Friday-Sunday, March 9-11
Colorado College at No. 4 Denver
Candace: CC has turned Magness Arena back into World Arena North, as it did about a decade ago, but I think Denver is going to tough it out. I’m also wondering how the CC goaltenders’ confidence will be after getting shelled by Western Michigan last Saturday. Denver 3-2, 4-2
Matthew: Although these should be very fun games to watch as a neutral, I have a gut feeling Denver will sweep. DU in two.
Miami at No. 1 St. Cloud State
Candace: I was impressed with what I saw of Miami last weekend against Denver, but St. Cloud just seems to be playing with a ton of confidence, and I don’t think they will have a letdown like they did the last time this series happened in the playoffs. St. Cloud State 4-2, 4-2
Matthew: Miami has previous in terms of winning playoff games in St. Cloud, but I would be surprised if it happens again here. St. Cloud State in two.
Western Michigan at No. 8 Minnesota Duluth
Candace: Which Western Michigan team shows up? The one that scored eight goals last Saturday, or the one that had struggled to one win in its previous six weeks of play. Duluth has been the hot team, and I have to go with the sweep. Minnesota Duluth 4-2, 4-2
Matthew: I wouldn’t be surprised if Western takes one of these games, but Duluth should have enough to advance. Minnesota Duluth in three.
No. 13 Omaha at No. 14 North Dakota
Candace: North Dakota doesn’t seem to win on Friday anymore, so I think this goes three. In a series-clinching game, I have to go with who I think is the better goaltender. Omaha 4-2, North Dakota 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: UNO has yet to make it to the Frozen Faceoff, and while this series should be tight, I think the Mavericks will miss out again. North Dakota in three.
