Hello everyone! Well, it's the final weekend of the regular season, and
there are still some things to be decided. North Dakota is still trying
to lock up the WCHA Title outright while Minnesota is trying to solidify
their position as the #2 seed in the playoffs. And there are still a
number of teams fighting for home playoff spots. Let's get on with the
final installment of My Predictions for this regular season.
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NORTH DAKOTA (21-8-1, 24-8-2) AT DENVER (15-11-4, 19-11-4).
This is an important matchup for both teams. The Sioux still have some
things to get done. They want to clinch the WCHA Title outright, and
they want to make a case for a high seeding position in the NCAA
tournament. To do those things, they must be on top of their game
against a hot Denver team that has come on during the second half of the
season. The Pioneers currently hold the 5th and final playoff spot, but
are being chased by Duluth and Wisconsin. Expect a great series between
two great teams. Prediction: SPLIT (UND wins 5-4, DU wins 7-5).
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WISCONSIN (15-13-2, 15-17-2) AT MINNESOTA (19-10-1, 22-11-1).
The "Border Battle" takes place this weekend as the Badgers, fighting for
home ice travel to Minneapolis to take on the Gophers, who are looking to
share the MacNaughton Cup with the Sioux, and secure the #2 seed in the
playoffs. The Gophers played well last weekend at CC, taking 3 of 4
points including a 3-0 shutout on Saturday Afternoon. The Badgers have
suffered through two straight bad weekends, and are in danger of being on
the road for the playoffs. This rivalry is always hot, and even though
the Badgers are less talented, they usually squeak out at least one win.
Prediction: SPLIT (UM wins 5-2, Badgers win 6-3).
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MINN.-DULUTH (15-12-3, 18-13-3) AT NORTHERN MICHIGAN (8-21-1, 12-22-2).
The Bulldogs, fighting for home ice, travel to always tough Lakeview
Arena to battle with the Wildcats. The Bulldogs had a good weekend
against St. Cloud at home, taking 3 of 4 points. The Wildcats swept a
home and away series from Michigan Tech, and are looking at finishing
their final WCHA season on a good note. The overall record of NMU hides
the fact that they have beaten UND, UM, CC, and Wisconsin at home. Add
the Bulldogs to that list. Prediction: SPLIT (Bulldogs win 6-2, NMU wins
3-2).
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MICHIGAN TECH (5-21-4, 8-23-4) AT ST. CLOUD (16-10-4, 19-11-4).
SCSU gets a season-ending present as the last place Huskies come to
town. The Huskies got swept by NMU last weekend, and are almost certain
to finish in last place. St. Cloud State, on the other hand, is three
points out of 2nd, and lead CC by one point for the all-important 3rd
seed in the league. MTU might have a chance at home, but not at the
National Hockey Center. Prediction: ST. CLOUD SWEEPS (6-2, 8-3).
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COLORADO COLLEGE (16-11-3, 18-13-3) AT ALASKA-ANCHORAGE (7-20-3, 9-20-3).
The Tigers, after surrendering 3 out of 4 points at home to the Gophers
last weekend, make the dreaded road trip to Sullivan Arena to play the
Seawolves. CC is trying to secure home ice for the playoffs and, with
some help, overtake SCSU for the #3 seed. The Seawolves are finishing up
another tough season, but have shown some flashes of good hockey under
first year coach Dean Talefous. The Seawolves were blanked 2-0 and 4-0
at North Dakota last weekend, but played very diciplined and competitive
hockey. At home, look for them to get a win out of it. Prediction: SPLIT
(CC wins 4-2, UAA wins 3-1).
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Well, that's all for this week. Next Monday, the final "Unvarnished
Truth" Poll of the year, and the crowning of the "Unvarnished Truth" WCHA
Champion. Also, we'll start looking at the WCHA playoffs and Final Five
next Wednesday. Later.
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