First of all I wanted to thank all the readers here at USCHO. This will be my final weekend picking and writing about the WCHA, I start a new job on Monday and with that development, Jack will be taking a solo lap for the rest of the season as WCHA columnist.
It’s been fun to cover the conference and I’ll still keeping an eye on the WCHA from afar. I’m also sure Jack will do a tremendous job covering the league for the rest of the season.
And with that, let’s get picking…
Bemidji State at Michigan Tech
Jack: The big series this weekend. And not only because it’s Winter Carnival in Houghton. A Beaver sweep would put them in the drivers’ seat for the last home ice spot — especially since they have two games in hand on Tech. The Huskies, on the other hand, could do themselves a huge favor with a sweep on their end. All that said, I don’t think either of those things will happen. This is going to be a split — with the Huskies winning the MacInnes Cup (which goes to the most goals scored on the weekend). Beavers 2-0, Huskies 4-1
Sean: I think it’s going to be a tight weekend in Houghton. Both teams see large opportunities, while the crowd should be a good on for the Huskies. Beavers 2-1, Huskies 3-2
Alaska at Northern Michigan
Jack: NMU is clinging to first place in the conference standings, but just by a single point. The Wildcats don’t control their own destiny over MSU, but I think they’ll do as much as they can to make sure they have a shot at the MacNaughton Cup. Wildcats 4-2, 3-2
Sean: If you want to have home ice for the entirety of the playoffs you have to take advantage of weekends like this. I think the Wildcats do just that. Wildcats 3-2, 4-2
Minnesota State at Alabama Huntsville
Jack: Unlike Northern Michigan, Minnesota State DOES control its own destiny. The Chargers played OK against the Mavericks when they last played in Mankato but got swept. I think they’ll put up a good fight at home, but MSU is going to be too strong. Mavericks 4-3, 3-2 (OT)
Sean: Trips to Alabama aren’t a walk in the park, but the Mavericks are on another level this season. Mavericks 4-2, 3-0
Lake Superior State at Alaska Anchorage
Jack: Alaska Anchorage hasn’t been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention yet, but they’re not far off. The Lakers can bring the death knell this weekend with a sweep. Sorry Seawolves fans, I think that’s what happens this week. Lakers 4-2, 3-1
Sean: I have to close out my final picks with a bit of an upset. Let’s see what you go Seawolves. Seawolves 3-2, 4-3
