Come back each week for a preview of interesting NCAA games coming up and some thoughts on what happened in the previous week's action. Check out Thursday's How to Watch for links to all the weekend's games.
(3) Ohio State at (5) Minnesota Duluth
Friday at 6:00 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM Central
The Bulldogs could use a signature win or two and they've had success against the Buckeyes in recent years. Both teams have been a little weaker on defense than expected - but that's a relative thing. They're both still top-20 in Team Defense, but are giving up two goals or more per game.
UMD is scoring more than they have in recent years, which is giving them a bit more cushion. They're led by Caitlin Kramer on defense, but the surprise of the roster so far this season for me has been Thea Johansson, they Mercyhurst transfer. She's been thriving with the Bulldogs and having exptra support around her seems to really have brought out more of her scoring prowess. They've won four in a row.
Ohio State is on a six game win streak, started just after their lone loss for far this season - to Minnesota a few week back. Their rookies have been outstanding and dynamic, while captain Joy Dunne seemed to take a little time to adjust early on, but has been back to her form in recent games.
Minnesota Duluth can't let Ohio State get set up in the zone and just move the puck until they find an opening. They have to been strong on the forecheck and keep OSU from getting too settled on they'll be on their heels for most of the game.
(12) Brown at (11) Clarkson
Friday at 6:00 PM Eastern
Clarkson played early last week and then did not play over the weekend. They're coming off a solid win in which they answered some questions abobut offensive output and high-pressure games. Brown have been pulling off results by really naroow margins, but it has happened so often it's difficult to attribute it to luck. They're tenacious and don't give up and they're going to put a lot of pressure on Clarkson in both directions. They're fast and really smart in transition. The Bears will be looking for chances to force turnovers and flip momentum.
I would really like to see a bit more involvement from the second and third lines for Brown. Strong defenses will be able to at least slow down that top group and if they can add some more secondary scoring, I think they'll be in a really good position as the season goes on.
The Golden Knights have to stick to their plan and not let what Brown does affect them too much. If they can be smart with the puck and not get pushed out of their game, they'll have the upper hand here. But we've seen them get rattled and not necessarily find their equalibrium in games already this season, so focus really has to be an area of emphasis.
Saint Anselm at Assumption
Friday at 12:00 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM Eastern (home and home)
It feels really early to be talking about must-win games, but I also think Assumption has to win at least one of these games this weekend to stay in the race for the top spot in NEWHA. Saint Anselm has a massive lead already and it would be 14 points if they sweep the Greyhounds.
Assumption has outscored their opponents 14-1 over the last three games and that's the kind of energy they'll need to bring to this series if they're going to slow down, who have a four-game winning streak where they've outscored opponents 18-3 including an emphatic 8-2 victory over LIU last Saturday.
These games are going to force both teams to really concentrate on the details - faceoffs, special teams and puck possession. The Greyhounds can't let the Hawks control play. If they can get pressure on early and interrupt Saint Anselm's flow, they have a good shot of making this a much closer fight by the time the weekend is through.
