College Hockey Power Rankings: Merrimack, Notre Dame Top the Rankings

Last weekend, No. 2 Colorado College traveled to Grand Forks to face the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.  The Sioux, a perennial powerhouse, is enduring a rough start to the season.  Regardless, a trip to Grand Forks to play the Sioux is the ultimate test for a WCHA contender.  CC failed that test, getting swept by the Sioux.  

The test doesn't spell doom for the Colorado College Tigers.  However, it is a signal that the Tigers will have some work to do to prepare for future tough road games.  

Colorado College has a chance to rebound this weekend against Denver.

First 5 Out: Miami, Colgate, Michigan, Nebraska-Omaha and Michigan Tech

Series of the Week: (14) Boston University vs. (2) Boston College, (12) Lake Superior State @ (7) Ohio State, (13) Western Michigan @ (8) Ferris State, (4) Minnesota-Duluth @ Michigan Tech

15. Michigan State (8-5-1)

Sparty took three points from the Gophers this weekend in East Lansing.  MSU notched eight goals in two games against a Minnesota team that only allows two goals per game.

14. Boston University (7-4-1) 

The Terriers have won their last four games by a combined score of 15-5.  BU clashes with Boston College this weekend (10-4-0).

13. Western Michigan (6-4-4)

The WMU Mustangs score three goals per game.  This weekend, the Mustangs face Ferris State (10-3-1), who allows just 1.64 goals per game.

12. Lake Superior State (10-4-2)

The Lakers score 2.69 goals per game and allow 2.25 goals per game.  Somehow, the Lakers keep squeaking out victories.  The Lakers look to end Ohio State's (10-3-1) 11-game unbeaten streak this weekend.

11. Yale (5-3-1)

The Bulldogs had a very poor showing this weekend, losing to Sacred Heart and Boston College.  Yale looks to right the ship this weekend against Brown (3-5-1).

10. Denver (6-4-3)

The Pioneers possess an explosive offense that ranks fifth in the nation at 3.69 goals per game.  However, this weekend DU must outgun Colorado College (7-4-0), the highest scoring team in the nation.

9. Union (7-3-3)

Union defeated Michigan 6-3 this weekend.  The Dutchmen have the third-best team defense in the nation, allowing only 1.85 goals per game.  Union faces Quinnipiac (8-6-2) and Princeton (3-7-1) this weekend.

8. Ferris State (10-3-1)

The Bulldogs rank second in the nation in team defense, allowing just 1.64 goals per game.  FSU faces Western Michigan (6-4-4) this weekend.

7. Ohio State (10-3-1)

The Buckeyes are riding a 11-game unbeaten streak and are allowing just two goals per game.  OSU faces Lake Superior State (10-4-2) this weekend.

6. Colorado College (7-4-0)

Brothers Rylan and Jaden Schwartz lead the Tigers with 17 points apiece.  However, it is Rylan, who leads the team with 13 goals.  Jaden leads CC with 12 assists.

5. Minnesota (11-4-1)

After starting the season 9-1-0, Minnesota has gone 2-3-1 in their last six games.  Look for that to change this weekend.  The Gophers face the Minnesota State Mavericks at Mariucci.

4. Minnesota-Duluth (9-3-2)

The Bulldogs begin their eight-game road trip with a series against the Michigan Tech Huskies in Houghton this weekend.

3. Notre Dame (10-3-3)

The Irish face Northeastern (4-7-2).  It looks like Notre Dame could start another winning streak.

2. Boston College (10-4-0)

The Eagles face their rivals BU (7-4-1) this weekend, to continue one of the most legendary rivalries in college hockey.

1. Merrimack (9-0-1)

Merrimack remained the nation's only unbeaten team after mauling Alabama-Huntsville 6-0.  The Warriors face Providence (6-6-1) this weekend.