Scoreboard Watching (Volume II, Part III)

The Lady Icers are presently ranked 11th and need to crack the top eight to make it to nationals, which will be held March 8th-12th in Wooster, OH. In order to evaluate their chances of doing so, here are the teams ranked 5th through 11th - the tournament bubble - with their schedules between the January 27th poll (the last one before nationals bids are handed out) and d-day on February 17th.

5. Liberty (14-9-1-0 ACHA, 152 poll points)

January 28th/29th at Penn State, L 1-5/W 3-2
February 2nd/3rd vs. Robert Morris (IL), W 2-1/L 1-2
February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island, L 1-2/L 0-1
February 11th/12th vs. Raleigh Women's Team, results unavailable

While those last two games will probably remain unreported, they're not ACHA games and won't have too much impact on things. Despite recent stumbles (against top teams, it should be noted), the Flames are probably safe booking a hotel in Ohio.

6. Massachusetts (8-10-2-1 ACHA, 143 poll points)

January 27th/28th vs. Minnesota, L 1-3/L 0-5
January 30th at Northeastern, W 2-0
Feburary 10th/11th vs. Penn State, L 1-2/T 3-3

I'll put this out there: UMass is the most likely team to fall out and create an opening for the Lady Icers. While they do have wins over each of the current top five this season, they're the only team in this post with a losing ACHA record. And now, they have a loss and a tie against a team that would love to take their place in Wooster.

7. Minnesota (14-6-0-0 ACHA, 127 poll points)

January 27th/28th at Massachusetts, W 3-1/W 5-0
January 28th at Northeastern, W 5-2
January 29th at Rhode Island, L 3-4
February 4th/5th vs. Colorado, W 12-1/W 6-4
February 11th/12th vs. Wisconsin, L 1-4/W 4-2

For as much good as the Gophers have done in recent weeks, a clunky (and not even close) loss against a bad Wisconsin team might cost them dearly. Minnesota did bounce back to win the next day though, and it's hard to disregard their previous track record.

8. Michigan (15-9-2-1 ACHA, 104 poll points)

January 27th/28th vs. Michigan State, L 0-3/W 1-0
February 10th vs. Grand Valley State (CCWHA playoffs), W 5-2
February 10th vs. Western Michigan (CCWHA playoffs), W 7-1
February 11th vs. Robert Morris (IL) (CCWHA playoffs), L 0-2
February 11th vs. Michigan State (CCWHA playoffs), W 2-1
February 12th vs. Robert Morris (IL) (CCWHA playoffs), L 0-3

Michigan solidified their spot at nationals with a run to the CCWHA final that included an upset of no. 1 Michigan State. I'd be stunned if the Wolverines don't make it.

---

9. Grand Valley State (14-13-3-0 ACHA, 97 poll points)

January 27th/28th vs. Colorado State, W 5-0/W 8-0
February 4th/5th at Michigan State, L 1-3/L 1-2
February 10th vs. Michigan (CCWHA playoffs), L 2-5
February 10th vs. Robert Morris (IL) (CCWHA playoffs), L 0-3
February 11th vs. Western Michigan (CCWHA playoffs), W 9-0

10. Ohio State (15-10-2-2 ACHA, 93 poll points)

January 28th/29th at Northern Michigan, W 7-1/W 4-0
February 4th/5th vs. Western Michigan, W 3-0/W 5-2
February 10th vs. Miami (CCWHA playoffs), W 5-2
February 10th vs. Northern Michigan (CCWHA playoffs), W 9-2
February 11th vs. Michigan State (CCWHA playoffs), L 3-4 (OT)
February 11th vs. Robert Morris (IL) (CCWHA playoffs), L 1-4

Taking GVSU and OSU together, I really think Penn State got what it needed out of the CCWHA tournament with respect to these two teams. The Lakers flamed out, and while the Buckeyes had a better run that included extending MSU to overtime, they still didn't come away with a quality win.

