After a few teams took some games off last weekend, everyone’s back in action this week for a full slate of WCHA games. Lots at stake, too: Can Northern Michigan stay on top of the league standings? Will Tech, Huntsville, Ferris or Alaska clinch a playoff spot? Will Alaska Anchorage and Lake Superior Stay alive?
Lots of questions, let’s get the answers. On to the picks!
Michigan Tech at Bowling Green
Sean: The top three teams in the WCHA all know what is at stake, and the Falcons have the toughest matchup of the three. Sweep would be a huge boost, but it’ll be a split. Falcons 3-1, Huskies 2-1
Jack: After Tech was swept at Ferris State last weekend, they’re on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff home ice. BG can make it tough for them to climb back into the top four if they sweep, but I don’t think that will happen. I also see a split. Huskies 3-1, Falcons 5-2
Lake Superior State at Bemidji State
Sean: Bemidji is the more consistent team, plays better defense, and is at home. Feels like a sweep in the making. Beavers 2-0, 3-2
Jack: The Beavers had a hiccup at Alabama Huntsville last weekend and lost for the first time in 13 league games. But they’re coming home for a series against one of the bottom teams in the league. I think they’ll take care of business. Beavers 3-2, 3-1
Alaska Anchorage at Minnesota State
Sean: The Mavericks return to WCHA play after an impressive stint in non-conference competition, with an exhibition game sprinkled in. Anchorage is making a tough road trip, have to call chalk on this one. Mavericks 4-1, 5-2
Jack: The Mavs will be incredibly well-rested for this weekend series. (Yes, they played an exhibition game last weekend, but those usually aren’t as big for teams as competitive games.) I see MSU keeping pace. Mavericks 5-2, 5-3
Ferris State at Alaska
Sean: The Bulldogs picked up a nice sweep against Michigan Tech last week, that momentum should extend into the last frontier. Bulldogs 3-1, 4-0
Jack: This one feels more like a split to me. The Nanooks will be well-rested after having last weekend off, and the Bulldogs will be travelling a ton. Nanooks 4-1, Bulldogs 4-1
Northern Michigan at Alabama Huntsvlle
Sean: Funny things tend to happen in Huntsville, so this is a tough series to call. Think we’ll see some overtime each night. Chargers 3-2 (OT), Wildcats 6-5 (OT)
Jack: I’m going to go the other way and say the Wildcats win both games and remain in first place. Maybe one will be close, but not the other one. Wildcats 5-1, 3-2 (OT)
