Yes, I was wrong. Nebraska-Omaha is a good squad and I haven’t given them enough credit so far this season and gave the Gophers too much credit. Meanwhile, for the rest of the WCHA,
#19 Colorado College (2-1-1) at MSU-Mankato (0-1-3)
Game Times: 7:37 PM CDT Friday, 7:07 PM CDT Saturday TV: CHW (Check local listings)
Players to Watch: Jaden Schwartz (CC), MSU’s power play. Schwartz, a first round pick by the St. Louis Blues this past June, has already started to make his mark in college hockey recording four points in four games. As for the Mavericks, as much as you would like to score a goal a man or two up it doesn’t always happen. However, a 9% conversion on the power play is something that can be improved upon greatly if they want to see success this season.
Analysis: This is the Mavericks’ first real test of the season as they host a nationally ranked team while looking for their first win of the season. However, defense will be the name of the game. The Tigers trail only Wisconsin in scoring defense by two goals while the Mavs are tied for dead last with the Gophers and Tech. Also key for the Mavericks: consistency between the pipes. Austin Lee and Phil Cook have put up less than stellar numbers in their two appearances each. It’s my belief that this weekend will help shape whether there is a #1 goalie for the Mavericks or whether this season will be goalie by committee in Mankato.
Prediction: CC sweep.
#10 Nebraska-Omaha (4-0-0) at #3 Michigan (2-0-2)
Game Times: 7:37 PM EDT both Friday and Saturday Webcast: bigtennetwork.com
Players to watch: Joey Martin (UNO), Shawn Hunwick (U-M). Martin is the definition of “team player” as he leads the Mavericks with 7 assists so far. Hunwick is coming off a career high 48 saves in a tie against #9 New Hampshire last weekend and looks to build on the Wolverines’ success so far.
Analysis: If you honestly had Nebraska-Omaha leading the WCHA after two weeks, raise your hand. Yep, my hand’s down too. In what could be the matchup of the week, the Mavericks visit old CCHA rival Michigan in a battle of Top 10 teams. The Mavericks have surprised their way into the Top 10 with a sweep of Minnesota, in Minnesota. The Wolverines have made it through their schedule so far with consistency. Much like their Maverick counterparts in Mankato, the Omaha version will have a key weekend in store for them.
Prediction: Split
#14 Wisconsin (3-1-0) at #13 Denver (1-2-1)
Game Times: 7:37 PM MDT Friday, 7:07 PM MDT Saturday TV: FSN Rocky Mountain (Fri)
Players to watch: Mark Zengerle (WIS), Drew Shore (DEN). Zengerle has racked up 6 assists in his freshman season while Shore has scored 3 goals so far, leading the Pioneer attack.
Analysis: The Pioneers look to rebound from the offensive drought they suffered last weekend as they only put up one goal against BC. If they want to compete deep in the WCHA season, they need a more consistent and potent offense. As for Wisconsin, they’ve looked good so far, but this series is their first series test of the year after dropping to now #8 Boston University in the season opener.
Prediction: Wisconsin sweep.
#2 North Dakota (3-0-1) at #11 Maine (1-1-2)
Game Times: 7:30 PM EDT Friday, 7:00 PM EDT Saturday TV: CBS College Sports (Fri)
Players to Watch: Matt Frattin (UND), Spencer Abbott (Maine). Frattin has lit the lamp 5 times for the Sioux while Abbott has a more balanced attack with 7 points on the year.
Analysis: The Black Bears are coming off a rough series having gotten only one point at Michigan State, while UND has cruised through their early schedule. I don’t expect this weekend to be that different for the Sioux.
Prediction: UND sweep.
#15 St. Cloud State (1-2-1) at Minnesota (2-2-0)
Game Times: 7:07 PM CDT Friday, 2:07 PM CDT Sunday TV: FS North
Players to Watch: Nick Jensen (SCSU), Erik Haula (MIN). Continuing on with the “Fabulous Freshmen” theme, Jensen and Haula are towards the top of offensive leaders for their teams.
Analysis: The Gophers looked lost last weekend as they got swept by Nebraska-Omaha in a series that surprised some observers. Regardless, they find themselves in the WCHA cellar. St. Cloud is in the similar position of being a disappointment as they are also off to a sluggish start. Both teams need this series to keep themselves in the WCHA race.
Prediction: Sweep
Alaska-Anchorage (1-2-1) at #6 Minnesota-Duluth (3-0-1)
Games Times: 7:07 PM CDT both Friday and Saturday TV: My 9 Duluth
Players to Watch: Tommy Grant (UAA), Jack and Mike Connolly (UMD). Grant leads the Seawolves with 5 points on the year while the Connollys have combined for 16 points on the season. Add Justin Fontaine into the mix and they have 24 points among them.
Analysis: It’s the Seawolves first trip to the Lower 48 of the year as both open the conference schedule in Duluth. However, the Seawolves don’t have the firepower to keep up with the Bulldogs.
Prediction: UMD sweep.
College Hockey Weekend Blogger
Andy Sorensen
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