WCHA Weekly Preview: Mar 7-8th

Here we are...the last weekend of the regular season. The Badgers and the Seawolves both have the weekend off, with UAA cemented in last place and UW hoping that neither SCSU or MSUM win any games this weekend and push them down the standings.

Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs @ Minnesota Gophers

Summary: The Bulldogs are in a bit of a slide lately, losing their last 4 games and only scoring one goal in the process. The Gophers, on the other hand, look to be playing a bit better after taking 3 points in each of their last 2 series. Despite the fact that these two teams appear to be heading in opposite directions, UMD always seems to play UMN tough, and I wouldn't be surprised with a split or either team taking 3 points.

WWN Says: Both of these teams are on the bubble and will be hungry for wins. For the most part, I like UMD fans...even RWD is growing on me...and I would rather the Bulldogs make the NCAA's than the Gophers. The majority of Gopher fans could use a year (or four) out of the tourney to bring their arrogance down a few notches. In the end though, both of these teams could end up missing the dance.

Denver Pioneers vs. Colorado College Tigers (home & home)

Summary: The Pioneers are coming off a split with Tech, while the Tigers showed a kink in their armor after getting a split with the Mavs at home. CC controls their own destiny for the MacNaughton...if they get two points they are guaranteed at least a share of the trophy. CC also needs some wins to ensure a #1 seed, while DU appears to be locked in as a #2.

WWN Says: This series has the best chance at producing the WOTW award for next week. A sweep by either team (or a horrible, game-changing decision by the ref) would almost guarantee it. I would love to see a rematch with these teams during the CoSprings regional in just a few weeks. That would be really fun to watch (both for hockey and for whining).

St. Cloud State Huskies @ North Dakota Fighting Sioux

Summary: This series pits the two hottest teams in the WCHA against each other. The Huskies have won 6 of their last 7 games, while the Sioux are unbeaten in their last 15. Both teams have plenty to play for, as SCSU needs two points to guarantee themselves home ice for the WCHA playoffs and UND wants a shot at the MacNaughton. A good series from either team would also solidify their PWR standing.

WWN Says: Huskies fans really make it hard to cheer for their team. The team is fun to watch...their PP efficiency over the years is amazing...and they play an enjoyable, up-tempo style with skilled forwards. But the community college fans are another story. With the playoffs approaching, we have probably seen the last of the Sioux "fighting incidents", but their fans will find something else to whine about. Perhaps North Dakota State will make the F5 again.

Michigan Tech Huskies @ Minnesota State Mavericks

Summary: The Mavericks went on a 3 game losing streak following their 7 game winning streak before beating CC last Saturday. That slide pushed them back into a big group of WCHA teams on the PWR bubble. The Huskies will be on the road for the WCHA playoffs...this weekend will just determine where they travel. They probably would rather avoid Colorado Springs or Grand Forks, so they'll want to move up in the standings. Tech would need some help from UMD and UMN to accomplish that though.

WWN Says: Do the Huskies have anything left to play for? The only way that they'd make the tourney would be if they won the F5. They gave MEg a win in her last home game. And they already know Teslak will be gone next year. How many times are we going to hear that Ole song this weekend? Maybe the Mavericks will be involved in a fight and WCH will deny it ever happened. :)