gophers/ncaa

wcha regular-season race: the final weekend

A mere six points separate the top seven teams in the WCHA standings:

St. Cloud State

Position: First place, 35 points

This weekend: at Wisconsin

Comment: It’s simple. Win one game at Wisconsin this weekend and clinch at least a share of their first MacNaughton Cup ever. Three points or more guarantees the championship outright.

Gophers

Position: Tied for second, 33 points

This weekend: at Bemidji State

Comment: The Gophers can grab at least a piece of the regular-season title if the Huskies falter. Minnesota hasn’t technically clinched home ice yet for the first round of the WCHA playoffs, but unless Denver makes up a 24-goal differential this weekend, there will be hockey at Mariucci Arena next weekend.

North Dakota

Position: Tied for second, 33 points

This weekend: at Minnesota State Mankato

Comment: UND has clinched home ice, and like the Gophers can grab at least a share of the conference title if St. Cloud State falters.

Minnesota State

Position: Tied for fourth, 31 points

This weekend: vs. North Dakota

Comment: Would need a lot of help to get a piece of the title, but the Mavericks can move up in the standings and clinch home ice with a strong weekend. MSU would lose a tiebreaker to Denver (0-2 head-to-head).