Friday, January 18, 2019

Friday Morning Skate

The Mavericks are back at home this weekend for a big series against Lake Superior State, a team that hasn't lost since the last time it played MSU on Dec. 1.  Minnesota State is looking to maintain its position atop the WCHA standings, while the Lakers are trying to get in home-ice position for the first round of the playoffs.

Minnesota State has been getting solid goaltending from freshman Dryden McKay, this week's WCHA Goaltender of the Week. He's named after Hall-of-Famer Ken Dryden, something I talked to him about for today's story. Earlier this week, I opined about the resurgence of MSU's "Elk River boys," a potentially positive trend for the Mavericks for the stretch run.

It looks like the Mavericks will be fully healthy for the series, something they haven't been able to say for awhile. That nugget, and more, can be found in The Free Press' College Hockey Gameday.

Going around the WCHA ...

Michigan Tech at Bemidji State: It's Hockey Day Minnesota in Bemidji, and the Beavers will host the Huskies in a league game outdoors tonight in what's expected to be frigid conditions. The series will move back indoors on Saturday, but there will be plenty more activities as part of the big event, including the Minnesota State women's team will be playing outside against Bemidji State on Saturday afternoon. As for Tech, it has more to get ready for than just playing outdoors this weekend;  it's hoping to get out of its 1-4-1 funk.

Bowling Green at Alaska: The Falcons have split their last two series and are hoping to pick things up in Fairbanks. They currently boast the best defense in the country, allowing 1.78 goals per game. The Nanooks are coming off their first win in six tries, an overtime victory at Bemidji State last Saturday.

Alaska Anchorage at Alabama Huntsville: These two teams have six combined wins, although the host Chargers are 1-1-1 in their last three games and have played four overtimes in their last seven games. Huntsville currently holds the eighth and final playoff position in the WCHA standings. The Seawolves, meanwhile, are in last place and have lost six straight.

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