WCHA Final Five predictions

This is a quick overview of the Final Five tournament in St. Paul.  I’ll add more as the weekend progresses. And yes, I know the tournament is reseeded after the first round, but I think it’s more interesting to note where the teams finished in the conference, so I’m leaving them how they are.

Thursday night (7:07 p.m): #5 St. Cloud vs. #7 Minnesota
St. Cloud finished off the Badgers in two games; the Gophers played over 260 minutes of hockey (including five overtime periods) in their 3-game set with MSU-Mankato. The Huskies have had Minnesota’s number lately, and it continues at the XCel Center. SCSU 4-2.

Friday afternoon (2:07 p.m.): #2 North Dakota vs. #3 Denver
Both schools bring a great deal of talent to the ice. UND has an edge on the power play and between the pipes, and brings more experience to the Final Five. Lamoureux will hear his name called as a Hobey finalist on Thursday night and back it up with a strong performance on Friday afternoon. UND 3-1. For a complete preview of this matchup, click here.

Friday night (7:07 p.m.): #1 Colorado College vs. #5 St. Cloud State
The Tigers will be rested and ready, but it won’t be easy. This matchup could boast three or four Hobey Baker finalists, and it will be one to remember. I’m going with Colorado College, but if they get into penalty trouble, look out. CC 4-3.

Thank you for reading. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Check back after Friday’s games for reaction, commentary, analysis, and more predictions.