11. Penn State (9-6-1-0 ACHA, 83 poll points)

January 28th/29th vs. Liberty, W 5-1/L 2-3
February 3rd/4th at Northeastern, W 4-2/L 1-2
February 10th/11th at Massachusetts, W 2-1/T 3-3

I said last week that the Lady Icers needed a sweep. They didn't get that, but they did get the next best thing. Will it be enough? My head and my heart disagree on that answer; I'll leave it at that.

Scoreboard Watching (Volume II, Part II)

The Lady Icers are presently ranked 11th and need to crack the top eight to make it to nationals, which will be held March 8th-12th in Wooster, OH. In order to evaluate their chances of doing so, here are the teams ranked 5th through 11th - the tournament bubble - with their schedules between the January 27th poll (the last one before nationals bids are handed out) and d-day on February 17th.

5. Liberty (14-9-1-0 ACHA, 152 poll points)

January 28th/29th at Penn State, L 1-5/W 3-2
February 2nd/3rd vs. Robert Morris (IL), W 2-1/L 1-2
February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island, L 1-2/L 0-1
February 11th/12th vs. Raleigh Women's Team

The Flames had a tough-luck weekend after an opening victory against Robert Morris, losing three games in the third period. The good news for LU is that they have more margin for error than anyone in this post. The bad news is that the teams below are tightly-packed enough to make them pay, even with the 1-3-0 weekend coming against the no. 2 and no. 3 teams.

6. Massachusetts (8-9-1-1 ACHA, 143 poll points)

January 27th/28th vs. Minnesota, L 1-3/L 0-5
January 30th at Northeastern, W 2-0
Feburary 10th/11th vs. Penn State

UMass, idle last week, is one team that might be helped by the Flames' stumble - although they'll need a strong performance against the Lady Icers to seal their bid.

7. Minnesota (13-5-0-0 ACHA, 127 poll points)

January 27th/28th at Massachusetts, W 3-1/W 5-0
January 28th at Northeastern, W 5-2
January 29th at Rhode Island, L 3-4
February 4th/5th vs. Colorado, W 12-1/W 6-4
February 11th/12th vs. Wisconsin

The Gophers took care of business against lowly Colorado and probably only need to avoid a major upset against Wisconsin to punch their ticket to Wooster.

8. Michigan (12-7-2-1 ACHA, 104 poll points)

January 27th/28th vs. Michigan State, L 0-3/W 1-0
February 10th/11th/12th at CCWHA playoffs

The Wolverines joined UMass in not playing last weekend. As the last team in right now, UM will look to strengthen their position in the upcoming league playoffs.

---

9. Grand Valley State (13-11-3-0 ACHA, 97 poll points)

January 27th/28th vs. Colorado State, W 5-0/W 8-0
February 4th/5th at Michigan State, L 1-3/L 1-2
February 10th/11th/12th at CCWHA playoffs

In some positive news from a Penn State perspective, the Lakers were unable to upset top-ranked MSU. GVSU will now head to CCWHAs needing to impress in order to cross that line above them.

10. Ohio State (13-9-2-1 ACHA, 93 poll points)

January 28th/29th at Northern Michigan, W 7-1/W 4-0
February 4th/5th vs. Western Michigan, W 3-0/W 5-2
February 10th/11th/12th at CCWHA playoffs

While the Buckeyes are winning, they may end up being hurt by the caliber of their schedule down the stretch. Quite simply, there's nothing in their recent schedule that makes a compelling case for upward mobility.

11. Penn State (8-6-0-0 ACHA, 83 poll points)

January 28th/29th vs. Liberty, W 5-1/L 2-3
February 3rd/4th at Northeastern, W 4-2/L 1-2
February 10th/11th at Massachusetts

As well as the Lady Icers have played this semester, realistically they will have to take it up a click and pull off a weekend sweep to stay in contention. Additionally, poor showings by Michigan, Grand Valley State and Ohio State at the CCWHA playoffs will help. Those are the three teams that, along with UMass, are most likely to drop and create room for PSU.

Scoreboard Watching (Volume II, Part I)

Last season, when the Icers were struggling to make the ACHA National Tournament and to much some a little acclaim, I ran a series called Scoreboard Watching to monitor the performance of the teams near the tournament's cutoff. For this week and the two that follow, I'm bringing it back - except for the women.

