Friday Morning Skate

The Mavericks are idle this weekend but could actually win the MacNaughton Cup if things go in their favor, such as both Bowling Green and Northern Michigan losing a game. After getting some rest this weekend, MSU will prepare for the stretch run, which includes a trip to Alaska and a home series against Bemidji State to end the regular season. In all likelihood, the Mavericks will be the top seed for the WCHA tournament, which means home-ice advantage throughout.

Here's who is in action in the WCHA this weekend ...

Alaska at Bowling Green: The host Falcons would like to keep the MacNaughton race going for at least another week and earn as high a spot in the standings as possible. They have split every series the've played in 2019 so far. The seventh-place Nanooks would also like to work their way up the standings. They're 5-2 in their last seven games (including a home split against BG).

Northern Michigan at Bemidji State: Tied for second place with Bowling Green but only two points out of fourth and four out of fifth where the Beavers sit, the Wildcats are hoping to create some separation in the standings. Bemidji State, of course, is hoping to keep things muddled, if not separate itself from the pack, in order to clinch a first-round home-ice spot. The Beavers have lost just once in their last six games. College Hockey News takes a look at Northern Michigan's season so far.

Michigan Tech at Lake Superior State: The Lakers have lost just two games in their last 14 and would like to leapfrog Northern Michigan and Bowling Green if possible. Standing in their way this weekend are the Huskies, who need to rebound from a one-point Winter Carnival series against Minnesota State last weekend.

Ferris State at Alaska Anchorage: At ninth- and 10th-place, respectively, the Bulldogs and Seawolves currently sit on the outside looking in for WCHA playoff position. Simply said, it's been a tough year for both teams, who have three combined wins in 2019. Anchorage's one win was a home victory last Friday against rival Alaska.