Here are my predictions for this weekend:

Gophers at NoDak: Gophers in three. Could happen. The Gophers probably win one in three times in a series at the Ralph and why not this weekend? They have Kangas Kahn -- a historical refererence to the conqueror Genghis Kahn -- as Don Lucia called him after he made 45 saves against Wisconsin in his best game this season.

And they have Mike Carman and Tony Luica coming off two-goal games. It was Mike and Tony who scored the overtime goals two years ago when the Gophers outlasted MSU Mankato in three games in the city the Vikings hold training camp. The Gophers lost first game 1-0 in 2 OTs, won 2-1 in 1 OT and won 3-2 in 2 OTs.

So the heroes in that first round playoff victory are all back.

MSU Mankato at St. Cloud State: Mavs in three ... In a home and home series last weekend, the Mavs won at their rink and tied the Huskies 2-2 at the National Hockey Center. For some unfathomable reason they play well up there and will win in three.

Michigan Tech at DU: Pioneers sweep. Might be one close game.

Alaska Anchorage at Wisconsin: Badgers sweep. If this was in 49th state, Seawolves would win at least one game, not at the Kohl Center

CC at UMD: Bulldogs in three. Dogs have too many Connollys and other snipers.

So this will be the lineup for the Final Five next week at the X:

Thursday

Gophers vs. MSU Mankato

Friday semifinals

UMD vs. Wisconsin

Gophers vs. Denver ... DU goalie Marc Cheverie can't wait. He shut out the Gophers twice and nearly had a third and fourth shutout, too.