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Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

Western Collegiate Hockey Association logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We have a full slate of WCHA games this week with all 12 teams in action against each other.  Most teams are down to their last 8 league games coming into this weekend.  The numbers are starting to show who is likely to be on the top half or bottom half of the bracket. A month from now the regular season will wrap up the WCHA as we have known it for about half a century.  The numbers are looking good for the top 4 teams to host first round games, and they will most likely be hosting the current bottom 4 teams.  That leaves the middle 4 teams to sort things out and fight it out for the last two home series.

WCHA STANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. St. Cloud St……………14-5-1…….….29
2. Nebraska-Omaha….....12-6-2…....…..26
3. Denver…………..……..10-6-4……......24
3. Minnesota……………...10-4-4……..…24
3. North Dakota.………..…9-5-6…….…..24
6. Wisconsin…....…………8-6-6………...22
7. Minnesota State……….10-9-1.…...….21
8. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-9-3…………19
9. Colorado College ……..7-10-3..…..….17
10. Michigan Tech………..5-11-4…..……14
11. Bemidji State……..…..4-12-4......……12
12. Alaska-Anchorage…...1-15-6…...……8

WCHA Games

Colorado College vs #9 Denver

Last weekend the Tigers tied the Seawolves twice (2-2ot, 3-3ot) in Anchorage and the Pioneers swept the Bulldogs (3-0, 4-3) in Duluth.

The Gold Pan is looking to move up to Denver this season.  Back in mid-November the Pioneers swept the Tigers with a 6-5 win on the road and a 6-2 in Magness Arena.  All DU needs is a tie or win this weekend to capture the Gold Pan.  The Pioneers have been streaky as of late, but appear to be heading in the upward direction.  The Tigers have been chasing their tail since the calendar flipped to December, since then they have just 2 wins.  But like we all know you can throw the records and recent game outcomes out the window for rivalry games. SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ Michigan Tech

Last weekend the Seawolves tied the Tigers twice (2-2ot, 3-3ot) in Anchorage and the Huskies split with the UNO Mavericks (4-3L, 2-1Wot) in Omaha.

The Seawolves have not won a game since Dec-1, and that was against SCSU.  However, the bright side for UAA is they are now on a two game unbeaten streak.  The down side is they only have six league games left, and after MTU, they play at UNO and end the year at DU (they play in-state rival Alaska in between those series).  The Huskies are 2-1-1 in their last four WCHA games.  MTU can relegate the Seawolves to a 12^thplace finish this year, if they can sweep them this year.  If the Huskies can sweep they can try and avoid the top teams in the first round of the league playoffs.  HUSKIES SWEEP

#1 Minnesota @ #8 St. Could St. 
Last weekend the Gophers were off and the Huskies swept the Beavers (4-0, 4-1) in Bemidji.

This is the most important series this weekend, in terms of seeing who will be the controlling their McNaughton Cup title destiny.  Even though SCSU lead UM by five points UM has two games in pocket.  If the Huskies sweep they control their own fate for winning the league.  If UM gets a sweep, they can win the league title, but might need a little help?  SCSU has series at CC, home with MTU, and at UW after this weekend, so they have a favorable schedule to end the season.  With the teams being red hot in 2013, I don’t see anyone losing twice this weekend.  SPLIT

#11 Minnesota State @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Mavericks were on a bye and the Bulldogs were swept by the Pioneers (3-0, 4-3) in Duluth.

The Mavericks after a bye weekend find themselves in the bottom half of the standings only two points ahead of the Bulldogs.  The Mavericks have been scoring more goals this year and have been rewarded with more wins.  They need to continue to score three or more a game to give them the opportunity to win.  MSUM can put UMD in the rear view mirror, if they get four points out of Amsoil arena, and improve their chances of getting home ice in the first round.  The Bulldogs still to have hopes of a first round series at home, but need some help to get there.  MAVERICKS 3-pts

#7 North Dakota @ #14 Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend NoDak took three points from the Badgers (1-1ot, 4-1) in Grand Forks and the Mavericks split the MTU Huskies (4-3W, 2-1Lot) in Omaha.

NoDak plays six of their last eight games on the road.  It starts this weekend with a special game on Saturday, they are playing outside.  With these two teams separated by two points it should be a battle for every inch of ice, well at least of it doesn’t melt outside.  I just hope the weather doesn’t play too much of a factor.  Coach Blais will get welcome his former team to Omaha once again this weekend, NoDak is hoping his team will be a gracious host and give them points this weekend.  SPLIT

Bemidji St. @ #19 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Beavers were swept by the SCSU Huskies (4-0, 4-1) in Bemidji and the Badgers got a point from NoDak (1-1ot, 4-1) in Grand Forks.

