There’s only one conference series this weekend, as Denver visits Minnesota-Duluth in the league openers for both teams… but every other NCHC team (except reigning CHN Team of the Week Nebraska-Omaha) is in action in nonconference competition.

DENVER AT MINNESOTA-DULUTH

The reigning NCHC tournament champ Pioneers visit Duluth after a weekend that saw Jim Montgomery’s crew outscore Rensselaer 7-1 in a weekend sweep. The story out of Magness Arena a week ago was the play of Zac Larazza and Quentin Shore, who combined for four goals while playing on a line with highly-touted rookie left-wing Danton Heinen. The trio led the offense, while the Pioneers enjoyed strong goaltending from Evan Cowley, who picked up both wins. On Saturday, he replaced an injured Tanner Jaillet just 2:20 into the Jaillet’s first career start. Cowley and Jaillet will likely split this weekend’s games.

Meanwhile, UMD has seen an inconsistent start to its season, with a pair of Friday night losses coupled with a pair of Saturday night wins. Last weekend, the Bulldogs beat Minnesota State 6-2 a night after falling to the WCHA’s Mavericks in overtime. The player to watch: sophomore Dominic Toninato. The Duluth native scored seven goals last year as a freshman … and already has five this season. The Bulldogs offense has been rolling and will face a tough test against a seasoned and responsible defensive unit in Denver.

Prediction: Denver wins Friday, Duluth wins Saturday

NON-CONFERENCE ACTION

North Dakota hosts Providence in a marquee pair of weekend games, pitting two of the top goalies in the nation (Jon Gillies for the Friars, and Zane McIntyre for UND) in a matchup of two NCAA hopefuls. Providence played a pair of OT nailbiters to start its season — an extra-time loss to Ohio State on opening night before returning the favor 24 hours later. For UND, senior Mark MacMillan will look to keep his personal momentum going after a 5 point night last weekend (including a hat-trick against Colorado College). Prediction: Providence wins Friday, North Dakota wins Saturday.

Other NCHC nonconference games this weekend:

St. Cloud State visits Union, the defending national champions, in a weekend series in upstate New York. Prediction: St. Cloud wins Friday, Union wins Saturday.

Western Michigan hosts Alaska-Fairbanks: The Broncos look to get back on track after a sweep at the hands of Omaha last week. Prediction: Western Michigan sweeps.

Miami hosts St. Lawrence: The Saints visit a Miami team that has started strong. Junior Sean Kuraly has outshone Austin Czarnik and Riley Barber so far. Prediction: Miami sweeps.

Colorado College at Boston College, at New Hampshire: A tough test for a young Tigers team looking to find its identity with a new head coach. Prediction: BC and UNH win these games.

 

 

 

Friday, October 24th, 2014 - 6:40 pm | Blogs, NCHC, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings