Kind of a quiet week in the WCHA with only three series going on. But each of the three could have a big impact on the standings.
Michigan Tech at Bowling Green
Shane: The biggest surprise in the standings right now might be that the Huskies are flirting with missing the postseason. While there’s a lot of hockey left to be played, this is a huge road series for Tech. The Falcons, meanwhile, have a chance to put — or keep — themselves in the MacNaughton mix. Huskies 3-2, Falcons 4-1
Matt: These were the two teams I was the most curious about during the preseason. It seemed both had the potential to finish in the top four of the WCHA, but they had yet to prove they could make that jump. So far, the Falcons are living up to their potential. The Huskies are not. Tech needs a win badly this weekend. Falcons 3-1, Huskies 2-1
Minnesota State at Northern Michigan
Shane: The Mavericks swept this series in Mankato two months ago, but they’ll face a very different-looking Wildcats team this time around in Marquette. I think MSU bounces back from last week’s losses in the North Star Cup and a sweep can put them into first place, but it hasn’t been dominant on the road. Mavericks 4-2, Wildcats 2-1
Matt: The sixth-place Wildcats have games in hand and then some on everyone in the league, but NMU’s next four games are against the top two teams in the WCHA. NMU should be overjoyed if it can walk away from its next four games 2-2. MSU’s road woes lead me to believe NMU can steal two points this weekend. Wildcats 4-3, Mavericks 5-4
Alabama-Huntsville at Alaska
Shane: Like Michigan Tech, Alaska’s trying to avoid the WCHA’s relegation. The Nanooks have too much talent to miss the playoffs, right? The Chargers are capable of stealing a point, maybe two, but I’m not sure I can take that leap. Nanooks 5-1, 3-2
Matt: If this series is in Huntsville, I think the Chargers get a win, but since it’s in Fairbanks, I think the Nanooks will take care of business. Nanooks 4-1, 3-1.
Last week: Shane 3-7-0, Matt 4-6-0. Overall: Shane 101-49-20, Matt 95-55-20
