WCHA Picks: Dec. 16-17

It’s a light weekend for the WCHA. Only four teams are in action, and we only have one series that will impact the WCHA standings.

Either way, there are some fun matchups. So let’s get picking:

Bowling Green at Alaska

Sean: All WCHA eyes will be on this one as the Falcons try to regain their footing after getting swept by Michigan Tech. Trips to Alaska are never easy, but Bowling Green should be motivated to pick up a WCHA win before the holidays. Falcons 3-1, 4-2

Jack: The lone conference series this weekend, this one could be interesting. BG was just swept by Tech while Alaska just split with Anchorage. I think the Falcons get back on track with a sweep. Falcons 4-2, 5-3

Bemidji State at/vs. Minnesota Duluth

Sean: Bemidji State would like to beef up it’s non-conference resume and they have a big opportunity to do so against the No. 1 team in the country. It’s a home-and-home set, which should be nice for both fan bases, and I think each fan base gets a win on home ice. Bulldogs 3-1, Beavers 2-1

Jack: Bemidji State is 0-4 against nonconference foes this season. The Beavers would, without a doubt, like to change that. Although UMD comes in as the No. 1 team in the country, don’t expect the Beavers to be intimidated by the Bulldogs — BSU is 5-0-1 against UMD in the past six matchups. I think this is a split with each team winning at home. Bulldogs 4-2, Beavers 3-2

Minnesota State at Princeton

Sean: Princeton is playing very well right now and they’ve been particularly good on home ice. The WCHA hasn’t been very good in non-conconference games, and that trend will continue in New Jersey. Tigers 3-1, 4-2

Jack: Three weeks ago I’d have said this was an easy Mavericks split. But the Tigers are arguably the hottest team in the country now — especially after sweeping Bemidji State on Thanksgiving weekend. They continued their hot streak with a sweep of Quinnipiac and wins over UMass and RPI. I think they’ll manage a split. Tigers 4-1, Mavericks 3-1