The Lady Icers are presently ranked 11th and need to crack the top eight to make it to nationals, which will be held March 8th-12th in Wooster, OH. Similar to last year, I'll run down the recent results and upcoming schedule for each team on the tournament bubble. First, here are the top 11 from the January 27th poll, the last one released before nationals bids are handed out (there seems to be a large dropoff from no. 12 Miami on down, particularly in terms of poll votes, so they're "eliminated").

1. Michigan State - 196 points (8 first-place votes)
2. Rhode Island - 189 (3)
3. Robert Morris (IL) - 171 (4)
4. Northeastern - 167
5. Liberty - 152 (1)
6. Massachusetts - 143
7. Minnesota - 127
8. Michigan - 104
9. Grand Valley State - 97
10. Ohio State - 93
11. Penn State - 83

For purely subjective reasons - recent results, upcoming schedule, the general rigidity of ACHA polls, etc. - I'll declare the top four safe at this point. If upcoming games merit revisiting that, I will. But for now, here are 5th through 11th with their schedules between January 27th and d-day on February 17th.

5. Liberty (13-6-1-0 ACHA)

January 28th/29th at Penn State, L 1-5/W 3-2
February 2nd/3rd vs. Robert Morris (IL)
February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island
February 11th/12th vs. Raleigh Women's Team

I hesitated to include the Flames, but then I saw that they're hosting a battle royale with Rhode Island and Robert Morris this weekend. Should they survive that reasonably intact, you probably won't see LU here next week.

6. Massachusetts (8-9-1-1 ACHA)

January 27th/28th vs. Minnesota, L 1-3/L 0-5
January 30th at Northeastern, W 2-0
Feburary 10th/11th vs. Penn State

UMass is in a bit of a precarious position with a losing ACHA record but notably, they've defeated every team in the top five this season. Realistically it will take being swept by the Lady Icers to make them sweat, but they have the luxury of a weekend off to watch the situation evolve.

7. Minnesota (10-5-0-0 ACHA)

January 27th/28th at Massachusetts, W 3-1/W 5-0
January 28th at Northeastern, result not available
January 29th at Rhode Island, L 3-4
February 4th/5th vs. Colorado
February 11th/12th vs. Wisconsin

Following a successful (regardless of the Northeastern score) trip to Boston last weekend, the Gophers have a soft landing with four games against the 14th and 13th ranked teams.

8. Michigan (12-7-2-1 ACHA)

January 27th/28th vs. Michigan State, L 0-3/W 1-0
February 10th/11th/12th at CCWHA playoffs

A win over the top-ranked Spartans strengthens Michigan's case, and they might get another crack at MSU in the league playoffs.

---

9. Grand Valley State (13-9-3-0 ACHA)

January 27th/28th vs. Colorado State, W 5-0/W 8-0
February 4th/5th at Michigan State
February 10th/11th/12th at CCWHA playoffs

The Lakers are first in line, so to speak, of the teams trying to get in. As such, they'll need to make a splash, either against MSU or at CCWHAs. The teams behind GVSU would rather they flop in both outings.

10. Ohio State (11-9-2-1 ACHA)

January 28th/29th at Northern Michigan, W 7-1/W 4-0
February 4th/5th vs. Western Michigan
February 10th/11th/12th at CCWHA playoffs

Blowouts over NMU (or WMU, should they happen) are unlikely to improve the Buckeyes stock much, so a run at the conference tournament may prove their only shot.

11. Penn State (7-5-0-0 ACHA)

January 28th/29th vs. Liberty, W 5-1/L 2-3
February 3rd/4th at Northeastern
February 10th/11th at Massachusetts

The biggest problem PSU faces is that none of the higher-ranked teams are taking an obvious late-season nosedive - the top 11 contains a tremendous amount of parity and most teams are producing quality wins with regularity. A four-game winning streak starting now (and preferably, with some outside help) would obviously make the best case for the Lady Icers.

Scoreboard Watching (Part V)

Time for the final edition of this feature, in light of the tournament cut-off rankings coming this week. Hopefully it's the last for quite a while - I would prefer to not use it next year, for obvious reasons.

