Friday Morning Skate

It's the final weekend of the regular season in the WCHA, and there's plenty to be decided for next week's playoffs.

In Mankato, Minnesota State will go for its third MacNaughton Cup and home ice throughout the playoffs when it plays Bemidji State. One win this weekend or a loss by Northern Michigan will clinch the championship.

The fourth-ranked Mavericks continue to be one of the stingiest defensive teams in the country (while  also being one of the top-scoring ones, too). One player who's come on strong to bolster the D over the team's nine-game win streak is sophomore defenseman Edwin Hookenson, who hails from the tiny town of Lampman, Saskatchewan.

This will be the final regular-season series for six seniors, who will get some kudos on Saturday night. That group has been a good one, especially C.J. Suess, who opted to return for his final year. As I opined in my Tuesday column, that decision has been good for him and the Mavericks.

As for the rival Beavers, they're one of two teams that know where they'll be for the playoffs. They'll be home next week against Michigan Tech, as, strangely, the fourth- and fifth-place spots are locked in. Although, win or lose against the Mavericks, they can't change their fate, Bemidji State Tom Serratore said his team wants "to try to get a little karma back to our game."

Going around the rest of the WCHA ...

Northern Michigan at/vs. Michigan Tech: The No. 16 Wildcats are still alive for a championship, although they trail MSU by five points and will try to keep the pressure on the Mavericks when they play their rivals in a home-and-home series. The Huskies are locked into fifth place.

Lake Superior State at Ferris State: The Lakers, winners of four straight, are currently on the outside looking in for the playoffs and trail the Bulldogs by one point in the standings. Ferris State needs one win to secure a postseason spot. If that happens, the Lakers, with one win, will need some help. Sadly, Lake Superior State is mourning the loss of one of its super fans.

Bowling Green at Alabama Huntsville: The No. 15 Falcons can finish second or third, depending on this weekend's results, while the Chargers, who have a three-point lead over Lake Superior State, control their own destiny to make the playoffs. The Toledo Blade's John Wagner takes a closer look at BGSU and the series.

Alaska Anchorage at Alaska: The host Nanooks are tied with Huntsville and also control their own destiny for the league playoffs. They'll play their arch rival, the Seawolves, who will miss the the WCHA playoffs for a fourth straight year.