The week off from WCHA play should help the Bulldogs in their sprint to the end. The goal or the quest right now is home ice. This weekend should give that goal a blow to the midsection.
Around the Bulldogs in the standings are an up and down Minnesota State team and a surging Wisconsin team. Wisconsin is of greatest concern as they have lost once in their last 12 games and have two games in hand compared to MSUM and UMD.
And let's not forget that UMD does have a game this weekend. And that game should not be taken lightly.
The USNDT U18s are in town and they have been doing well against Division I teams this season. Just this week they beat Michigan State.
What we should look for from the Bulldogs is solid play for 60 minutes. If UMD should fall behind, it is also a good time to get the mental toughness a test, a place they have been lacking at times this season. Most importantly, we need to see Alex Fons in net. With Aaron Crandall still not 100% as of last weekend, Fons needs some gametime work and the staff needs to see what he has.
Around the WCHA and Picks by @afiskness. This weekend brings a light weekend of WCHA games there are only four series and four teams on bye. The teams playing are looking to make some gains on the teams resting. The Bulldogs will likely find themselves in 8th place after this weekend.
WCHA Conference:
Minnesota State University Mankato vs. Minnesota Twin Cities (Home and Home): The Mavericks bounced back nicely on their road trip to Anchorage with a win and a tie and the Gophers continued their roll with the same results against North Dakota. This series means a lot to the Mavericks and I expect to see some close games. Split.
Anchorage @ Wisconsin: The Seawolves are having a tough time finding a win, meanwhile the Badgers having been playing good hockey even though they split last weekend with Miami. I don’t know how anyone can pick anything other than a Badger sweep.
Omaha @ Bemidji State: The Beavers seam to hold all of the cards against the Mavericks in this series, but the Beavers are not playing good right now. I think somehow the Beavers will find a way to get a split.
St. Cloud State @ North Dakota: This should be a great series. The Huskies got a big sweep last weekend against the Pioneers and are looking to stay hot. North Dakota should be fired up after falling short of their expectations last weekend against the Gophers and now face another good rival. Split.
Other NCHC Teams:
Michigan at Western Michigan
Bowling Green at Miami
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