Just to review, I've already deemed Lindenwood, Davenport, Ohio, Delaware, Adrian, Rhode Island, Minot State and Arizona State (the teams ranked 1 through 8 in the last poll) locks to make the tournament. Lindenwood and Delaware, in fact, are in already, thanks to the CSCHL autobid and the host autobid, respectively.

Stony Brook (ECHA), Canton (ECHL), Slippery Rock (CMHA) and Rutgers (NECHL) have also earned autobids. These four will almost certainly be the 13th through 16th seeds in Delaware, as they are ranked outside of the top 16 at present.

What's left? Six teams for four spots. Let's take one more look, with a final verdict for each.

9. Oklahoma (27-14-1)

February 3rd vs. Eastern Washington (ACHA D2), W 5-3
February 4th/5th vs. Oakland, W 6-1/W 5-4 (OT)
February 6th vs. Eastern Washington (ACHA D2), W 6-4
February 11th/12th at Illinois, L 2-6/L 2-3

The Sooners didn't do themselves any favors by getting swept on the Big Pond, however in my opinion, Oklahoma was playing with house money - there's no way they drop below Oakland, not with just having swept them a week ago.

Verdict: In

10. Oakland (20-10-5)

February 3rd at Central Oklahoma, W 3-2 (SO)
February 4th/5th at Oklahoma, L 1-6/L 4-5 (OT)
February 11th vs. Davenport, L 2-7
February 12th at Davenport, L 0-4

I'm really not sure what to make of the Grizzlies. Tough schedule, yes, but 1-3-1 since the last ranking is hard to ignore. I'll go out on a little bit of a limb here and say that OU pays the price for being the least consistent of these teams down the stretch.

Verdict: Out

11. Penn State (20-9-1)

February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island, W 4-3/L 4-5 (SO)
February 11th/12th vs. Robert Morris, W 6-4/L 5-8

I've already aired my grievances with the Icers, so I'll just say that we're extremely fortunate that tripping against RMU won't cost us anything more than a spot or two in the final seeding.

Verdict: In

12. Iowa State (23-16-0)

February 4th/5th vs. Kansas (ACHA D2), W 9-0/W 11-0
February 11th/12th at Lindenwood, L 2-6/L 0-2

I won't lie, I'm slightly miffed at the fact that the Cyclones are even under consideration with sixteen losses. The primary things they have going for them at this point: their two wins against RMU (IL) in early January and Al Murdoch's status within the ACHA. They don't deserve it, but I really can't imagine it otherwise.

Verdict: In

Murdoch Dougies in celebration.

13. Robert Morris (IL) (25-8-1)

February 4th/5th at Ohio, L 2-4/W 3-1
February 11th/12th vs. John Carroll, W 8-1/W 13-6

The Eagles followed up their attention-grabbing split at Ohio with the more-expected pair of blowouts against John Carroll. As mentioned, they'll have a tough time jumping Iowa State, but if Oakland takes the hit I just predicted, they won't have to.

Verdict: In

14. Illinois (19-9-1)

February 4th/5th at Kent State, W 5-3/W 3-1
February 11th/12th vs. Oklahoma, W 6-2/W 3-2

There's still a shot here, believe it or not, it all just depends on the voters. If two of Oklahoma, Oakland and Iowa State take a massive tumble, the Illini could still sneak in the back door. I'm just not seeing it though.

Verdict: Out

Scoreboard Watching (Part IV)

Once again, let's bump everything off that was counted towards the latest poll, released Friday. No teams added or subtracted this time, although I believe it's pretty much down to Oakland, Iowa State and Robert Morris (IL) for the last two spots.

9. Oklahoma (27-12-1)

February 3rd vs. Eastern Washington (ACHA D2), W 5-3
February 4th/5th vs. Oakland, W 6-1/W 5-4 (OT)
February 6th vs. Eastern Washington (ACHA D2), W 6-4
February 11th/12th at Illinois, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

Despite the dicey games against Eastern Washington, Oklahoma solidified their spot with a huge sweep of a team (right) below them. Even stumbling against Illinois probably can't hurt them at this point, not with Oakland getting Davenport this weekend and Iowa State visiting Lindenwood.

