It’s the final weekend of the NCHC regular season, and only one of the first-round series is actually set. We know Denver and Minnesota Duluth will be home for the first round, but we don’t know who they will play, or who the final home ice team is.
Last week, I gained another game on Matthew, going 4-3-1 (.562) while he went 3-4-1 (.437). On the year, I am 94-55-21 (.614), while Matthew is 89-60-21 (.585)
Friday-Saturday, March 2-3
Western Michigan at Colorado College
Candace: I don’t have any confidence in the reeling Broncos. Colorado College 3-2, 3-1
Matthew: I could be very wrong on this, but it wouldn’t stun me if CC sweeps this series. Both games should be close, though. Colorado College 3-2, 3-2
Miami at Denver
Candace: Ryan Larkin has bedeviled Denver, but I like the Pioneers to sweep. Denver 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: A sweep for the Pios here seems the most likely result. Denver 3-1, 3-1
No. 14 Omaha at No. 7 Minnesota Duluth
Candace: This one is really tough. Omaha is an explosive team, but I think Duluth will want to send a message, just in case this ends up being a first-round series. Minnesota Duluth 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: Omaha’s 4-10 on the road this year and this is a series where they could really use a couple of wins. I don’t know if the Mavericks will get more than one. Split. Omaha 3-2, Minnesota Duluth 4-2
No. 1 St. Cloud State at No. 13 North Dakota
Candace: North Dakota will be absolutely desperate. However, I’m going with St. Cloud, mainly because North Dakota hasn’t been able to win on a Friday. St. Cloud State 4-3, 4-2
Matthew: UND needs a win to finally lock up home ice for the playoffs, and I think the Hawks will get it, but it’s not like SCSU has nothing to play for. Split. North Dakota 3-1, St. Cloud State 3-2
