By Roy J. Akers-www.skyviewsports.net
The Recap
Boston College remains the No. 1 ranked team in the USCHO poll with two Big Ten teams (MSU, No. 2 and Minnesota No. 4). The NCHC has placed Western Michigan third and Denver 5th. In all, the Big Ten has five teams in the Top 17, but Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin are all fading from their peak just a few weeks ago. The NCHC has four teams in the Top 20 as St. Cloud St. has fallen out of the Top 20. The CCHA now has two teams in the Top 20 with Minnesota St. falling to 15, but Augustana making their first Top 20 appearance this season.
A Look at these select teams
MSU impressive against Minnesota
Michigan State University has solidified its lead in the Big Ten with a blowout win and a tie against No. 4 Minnesota. MSU forward Isaac Howard leads the NCAA in scoring with a line of (20-19-39) and three B1G Players of the week awards. The Spartans travel to Ohio State for a pair against the Buckeyes this weekend.
Ohio State Needs a sweep against MSU this weekend.
OSU (No. 11) has tumbled down its rankings. They need some goal scoring as is ranked 31st in the NCAA in scoring with a line of (11-14- 25). Ohio State tied and lost in a shootout to unranked Penn State in B1G action. Taking a victory or two at home against MSU will be a measure to see if Ohio State will make a run in the second half of the season towards a B1G regular season title.
Michigan needs more scoring
Michigan (No. 13) has seen their rankings tumble the last few weekends. They played the always-tough Badgers at the Kohl Center and both tied and lost last weekend. TJ Hughes has been on a point barrage since Christmas and has a line of (11-16-27) on the season Michael Hage is T-31 in NCAA scoring. the Wolverines have had plenty of scoring the last few seasons, but this has not been the case this year. Penn State travels to Yost for a pair of games this weekend and a pair of UM victories will give them a boost as they play MSU the following weekend.
Watch Out for Western Michigan
Western Michigan is on a roll. They beat Miami of Ohio in a route on Friday and a 2-0 score on Saturday. Western has arguably the best pair of goaltenders in the country and Hampton Slukynsky earned his 5th win of the season and knocked all 14 Miami shots for the victory.
Michigan Tech is still looking for their first ranking of the season
Joe Shawhan’s team swept Northern Michigan and is getting close to the Top 20 earning an honorable mention this season. Shawhan’s team is off this weekend and plays Bemidji State in a pair of games at home . Jansson scored three goals in the CCHA series sweep of Northern Michigan. He scored power-play goals on Saturday, including the game-winner with 6:12 left in the third period. Jansson added an empty net tally on Saturday in Marquette. Jansson has 14 points in his rookie season with seven goals and seven assists. The Huskies inducted Tony Esposito into their Hall of Fame this past weekend.
Others receiving votes: Colorado College 61, Dartmouth 42, Clarkson 41, St. Cloud State 39, Michigan Tech 33, Omaha 30, Sacred Heart 22, Cornell 15, Holy Cross 8, Penn State 5, Niagara 4, Northeastern 3, Bowling Green 2
Roy J. Akers covers college hockey for www.skyviewsports.net
