The calendar has turned to December and the WCHA and we get an early gift when the top teams in the WCHA meet this weekend.
Bemidji State at Michigan Tech
Jack: For the most part, the Beavers outplayed Princeton last weekend but scored just twice — once on the power play and once on a penalty shot. They’re going to need to score a lot more goals if they want to beat Michigan Tech. The big question is, will Angus Redmond let them? I think this is a split, and wouldn’t be surprised if one (or both) of these games were decided in OT. Huskies 4-3 (OT), Beavers 3-2 (OT)
Sean: I love watching solid goaltending and this series has a pair of goalies that have been on a roll. It’s going to be a close weekend and I think the team that makes the first mistake is going to regret it. Huskies 3-2, Beavers 2-1
Bowling Green at Lake Superior
Jack: The Lakers got out of a small rut last weekend when they split with Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Falcons, though, are rolling. They haven’t lost since Nov. 5. Although the Lakers’ offense has cooled a bit, this seems like it could be a high-scoring split. Falcons 5-2, Lakers 6-3
Sean: Bowling Green has finally hit a level that many expected before the season started. Lake Superior got a positive result against Michigan, but the Falcons win streak will continue. Falcons 4-3, 4-1
Alaska at Minnesota State
Jack: One stat surprised me this week: Alaska is 14-5-1 all-time against the Mavericks. The teams already split a series this season. I see no reason why that would change this weekend, given their history. Mavericks 6-2, Nanooks 2-1
Sean: These teams met earlier this season in Alaska and it was a split. Minnesota State is the better team, and will have learned from that past experience. This one is a sweep in my mind. Mavericks 4-1, 3-0
Northern Michigan at Alaska Anchorage
Jack: I’m picking a lot of splits this week, I just realized. Most of these teams, I think, are fairly evenly matched. Unfortunately for Alaska Anchorage, I don’t think that’s the case yet. Northern Michigan hasn’t been superb, either, but I think they’ll take two in Anchorage. Wildcats 3-1, 2-1
Sean: This is probably the gimme pick of the week. Northern Michigan hasn’t been overly impressive, but Anchorage has yet to show me much. Wildcats 4-2, 3-1
Ferris State at Alabama Huntsville
Jack: Both teams are coming off a bye weekend. Conveniently, both teams get an extra day of rest with a Saturday/Sunday series. The Chargers are in the final two games of a six-game homestand in which they haven’t been able to get a victory. I think they’ll steal one here. Chargers 3-1, Bulldogs 3-1
Sean: Remember when the Chargers went into Ferris State and picked up a sweep earlier this season? The Bulldogs also remember and they’ll be well rested for the trip to Dixie after a bye last week. Bulldogs 4-1, 2-0
