Well the NCAA hockey tournament is underway and it definitely hasn't disappointed! #2 overall seed Denver got bounced in game 1 yesterday 2-1 by RIT. In the same East Regional the #2 seed there Cornell got blown out by #3 seed New Hampshire 6-2.
Today starts the Midwest Regional where #1 overall seed Miami begins their quest to return the the Frozen Four. They will match up against the #4 seed in the region Alabama-Huntsville in game one in Ft. Wayne. Game 2 will feature Michigan against Bemidji St. who was a Frozen Four participant last year.
Game 1:
Miami vs Alabama-Huntsville
The talent levels in this game, aren't even close. Miami is by far the deepest team in this tournament. However they are not playing their best hockey of the year at this point of the year. UAH had to win their conference tournament, the CHA, to get into the tournament. Which they did and are the only team in the field with a record below .500 at 12-17-3. UAH does feature solid goaltending from Cameron Talbot who boasts a 2.62 GAA and a 92% save percentage with a record of 12-17-3. He has started every single game for UAH this season. UAH's top scorers are Cody Cambell and Andrew Coburn both with 22 pts.
As for Miami they come into the tournament stumbling in their last 5 going 3-2 in those games. Big question mark for them is who will be the guy they turn to between the pipes. Miami features two stellar goaltenders in Cody Reichard, 18-4-3 record 1.79 GAA 92% save percentage, who is a Hobey finalist as well as POY in the CCHA and Connor Knapp, 9-3-4 record 1.87 GAA and 92% save percentage, who has been playing extremely well this year and was a finalist for the World Junior team roster. Miami has 3 players with at least 40 pts and 8 players with at least 20 pts. Miami is lead by Senior Forward Jarrod Palmer who has 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points, Junior Forward Andy Miele with 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 pts, and Junior Captain Forward Tommy Wingles with 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 pts. Miami has tremendous talent and wonderful offensive depth and with roll 4 lines deep. With all of this offensive talent they boast the best team defense in the country only allowing a minuscule 1.85 Goals against per game.
For UAH to win they need to get remarkable goaltending. Miami is gifted in several areas. UAH must score first and try to limit their penalties.
For Miami to win they need to play their game. Keep it simple and do what they are suppose to. Miami returns 18 of 20 skaters from a team that was in the title game last year so they have experience and knows what it takes. The need to get solid goaltending and score the first goal. The longer they let UAH stick around the harder it will be for them.
Prediction: Miami 4-0
Game two:
Michigan will be taking on Bemidji St. in game two. Michigan is playing the best they have all year at the right time. Bemidji, on the other hand, stumbled down the stretch and has had two weeks to think about it. Both teams are tournament tested and know what it takes. Bemidji is quick and likes to play in transition. Bemidji is lead by Junior Forward Matt Read with 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 pts. They have 7 guys with 20 or more pts. In net they are lead by Sophmore Dan Bakala who has a 19-7-3 record with a 2.27 GAA and a 91% save percentage. For Michigan they have road the hot hand of Junior Walk on goal tender Shawn Hunwick. Hunwick is filling in for injure goal tender Brian Hogan who got hurt in their final regular season series. Hunwick, in 9 games this year, has a 7-2 record and a 1.85 GAA with a 91% save percentage. Michigan is lead by Carl Hagelin with 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 pts. Michigan has a balanced offense 7 guys having 20 pts or more.
I expect this game to be a track meet. Both teams are quick and like to get up and down the ice. Michigan is playing with extreme confidence after their current run to make the tournament. They both are great in transition. However, Michigan is the more talented team. With the way they are playing and if Hunwick can give them the consistent goaltending he has been they should win.
Prediction:
Michigan 6-4
That would set up a regional Final rematch of last weeks CCHA semi-final between Miami and Michigan. Michigan won the most recent match up 5-2 to get their way into the tourney. However Miami swept Michigan in Ann arbor earlier in the year. Miami would love a rematch between the two and if it happens I give Miami the edge. Miami is motivated and determined to get another chance at a National Championship.
Prediction:
Miami 3-1
Happy watching! Me and Chris will be in Ft. Wayne for the regional and will give a full report. Make sure to check back for updates!
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