Faceoff Factor

NCAA Weekend Preview: Series To Watch 1/25-1/27

Andrew Chiappazzi | College/NCAA

Jan 25, 03:31 PM | Hype this story!

Here are the games you cannot miss this weekend in college hockey.

#3. Minnesota at Wisconsin
Friday, January 25 at 8:05 EST in Madison, Wisconsin
Saturday, January 26 at 8:07 EST in Madison, Wisconsin
Radio: 830 AM WCCO, 950 AM KDOW (Minnesota) / 1310 AM WIBA (Wisconsin)
Television: Fox Sports North (Friday), CSTV (Saturday)
The Scoop: Neither team has been anything remotely close to the powers they’re used to being. However, this is an intense and quality rivalry, and the fact that it’s between struggling super powers should be just as intriguing. Who has the gumption to pull forward and try and salvage something out of their season? Can Minnesota finally find a way to deal with the loss of Kyle Okposo? Can Kyle Turris finally come out of his shell and take over things for the Badgers? So many questions, maybe we’ll finally get a few answers this weekend.

#2. Robert Morris at Bemidji State
Friday, January 25 at 8:35 EST in Bemidji, Minnesota
Saturday, January 26 at 8:05 EST in Bemidji, Minnesota
Radio: 1360AM KKBJ (Bemidji State)
Television: None
The Scoop: Bemidji holds a seven point lead over Robert Morris, but the Colonials have only played eight conference games to Bemidji’s 12. Second place Niagara – 15 points – have also played 12 games. This is Robert Morris’ chance. At worst, they need to split the series. But they do have a chance to sweep. They’ve been able to pot goals left and right since the Christmas break, and they’re coming off a split with Niagara. If the Colonials sweep, they’ll still be behind in the actual standings, but they’ll be the odds-on favorites in the CHA.

#1. Michigan v. Michigan State
Friday, January 25 at 7:35 EST in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Saturday, January 26 at 7:05 EST in East Lansing, Michigan
Radio: 730 AM WVFN (Michigan State) / 1050 AM WTKA (Michigan)
Television: Fox Sports Detroit (Friday and Saturday)
The Scoop: #1 versus #3. The best team in college hockey versus the defending champions. And one of the nastiest in-state rivalries to boot. Oh, and by the way, only four points separate the teams in the standings. If the Spartans pull rank as defending champs and sweep, we’ll have a new member tied for first place in the CCHA. It’s a home-and-home, so both teams will be very content with a split. Should Michigan come away with a sweep, they’ll cement their dominance of NCAA hockey for the year.

We’ll see you on Monday after the craziness of the weekend.