We are ever so close to the post-season in college hockey. In fact, a number of teams have already claimed conference regular-season titles, including a couple of first-timers in Bentley of Atlantic Hockey and, surprisingly, Providence College in Hockey East. The Friars have a national championship to their name when they took it all in 2015, but this is their first time finishing atop the standings in the conference.
Meanwhile, Minnesota State took care of business in the CCHA, with the Mavs winning their eighth MacNaughton Cup in the past nine seasons. The CCHA was so tight this season that it all literally came down to the end, so this is going to be quite the conference tournament to keep an eye on. No doubt there are going to be some teams who fell just short who will have revenge on their minds in the bracket.
Speaking of revenge, a number of underdogs made noise this past weekend, shaking up our power rankings.
1. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (25-8-1)
We have a new No. 1 and they ain’t from the state of Michigan. The Fighting Hawks split with a very good Western Michigan squad on the weekend and there’s no shame in that. North Dakota won the Penrose Cup in the process and gets Omaha in the first round of the NCHC tournament for its troubles.
2. Michigan Wolverines (26-7-1)
In a typical year, splitting with Minnesota would be an accomplishment, but the Gophers have been down bad this season so it’s a bit of a stain on the Wolverines. With only an exhibition game against Canadian university Simon Fraser on the schedule, at least Michigan can regroup before the Big Ten tournament.
3. Michigan State Spartans (24-7-1)
Like the rival Wolverines, the Spartans got caught in a trap series on the weekend. For them, it was Ohio State, with the Buckeyes winning one and forcing MSU to a shootout, which the Spartans luckily took after a marathon. Defenseman Colin Ralph (STL) played the unlikely hero for Michigan State.
4. Western Michigan Broncos (24-9-1)
Splitting with North Dakota bumps the Broncs up in the rankings and the defending national champs have played well down the stretch. In a tough conference, they dropped just two games in February. Western Michigan faces a dangerous Colorado College in the first round of the NCHC tournament.
5. Denver Pioneers (21-11-3)
Another team with legitimate title aspirations, the Pioneers are unbeaten in nine straight heading into the NCHC tournament, where they draw Miami in the opening round. Denver drubbed the Redhawks in December, so let’s see if they can keep the party going when the stakes are higher.
6. Providence College Friars (22-9-2)
The regular-season crown is nice, but you know the Friars won’t be satisfied stopping there. Splitting with New Hampshire was a little curious, but these things happen. Late roster addition Michael Simpson has given the Friars two quality starts in net so far; it will be interesting to see how they proceed.
7. Cornell Big Red (20-8-1)
With a pair of cross-state victories over St. Lawrence and Clarkson over the weekend, Cornell leaps over ECAC mates Quinnipiac. Defenseman George Fegaras (DAL) is on a four-game point streak and is second in team blueline scoring behind offensive D-man Xavier Veilleux (NYI).
8. Quinnipiac Bobcats (26-7-3)
The Bobcats got blasted by Dartmouth on Friday before rebounding against Harvard the next day. That makes Quinnipiac 2-2 in their past four, which is either a sign of things to come or just more motivation for them to stomp through the ECAC. Ethan Wyttenbach (CGY) has six points in his past three games.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions (20-10-2)
Most folks expected Penn State to crush Notre Dame on the weekend, but the Nittany Lions barely escaped South Bend. That inconsistency continues to be troubling for the group, but at least they have one more test against Wisconsin before the Big Ten tournament begins.
10. Dartmouth Big Green (19-7-4)
If you hang seven goals on Quinnipiac, you deserve a spot in the power rankings. But the Big Green have been vexing all season: Are they a legit contender? Can they beat top teams? Blitzing the Bobcats was a good sign. Hank Cleaves has 35 points in 30 games and will be a free agent with NHL suitors after the season.