Picking the WCHA: Feb. 23-24

It’s the last weekend of the regular season. There’s still a MacNaughton Cup championship to be decided, plus three playoff spots and four teams left to claim them.

What’s going to happen? Let’s find out!

Lake Superior State at Ferris State

The Lakers have gotten themselves back into playoff contention thanks to a four-game win streak in February. They need points head-to-head against the Bulldogs to have any chance. Ferris has struggled down the stretch. I think this series will be close but will ultimately finish as a split. Lakers 3-1, Bulldogs 4-2

Michigan Tech at/vs. Northern Michigan

Lots on the line for Northern Michigan in this home and home — they need a sweep and some help to claim the MacNaughton Cup. Tech doesn’t have quite as much urgency — they’re already locked into the No. 5 seed and will play at Bemidji State next week no matter what happens. I think the Wildcats get the sweep here, just to keep things interesting. Wildcats 4-3, 3-2

Bowling Green at Alabama Huntsville

The Chargers are looking to make the playoffs after missing out last season. Even a split here would greatly help their cause. I think they get it. Bowling Green, meanwhile, takes the No. 3 seed. Chargers 4-3, Falcons 4-2

Bemidji State at Minnesota State

The Mavericks can clinch the No. 1 seed with just a point this weekend, and can win the MacNaughton Cup outright with two points or more. I think they’ll get there, but not before the defending MacNaughton Cup champs make things interesting with a Friday win. Beavers 3-1, Mavericks 5-3

Alaska Anchorage at Alaska

The Nanooks can lock up their place in the playoffs with any points on the weekend. No reason for them to think that won’t happen against the struggling Seawolves. Nanooks 4-0, 3-1