It is probably too early for Bulldog fans too panic after last weekends sweep at the hands of the Mavericks, but the results do suggest it could be a long season. There is plenty of time on the season for the Bulldogs to go on a winning streak, which will be needed if the team has any thoughts remaining about winning the Spencer and Julie Penrose Memorial Cup. Each of the last two season the winner of the regular season and the Cup has only had six conference losses. Now with two losses a long winning streak is in order. As for NCAAs from my observations of the Bulldogs and the NCHC play This season I am guessing there will be four NCHC teams in the NCAAs. Additionally, I think it will take 21 wins or more for NCHCs teams to make it in. Moral of the story is the Bulldogs better just start winning.
Picks
#8 Denver @ #13 Minnesota Duluth: On paper this is a great match up, I hope it is the same on the ice. The Bulldogs average defensive play and poor special teams play has been hampering this team. I think they can get fired up for one game and earn a split against a very good Pioneers team. Split.
#9 St. Cloud State @ #RV Western Michigan: The slow down game of the Broncos at home will get them a split against the Huskies.
#17 Miami @ #3 North Dakota: The big question after North Dakota's games last weekend is this team over rated or did the Badgers somehow figure things out? North Dakota will face a much tougher Redhawks team this weekend. I will play it safe and pick a split.
