Final Five Predictions...at least the first 2 games

Ok, here we go, it's just about that time.

For the first "play-in" game it's SCSU vs. U of M.

With the Gophers coming from behind in dramatic style, the injury to Tom Pohl, and them still trying to prove that they should be in the national tourney, the Gophers are going to come out hard. They've definitely got some potent offense, but are rarely scoring a lot of goals. I also think Kangas is mediocre in net. He seems to make a lot of initial saves but gives up some juicy rebounds. With both Saturday and Sunday games going almost 2 extra periods each, they are going to be tired.

SCSU is coming in off a sweep over the weekend, but they played for their life against the Sioux in the last weekend of regular season. They too have a potent offense and also having been scoring in big numbers. Again, they also have some great netminders. Weslosky has been solid lately with a good defense in front of him. With the longer rest, the Huskies should come in hungry.

This is a tough one. I'd have to go with SCSU. They're playing better hockey lately and I think their offense is going to be just too much for the Gophers. That is unless the referees decide to let all the clutching/grabbing/obstruction go.

Next game will be Friday afternoon with UND vs. DU.

Denver has been mediocre in the second half of the season, but usually firm up for the playoffs. They swept their first round of playoffs, so they may have a bit of momentum coming in. Goaltending has been good enough to keep them in the close games. Even though nobody is in the top 50 of the nation in scoring, they have a pretty balanced attack. The only concern is that their top 4 scorers are underclassmen, so how they handle the playoff pressure should be interesting.

The Fighting Sioux have been nothing short of amazing in the second half of the season. Their offense has been potent and goaltending has been great. One concern lately has been the play of their defense. With the defensemen constantly jumping up into the play, they have been allowing odd-man rushes the other way. As long as JPL can handle that, they should be okay. Big Joe Finley has been anything but stellar lately. He's been lazy on the backcheck and making bad decisions with the puck. If coach Hakstol can get him straightened out, that should help out a bit.

I'm going to have to go with my Fighting Sioux in this one. Even though both have great goaltenders, I think the Sioux having been crashing the net and following shots really well lately. I don't think Denver has what it takes to stop this train right now.