By Ryan Stieg
We’ve made it everyone. It’s the final week of the CCHA regular season, and things are looking intense in the playoff picture.
There’s three teams in contention for the MacNaughton Cup and after Augustana locked down home ice last week, there’s four teams fighting for the remaining three home ice spots. So this weekend should be fun.
Last weekend wasn’t so fun for me as I almost had a winless week, but the technicality I put in place kept me from getting shut out for the first time this year. However, I didn’t earn my weekly prize for the first time in weeks. That sucked because I was looking forward to eating sticky buns and boiled peanuts, while sipping on a margarita.
This week’s prizes are much simpler. It’s Chocolate Souffle Day and Minnesota Day. So, I get a nice treat as I enjoy the state that I live in and love so much. As far as the matchups go, there’s a lot on the line, so it’s another big weekend in college hockey’s wackiest conference. Let’s start off my Week 21 predictions with a pivotal series in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Bowling Green at No. 16 Michigan Tech
The Falcons had their big chance to climb up the standings last weekend, but they ended up only getting one point out of their home series against Mankato. Now, BG is out of MacNaughton contention and has to fight to get the last home ice spot. Meanwhile, the Huskies were off last week, but they are still in great shape as they’re tied with the Tommies for second place and just two points behind first place Augustana. Both teams are desperate for points, and in cases like that, I pick splits. So that’s what I’m doing. The Falcons win Friday 3-2, but the Huskies win Saturday 4-2.
No. 17 St. Thomas at Bemidji State
Oof. Last week was a rough one for the Tommies. UST blew a two-goal lead to Augie in the last five minutes Friday before losing in a shootout, and then it got shut out by the Vikings Saturday. The good thing for the Toms is that they still control their own fate, and a sweep of the Beavers should lock up the MacNaughton. The problem is that Bemidji has had UST’s number in the past, and it’s desperately trying to hang on to the sixth seed. I think it’s going to be a split, but I’m predicting with a specific split. The Tommies win Friday 4-3, but Saturday is a 3-3 tie with the Beavers winning in a shootout.
Northern Michigan at No. 18 Minnesota State
The Mavericks got the job done in Ohio last week against BG. Now, Mankato is on the verge of locking up home ice and is technically in MacNaughton contention as long as the Mavs do their job and get a little help. The first part shouldn’t be too tough as they get to deal with a Wildcats team that is on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention. NMU needs to sweep the series in regulation to even have a chance at getting into the postseason, and I don’t see that happening. The Mavericks sweep the series, winning 4-1 Friday and 5-2 Saturday.
Ferris State at Lake Superior State (Thurs.-Fri.)
Normally, a series that involves a game on Thursday would be at the top of the list simply because of the schedule. However, this one takes the last spot because there’s not as much in play as the other ones. The Lakers looked good during their sweep of the rival Wildcats, locked up the seventh seed and even have a chance to get the sixth seed if they get a little help from the Tommies. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs almost have the last playoff spot wrapped up, and a win or a NMU loss would clinch it. I think it’s going to be a split. The Lakers win Thursday 4-3, but the Bulldogs win Friday 3-1.