MavPuck NCHC Frozen Faceoff Quarterfinal Picks

MavPuck NCHC Frozen Faceoff Quarterfinal Picks

#1 UND vs. #8 Omaha

Jason’s Pick: UND in 3

On paper, UND is a better team in all regards. Omaha has had success in Grand Forks and tends to do better on the road than at home. They have been playing better of late and I think they can find a way to steal a game. But UND will not go quietly and they have the fire power to overwhelm the Mavericks.

Jon’s Pick: UND in 2

North Dakota has outscored their opponents in NCHC play 96-58 this season. By the same token, Omaha has been outscored by NCHC opponents 86-57. If these numbers hold, and UND freshmen goalie Jan Špunar continues his sub-2.0 GAA average, it will be a tough weekend for the Mavericks. 

#2 Denver vs. Miami

Jason’s Pick: DU in 2

Denver wants a #1 seed and will need a strong showing against the RedHawks to begin a climb in the national rankings. Even then it may not be enough. DU is a fast team with a lot of skill. If they get solid goaltending they are a team to fear. 

Jon’s Pick: DU in 2

Miami has only won 2 out of their last 8 games. The month of February has not been kind to the RedHawks. The RedHawks have had a good run this season, going 18-14-2 overall and winning 9 games in NCHC play after having not tallied a single win in conference play in the 2024-25 campaign. But Denver has one of the top D-corps in the NCHC. DU goaltender Johnny Hicks has a 1.14 goals against average and .958 save percentage. 

#3 Western Michigan vs. Colorado College

Jason’s Pick: Western in 2

Western Michigan is ready to defend their title. But they are likely to be placed in a tough bracket. Winning the NCHC might be their only ticket to a good draw. But CC has a goaltender who is known for stealing games and is playing his final collegiate hockey games. This is certainly an upset watch.

Jon’s Pick: Western in 2

Western Michigan has too much firepower on the roster. They have multiple lines that will come at you in waves. Breakout performer William Whitelaw could have a big weekend against the Tigers. I don't think Kaidan Mbereko will be enough in net for CC to stop the onslaught at Lawson.

#4 Minnesota Duluth vs. St Cloud State

Jason’s Pick: SCSU in 3

Duluth is trending down the second half of the season. They go the way the Plante family goes. If they catch fire it could be a bloodbath for Duluth. SCSU has surprised many and look to keep the run going. Expect a defensive battle, could be three 2-1 games. 

Jon’s Pick: UMD in 2

Observers typically look at the 4-5 matchup as the “upset special” in the NCHC playoffs. And while that is a possibility between these in-state rivals, I think the effectiveness of UMD's top line featuring Hobey Baker nominees (and brothers) Zam Plante and Max Plante will likely decide this series. If the games are tight, sophomore Slovakian goaltender Adam Gajan (2.27 GAA, .905 SV%) could prove to be the difference for UMD in net.