Three things I think I learned this weekend:
1. Maverick, Falcons keep rolling
Minnesota State and Bowling Green sit 1-2 atop the WCHA standings, separated by just two points. Both teams scored sweeps over the weekend with the Mavericks beating Alabama Huntsville twice at home, and Bowling Green getting two at Bemidji State. Each team extended its unbeaten streak to nine games. Minnesota State is 5-0-4 in that stretch, and Bowling Green is 7-0-2 at the same time. Impressive that the Falcons were able to keep things going after doing most of their damage during a six-game homestand.
2. Tech back on track
After getting swept at home by Alaska Anchorage a week ago and tying at Lake Superior State on Friday night, Michigan Tech exploded for four goals in the first period on Saturday against the Lakers, winning 6-2. That result came despite the Huskies getting outshot 37-20. Alex Petan had two goals and an assist in the game and a four-point series. Michigan Tech is three points behind Minnesota State but has played two more games. The Huskies will play in the Great Lakes Invitational in Detroit and then the Desert Hockey Classic in Glendale, Arizona, before getting back into league play Jan. 15-16 with a showdown against the Mavericks.
3. Wildcats win in OT
Northern Michigan played its seventh overtime game of the season on Saturday night and got an extra-period victory for the first time, beating Ferris State 3-2 in Marquette. Dominik Shine scored the game-winner to get the series split. The Bulldogs won 4-2 on Friday. The Wildcats, who have six ties, including four in conference play, put themselves in a good spot to compete for home ice over the second half of the season. They are two points behind fourth-place Ferris, although the Bulldogs have played two more league games. They’re also two points ahead of Alaska Anchorage and Lake Superior State, both of which have played two fewer conference games than Northern.
