During the regular season, I tried to picked WCHA games with limited success. Why stop now?
Here are my predictions for Friday's NCAA first-round games:
East Regional at Bridgeport, Conn.:
Minnesota Duluth vs. Union, 2 p.m.: There was a sign at UMD's hotel welcoming the University of Minnesota. Oops. Scott Sandelin said he would get that fixed pronto. The Gophers lost to the Union Dutchmen in overtime at Mariucci in their holiday tournament. And I might pick Union over the Gophers, but not over UMD.
The Bulldogs are well-rested and have firepower. Jack and Mike Connolly and Justin Fontaine or CCF, UMD's top line, will rise to the occasion. ... Bulldogs 3-2.
Yale vs. Air Force, 5:30 p.m.: Yale is the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Don't think they are the best team, but they should win in their backyward. Air Force beat Yale 4-3 early in season when the Bulldogs/Elis played their backup goalie. Won't see him this game. ... Bulldogs 3-1.
West Regional at St. Louis:
Michigan vs. Nebraska Omaha, 4:30 p.m.: Red Berenson has his team in the NCAA tournament for the 21st year in a row. Wolverines are automatic in that area. But Dean Blais will have his Mavericks fired up. Still remember when UNO came to Mariucci and blew the Gophers off the ice at the start of both games.