10. Oakland (20-8-5)

February 3rd at Central Oklahoma, W 3-2 (SO)
February 4th/5th at Oklahoma, L 1-6/L 4-5 (OT)
February 11th vs. Davenport, 8:00 p.m.
February 12th at Davenport, 7:30 p.m.

The Grizzlies look a little wobbly after needing a shootout to beat not-great UCO and getting swept by the Sooners. It doesn't get any easier this weekend either, but they may be in the unenviable position of needing a split with the No. 2 team in the country.

11. Penn State (19-8-1)

February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island, W 4-3/L 4-5 (SO)
February 11th/12th vs. Robert Morris (PA), 9:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.

It wasn't always pretty, but the Icers got done what needed to be done by collecting a win against URI. Now, only speed bump RMU stands between PSU and the finish line. Ticket punched in my book.

12. Iowa State (23-14-0)

February 4th/5th vs. Kansas (ACHA D2), W 9-0/W 11-0
February 11th/12th at Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m./5:00 p.m.

I'm sure the Cyclones have had a lot of fun getting back into the thick of the D2 national championship race...oh wait, they're a D1 team, my mistake. Surely you can understand my confusion. Will they be able to flip the switch back against mighty Lindenwood and clinch a spot? They might have to.

13. Robert Morris (IL) (23-8-1)

February 4th/5th at Ohio, L 2-4/W 3-1
February 11th/12th vs. John Carroll, 8:20 p.m./8:30 p.m.

One reason ISU has very little margin for error is this team, which managed a huge split at OU last weekend and now gets putrid John Carroll to close it out. Any slip from the Cyclones, or even Oakland should they do poorly this weekend, and the Eagles are well-positioned to sneak in.

14. Illinois (17-9-1)

February 4th/5th at Kent State, W 5-3/W 3-1
February 11th/12th vs. Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

Decimating a few lower-division teams didn't help the Illini, and that RMU (IL) split with Ohio certainly didn't help. What's left? A dominant sweep of Oklahoma and some unexpected help might be the only thing that can save them.

Whatever happens, there's a pretty good chance of witnessing some history. On my page listing ACHA tournament appearances since 2000, only Penn State, Ohio, Iowa State and Illinois have not missed a tournament in that time. I'm pretty sure PSU, OU and ISU can all go back to the beginning of the ACHA. Regardless, it's looking like one, maybe two of those will miss this year. I'm just glad it's not three.

Scoreboard Watching (Part III)

Time for the third edition of Scoreboard Watching. The Icers earned a crucial split with Delaware that sets things up quite well, but where does everyone else set up for the new rankings to be released Friday?

Since last time, I've removed No. 8 Minot State. The Beavers represented well with a split against Arizona State and have an easy schedule the rest of the way. The No. 7 Sun Devils also stay off as that split, combined with their sweep of Arizona over the weekend, represented their toughest remaining challenges. I think it's down to six teams for four spots, although that might be generous to Illinois - yep, I gave the Fighting Illini another reprieve, even though I said I wouldn't.

9. Oklahoma (23-12-1)

January 17th at North Dakota State, W 6-2
January 21st/22nd vs. Davenport,  L 4-8/L 3-6
January 28th/29th at Liberty, W 6-5/W 6-1
February 3rd/6th vs. Eastern Washington (ACHA D2), 8:00 p.m./1:00 p.m.
February 4th/5th vs. Oakland, 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 11th/12th at Illinois, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

The Sooners are bloodied, but still standing. I said last week that if they beat Liberty and held position in the next ranking that they'd ultimately be in, and I have to stick with that.

10. Oakland (19-7-4)

January 21st/22nd vs. Western Michigan, W 6-4/W 2-1
January 28th/29th at Buffalo, W 7-0/W 6-1
February 3rd at Central Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Oklahoma, 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 11th vs. Davenport, 8:00 p.m.
February 12th at Davenport, 7:30 p.m.

Will the Grizzlies four fairly unimpressive wins be enough to pass Oklahoma? Maybe. I'm pretty confident that they're not moving down though.

