A new number one team rules over the USCHO Poll, plus a few moves within the top ten. Take a look at all the changes below!
A new work week means another addition of the USCHO Division I Men's Hockey poll. A fresh face sits atop the rankings, and shifts have come within the top ten teams in NCAA Hockey. Let's take a look at your fresh rankings from the USCHO.
No. 1 University of Michigan, prev No. 2: The Wolverines bounced back against the University of Minnesota 4-2 Friday evening after a Thursday defeat to the Gophers. Freshman Malcolm Spence was the difference maker, with a three point weekend to move Michigan into the top spot
No. 2: Michigan State University, prev No. 1. The Spartans barely split the weekend against Ohio State. Anthony Romani scored the only Michigan State marker as the team fell 5-1 Friday night. The freshman struck again the following evening, sending the game into overtime before the Spartans won a thrilling 13 round shootout on Senior Night. Head Coach Adam Nightingale said following the shootout win “I thought that was a really, really good response out of our group, and I think that embodies what our seniors are about.”
No. 3: University of North Dakota, stays at No. 3. This weekend was clash of the Titans between two of the top teams in both the NCHC and NCAA as a whole. The Fighting Hawks won in regulation against Western Michigan Friday night with five unique goal scores in their 5-2 win. Saturday was a back and forth affair, bolstered by Keaton Verhoeff’s two assists. However, the Broncos outlasted North Dakota in overtime 4-3.
No. 4: Western Michigan University, stays at No. 4. The defending NCAA Champions earned an overtime win against conference rival North Dakota on Saturday night after falling on Friday. Captain Owen Michaels delivered the dagger in the final minute of the extra frame from Samuel Sjolund.
No. 5: Providence College, prev No. 6. After two close contests against the University of New Hampshire, the Friars move up a spot in this week's rankings. A heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the Wildcats Friday night fueled the Friars to a decisive two call third period on Saturday, resulting in a 3-2 win and first ever outright Hockey East regular season title.
No. 6: Penn State University, previously No. 5. Last weekend was not the best for the Nittany Lions, nearly getting swept by Notre Dame, who until Friday, only had two conference wins on the year. Penn State showed resilience in the Friday night game edging out the Fighting Irish in a shootout Friday after initially trailing 3-0. Despite the issues, Gavin McKenna showed up in a big way, potting, three assists and a shootout goal during the series split.
No. 7 University of Denver, previously No. 8. Two dominating performances move the Pioneers from 8 to 7 in the poll. Samu Salminen had five points (4 goals + 1 assist) split between the two games against Arizona State University where Denver won 5-2 and 4-1 respectively. The Pioneers play the Miami University RedHawks to start the NCHC tournament this Friday, March 6.
No. 8: Quinnipiac University, previously No. 7. Despite the Bobcats' sixth straight Cleary Cup as ECAC Regular Season Champions, Quinnipiac came up short against No. 14 Dartmouth College by a 7-4 spread on Friday. Ethan Wyttenbach continued his incredible freshman season with three points (2 goals + 1 assist) between the loss and the cup clinching 4-1 win against Harvard the following night. Quinnipiac and the rest of the ECAC have the week off as the conference quarterfinals do not start until March 13.
No. 9: Cornell University, previously No. 11. The Big Red had two big wins against ECAC Conference opponents, moving them up two spots in the collegiate rankings. The big story on the weekend was junior forward Ryan Walsh who put up four points, (1 goal + 3 assists) helping to secure victories against both Saint Lawrence University and Clarkson University. Goaltending also made a difference, with netminders Alexis Cournoyer and Remington Keopple each only allowing one goal in their respective starts.
No. 10 University of Minnesota Duluth, previously No. 9. Duluth came up short against collected a victory and took a loss at home against Colorado College. Still, I was impressed with the grit and offensive determination of the Bulldogs. They outshot the Tigers 53-40 on the weekend with a power play goal. If they get more high danger, chances with the volume of shots, they put on goal, Duluth will be dangerous in the NCHC Tournament. The Bulldogs play defensive minded St. Cloud State University in the conference quarterfinals starting Friday, March 6.