The Badgers are currently holding the last home ice playoff spot, but only by a point.  The Beavers are 10 points behind the Badgers for the spot and with only eight games left, which is a pretty tall task.  However, the industrious Beavers can damn up the Badgers chances of getting home ice with taking points out of Madison this weekend.  The Badgers have been, well, awful at the Kohl Center this season, granted they are 5-5-2 their but, those 2 wins are Huntsville and 2 are the Seawolves.  I’m expecting a couple of very low scoring games in Madison this weekend.  I’d be surprised if there was more than four total goals were scored per game.  With that in mind, a bounce here or there could easily determine the winner of these games.  SPLIT  

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

First I would like to thank the UW Badgers for splitting with Miami, the Goon now owes me a beer!  Second I would like to thank the Minnesota announcer, McCloud, for on Friday night, the used the “S” word, and admitted it would take time to get over using the word Sioux, dang, I said it too.

WCHASTANDINGS 2012-2013

Team………………………W-L-T………Points

1. Minnesota………………9-3-4…………22
1. St. Cloud St………….…11-5-0……….22
3. North Dakota.………..…8-4-4…….…..20
3. Denver…………..……...8-6-4…….......20
3. Nebraska-Omaha…......9-5-2…..…..…20
6. Minnesota State……….9-8-1.…...……19
6. Minnesota-Duluth….…..8-7-3…………19
6. Wisconsin…....…………6-5-5………....17
9. Colorado College ……..7-10-1..….……15
10. Bemidji State……..…..4-8-4......……..12
11. Michigan Tech………..4-10-4…..….…12
12. Alaska-Anchorage…....1-13-4…...…….5

WCHA Games

#13 Nebraska-Omaha @ Bemidji St.

Last weekend the Mavericks had a bye and the Beavers got a point from the MTU Huskies (4-0, 2-2ot) in Houghton.

Ever since these teams joined the WCHA the Beavers seem to have gotten UNO’s number.  But they say the past performance doesn’t predict the future, and that does hold the truth, but not the whole truth.  The Mavericks might be a little rusty after a free weekend.  UNO should be hungry for points this weekend; their last action saw them get a point from the Pioneers in Denver.  Way back in October these teams met in Omaha with the first night ending in a 3-3 tie and rematch went to BSU 3-2.  The Beavers are on a tough streak, going winless in their last six games.  This will most likely be the last series these teams play in while, unless they meet in the WCHA playoffs.  If the Beavers can muster some goals they can be the Mavericks, if their offense falls flat, uh-oh.  SPLIT

#14 Minnesota State @ #1 Minnesota

Last weekend the Mavericks took three points from the Seawolves (3-3ot, 4-0) in Anchorage and the Gophers took three points from NoDak (5-1, 4-4) in Minneapolis.

This is a split series, Friday Minneapolis, Saturday Mankato, between these two in-state rivals.  These teams met back in early November, with the home teams winning in those games, Gophers 3-2 at home, and the Mavericks 5-3 in Mankato.  Both teams have been scoring goals this year, so I’m predicting a couple of high scoring affairs.  The Gophers just can’t afford to have a NoDak let down after last weekend.  SPLIT

#16 St. Could St.  @ #5 North Dakota

Last weekend the Huskies swept the Pioneers (5-2, 5-1) in St. Cloud and NoDak took a point from the Gophers (5-1, 4-4ot) in Minneapolis.

This is the second series this year between these two “McLeod WCHA Rivals” the first go around was in November in St. Cloud, with UND winning the opener 3-0, and Huskies returning the favor in the closer with a 5-2 win.  With as close as the top half of standings are points are getting more and more important, and both clubs have their eyes on the top spot.  NoDak is looking to back on track this weekend for their prototypical second half run up the standings.  The Huskies are trying to be the top dog in league after losing that title shortly into 2013.  SPLIT

Alaska-Anchorage @ #20 Wisconsin

Last weekend the Seawolves got a point from the MSUM Mavericks (3-3ot, 4-0) in Anchorage and the Badgers split with the Miami RedHawks (1-0W, 2-1L) in Madison.

This is the second time this month that these two teams square off against each other.  Three weeks ago the Badgers swept the Seawolves in Anchorage by scores of 5-3 and 1-0.  The Badgers are on a red hot (or cardinal hot, if you prefer) stretch, only losing once in the past 13 games, going 8-4-1.  Let’s face the facts; UAA is just the opposite, ice cold, going winless in their last 10 with only one tie in there, 0-9-1.  I’m taking the obvious choice here.  BADGERS SWEEP

Exhibition

US U-18 team @ Minnesota-Duluth

Last weekend the Bulldogs split with the CC Tigers (3-2W, 5-1L) in Colorado Springs.

Since this in an “unofficial” game I will “unofficial” pick a winner, no wait, I won’t pick a winner, or they are both winners…  TIE

BYE WEEK

Colorado College
#10 Denver
Michigan Tech

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