11. Penn State (18-8-0)

January 21st at West Chester, W 7-1
January 22nd vs. West Chester, W 4-2
January 28th/29th at Delaware, L 2-4/W 3-2
February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island, 9:00 p.m./2:00 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. Robert Morris (PA), 9:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.

I don't think it's hyperbole to say that the Icers' Saturday win over Delaware saved a spot in the top 12 of the next ranking...

12. Iowa State (21-14-0)

January 21st/22nd vs. Minnesota-Crookston (ACHA D2), W 12-2/W 14-2
January 28th/29th vs. Colorado State (ACHA D2), W 4-3 (OT)/W 3-2
February 4th/5th vs. Kansas (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./9:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th at Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m./5:00 p.m.

...but whether they stick at 11 or drop to 12 largely depends on how much credit Iowa State gets for beating a collection of meatballs, including two tight ones with Colorado State last weekend.

13. Robert Morris (IL) (21-7-1)

January 21st/22nd at Arizona State, W 4-3 (OT)/L 2-3 (SO)
January 28th/29th vs. Indiana, W 4-1/W 5-1
February 4th/5th at Ohio, 7:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. John Carroll, 8:20 p.m./8:30 p.m.

The Eagles held serve for now, but go to Bird Arena for two next weekend - tougher games than any of the teams they're trying to catch have in front of them.

14. Illinois (15-9-1)

January 21st/22nd vs. Wisconsin (ACHA D2), W 9-1/W 11-2
January 29th vs. Ferris State (ACHA D2), W 8-0
February 4th/5th at Kent State, 7:15 p.m./7:15 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

Illinois didn't play Purdue last weekend after all, and instead beat up on Ferris State on Saturday, in between the Bulldogs' Friday and Sunday games with Illinois' D2 team. Not sure what happened there, but no matter - Illinois pretty much needs to win out, do so convincingly, and hope for help.

Scoreboard Watching (Again)

Coming off of four straight wins, are you re-energized when it comes to the Icers' fortunes? Me too. So I figured it was time to take another look at the ACHA tournament bubble. We have new rankings since last time I did this, so the teams have been reshuffled a little. Also, I'm only including games played since the cutoff of January 16th for the latest ranking. Anything before that is accounted for in the poll, so no point in overthinking things.

Since last time, No. 6 Rhode Island has removed themselves from the bubble. Despite their slip against West Chester, they bounced back with a sweep of Delaware, then Cortland, and other than PSU, they don't face anything terribly challenging the rest of the way.

I was tempted to replace URI with Arizona State, but despite dropping to No. 7, I'm not sure that their remaining schedule is tough enough to bump them down past No. 12. They do play Minot State tonight and tomorrow, but past those, two games against Arizona this weekend are their toughest left before the cutoff. If they completely tank in those games, I'll consider adding them next week.

Finally, I didn't find it worth considering autobids (beyond the fact that autobids from garbage conferences limit the field to 12 good teams). Minot, Oklahoma, Oakland and Penn State are ineligible for them. Iowa State, Robert Morris (IL) and Illinois play in the CSCHL, where the bid has all but gone to either Ohio or Lindenwood.

8. Minot State (20-2-2)

January 21st/22nd at Arizona, W 7-2/W 4-3 (OT)
January 24th/25th at Arizona State, 10:00 p.m./10:30 p.m.
February 1st at Dakota College at Bottineau (Non-ACHA), 8:30 p.m.
February 12th/13th vs. Minnesota-Crookston (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./3:00 p.m.

Do you see Minot doing poorly enough in those last three games to drop significantly? Me neither. Unless they get swept by ASU and look putrid in the process, the Beavers might be off of this post next week too.

9. Oklahoma (22-11-1)

January 17th at North Dakota State, W 6-2
January 21st/22nd vs. Davenport,  L 4-8/L 3-6
January 28th/29th at Liberty, 7:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
February 3rd/6th vs. Eastern Washington (ACHA D2), 8:00 p.m./1:00 p.m.
February 4th/5th vs. Oakland, 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 11th/12th at Illinois, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

Oklahoma continues to be a something of an enigma. They have a ton of losses, but a brutally tough schedule that's keeping them in the top 10. The next ranking will be vital for them - if they manage to beat Liberty and stay in the show in the February 4th poll, the Sooners' soft-ish landing probably means they'll end up making it.

