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HockeyBuzz NCAA Top-10 Power Rankings |
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Welcome to the HockeyBuzz NCAA Top-10 Power Rankings.
This past weekend was an awesome weekend for college hockey, led by the Ice Breaker Tournament in Duluth, and followed up with some upsets across the nation.
There was also Minnesota’s controversial overtime win over St. Cloud State that led to NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton releasing a public statement admitting that a penalty should have been called on the play leading up to Minnesota's game-winner on Saturday.
Here is the inaugural HockeyBuzz NCAA Top-10 Power Rankings:
1) Michigan 4-0 (0-0 Big Ten)
I really wanted to see how Michigan would prove themselves in a tough ice breaker tournament this past weekend. Boy, did they show me a ton. The Wolverines took down Minnesota-Duluth on Friday and then Minnesota State on Saturday to win the Ice Breaker tournament. It’s abundantly clear that Michigan is just as good on the ice as they are on paper.
2) St. Cloud State 4-2 (0-0 NCHC)
The pair of contests between St. Cloud State and Minnesota proved to be two entertaining hockey games, just like we all expected. The Huskies took the first one Friday night, 2-1 before Minnesota notched the 4-3 victory in overtime on Saturday.
3) Minnesota State 4-2 (0-0 CCHA)
The Mavericks had as difficult as a start to a season as anyone else in college hockey, taking on UMass twice, St. Cloud State twice and then matching up with Providence and Michigan in the Ice Breaker. Saturday’s contest with Michigan showed Minnesota State still belongs in the conversation about the top teams in college hockey.
4) Minnesota 3-1 (0-0 Big Ten)
Although we’ll never find out what would have happened in Saturday’s contest had the proper call been made in overtime, you can’t fault Minnesota for that. The Golden Gophers went toe-to-toe with St. Cloud this past weekend, obviously beating them Saturday. They’re going to continue to be a tough team to beat inside the Big Ten.
5) Minnesota Duluth 3-1 (0-0 NCHC)
I wasn’t too impressed with Duluth’s performance Friday against Michigan, losing 5-1 with a lackluster performance. But I really liked the way they bounced back on Saturday, beating a good Providence team 3-2. They also have a pair of wins over Bemidji State who is proving to be a difficult team to play against.
6) UMass 2-2 (0-0 Hockey East)
The defending national champions haven’t played extremely well just yet in the early stages of the season. On the other hand, however, they haven’t played bad either. The Minutemen are coming off a weekend sweep of AIC after an ugly weekend at home against Minnesota State.
7) Denver 4-0 (0-0 NCHC)
While Denver has yet to face the same skill level as some of the other teams in these rankings, they’ve still been impressive through four contests. In a pair of wins over Arizona State and then a pair of wins over Air Force this past weekend, the Pioneers have outscored opponents 24-7. This coming weekend will give us a good indication of how good Denver really is as they travel to Providence and Boston College.
8) North Dakota 3-1 (0-0 NCHC)
The Fighting Hawks split a weekend set with Bemidji State, dropping Saturday’s game in overtime 4-3 after a late third period comeback. North Dakota has scored four or more goals in three of their four contests so far. They travel to Quinnipiac this weekend for a pair of non-conference contests.
9) Quinnipiac 2-0-1 (0-0 ECAC)
This weekend, the Bobcats followed up an impressive performance at—the other—Ice Breaker Tournament, winning their lone scheduled contest, a 2-0 shutout of Vermont. What’s been most impressive about the Bobcats start to the season as been their offensive depth. Quinnipiac has goals from five different players through three games.
10) Boston College 2-1-1 (1-0 Hockey East)
After an impressive win Friday night against a really good Northeastern club, the Eagles followed the win with a complete downer of a night against Bentley. The Falcons scored four goals on seven shots in the third period en route to a 6-2 victory over the Eagles. Boston College will look to bounce back this weekend, hosting Colorado College and Denver for a pair of difficult non-conference games.
Other teams considered: Notre Dame, Providence, Omaha, Arizona State
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