10. Oakland (17-7-4)

January 21st/22nd vs. Western Michigan, W 6-4/W 2-1
January 28th/29th at Buffalo, 8:25 p.m./8:25 p.m.
February 3rd at Central Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Oklahoma, 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 11th vs. Davenport, 8:00 p.m.
February 12th at Davenport, 7:30 p.m.

Although Oakland looks fairly safe to hold No. 10 (or maybe even move up) for the next ranking, that closing schedule might be enough to gain PSU a spot down the line, provided the Icers are in a position to take it.

11. Penn State (17-7-0)

January 21st at West Chester, W 7-1
January 22nd vs. West Chester, W 4-2
January 28th/29th at Delaware, 7:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island, 9:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. Robert Morris (PA), 9:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.

The Icers thankfully took care of business against the Golden Rams, but it's become extremely obvious that PSU's fate boils down to what happens over the next two weekends. Two wins should be enough.

12. Iowa State (19-14-0)

January 21st/22nd vs. Minnesota-Crookston (ACHA D2), W 12-2/W 14-2
January 28th/29th vs. Colorado State (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./5:45 p.m.
February 4th/5th vs. Kansas (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./9:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th at Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m./5:00 p.m.

ISU is rocketing up the charts after a horrible start to the season, and looking at that schedule, only Lindenwood can slow them down.

13. Robert Morris (IL) (20-7-1)

January 21st/22nd at Arizona State, W 4-3 (OT)/L 2-3 (SO)
January 28th/29th vs. Indiana, 8:20 p.m./8:30 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Ohio, 7:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. John Carroll, 8:20 p.m./8:30 p.m.

The Eagles were the team that suffered the wrath of the Cyclones' hot streak, going from in to out since the last ranking. They may have earned some cred back with the hard-fought split against Arizona State, but with Ohio looming, the climb won't be easy. Actually, especially given Iowa State's closing schedule, this is the team for Penn State fans to watch more than anyone in my opinion - two teams need to pass the Icers to bump them out (unless PSU passes someone else). RMU (IL) would likely be the second of those teams.

14. Illinois (14-9-1)

January 21st/22nd vs. Wisconsin (ACHA D2), W 9-1/W 11-2
January 28th/29th vs. Purdue (ACHA D3), 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Kent State, 7:15 p.m./7:15 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

I was tempted to leave the Illini off, but I'll give them one more week. Assuming they have no issues with D3 Purdue, their continued presence here will largely depend on what happens above them.

Scoreboard Watching

Hey everyone, welcome back to game week! It's been a while, so in case you forgot, the Icers are in sort of an unfamiliar position this season - the ACHA tournament bubble. Which of course leads to worrying about what other teams are up to, something else pretty strange to Penn State supporters. In that light, here's what everyone ranked 7th through 14th (the bubble teams in my opinion) is facing between now and the February 13th cut-off for the ranking that decides who's going to Delaware.

As a reminder, because of the controversial auto-bid situation, Penn State or any other major conference/independent team probably has to be in the top 12 to make it. Delaware and Rhode Island know a thing or two about that from last year. All in all though, I think you'll find some comfort in what's laid out for the bubble teams this semester.

I tried to convert start times from inferior Central and Pacific to Eastern, generally under the assumption that all times given were local. Sorry if I failed in a couple places.

7. Rhode Island

January 7th/8th vs. West Chester, 7:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.
January 14th/15th at Delaware, 9:00 p.m./4:45 p.m.
January 21st/22nd at Cortland, 7:00 p.m./2:00 p.m.
January 28th/29th vs. Stony Brook, 7:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Penn State, 9:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. Villanova, 7:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.

Two pretty tough weekends there with PSU and Delaware, but otherwise almost zero potential for downward movement.

8. Minot State

January 14th/15th vs. Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m./3:00 p.m.
January 21st/22nd at Arizona, 10:30 p.m./10:30 p.m.
January 24th/25th at Arizona State, 10:00 p.m./10:30 p.m.
February 1st at Dakota College at Bottineau (Non-ACHA), 8:30 p.m.
February 12th/13th vs. Minnesota-Crookston (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./3:00 p.m.

Minot's schedules are always pretty soft (blame geography and finances, not the Beavers), but surprisingly, a couple of top ten teams in Oklahoma and ASU await - their unbeaten-in-regulation run against ACHA teams will be tested.

9. Oklahoma

January 10th/11th vs. Arizona State, 8:00 p.m./8:00 p.m.
January 14th/15th at Minot State, 8:30 p.m./3:00 p.m.
January 16th/17th at North Dakota State, 4:15 p.m./5:00 p.m.
January 21st/22nd vs. Davenport, 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
January 28th/29th at Liberty, 7:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
February 3rd/6th vs. Eastern Washington (ACHA D2), 8:00 p.m./1:00 p.m.
February 4th/5th vs. Oakland, 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 11th/12th at Illinois, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

You can disagree with Oklahoma being ranked No. 9 with a 17-8-1 record, but it's hard to argue with their scheduling. Two stretches of four games in four nights, one of those extending to a six in eight. Quality opponents throughout. If they stay in the top 12, they will have earned it.

10T. Penn State

January 7th/8th at Ohio, 7:00 p.m./7:00 p.m.
January 14th/15th at Robert Morris (PA), 10:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.
January 21st at West Chester, 9:15 p.m.
January 22nd vs. West Chester, 3:30 p.m.
January 28th/29th at Delaware, 7:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 4th/5th vs. Rhode Island, 9:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. Robert Morris (PA), 9:00 p.m./3:30 p.m.

Like I keep saying, the Icers have three weekends we should win, and three others where we'll be up against it. However, splits against the three higher-ranked opponents probably mean there's no way a tumble out of the top 12 happens. PSU has maybe the clearest mandate of anyone.

10T. Oakland

January 7th vs. Grand Valley (ACHA D2), 8:00 p.m.
January 8th at Grand Valley (ACHA D2), 8:00 p.m.
January 14th at Eastern Michigan, 8:00 p.m.
January 15th vs. Eastern Michigan, 9:00 p.m.
January 21st/22nd vs. Western Michigan, 8:00 p.m./8:40 p.m.
January 28th/29th at Buffalo, 8:25 p.m./8:25 p.m.
February 3rd at Central Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Oklahoma, 8:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
February 11th vs. Davenport, 8:00 p.m.
February 12th at Davenport, 7:30 p.m.

A couple of tough weekends at the end but all in all, it's difficult to see the Icers getting any help from Grizzlies losses.

12. Robert Morris (IL)

January 7th/8th vs. Iowa State, 8:20 p.m./8:30 p.m.
January 14th/15th at Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m./5:00 p.m.
January 21st/22nd at Arizona State, 10:30 p.m./9:15 p.m.
January 28th/29th vs. Indiana, 8:20 p.m./8:30 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Ohio, 7:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. John Carroll, 8:20 p.m./8:30 p.m.

A typically-tough CSCHL schedule awaits the Eagles. Which, again, is pretty encouraging if you're a Penn State fan. It's a theme that will be repeated to a lesser extent with these last two, although they also do more than their share of buttering themselves up with lower-division opponents.

13. Illinois

January 7th/8th at Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m./5:00 p.m.
January 14th/15th at Iowa State, 8:30 p.m./9:00 p.m.
January 21st/22nd vs. Wisconsin (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.
January 28th/29th vs. Purdue (ACHA D3), 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.
February 4th/5th at Kent State, 7:15 p.m./7:15 p.m.
February 11th/12th vs. Oklahoma, 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.

14. Iowa State

January 7th/8th at Robert Morris (IL), 8:30 p.m./8:30 p.m.
January 14th/15th vs. Illinois, 8:30 p.m./9:00 p.m.
January 21st/22nd vs. Minnesota-Crookston (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./9:00 p.m.
January 28th/29th vs. Colorado State (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./5:45 p.m.
February 4th/5th vs. Kansas (ACHA D2), 8:30 p.m./9:30 p.m.
February 11th/12th at Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m./5:00 p.m.