Shaved Ice – March 23
The NCAA Tournament is finally here.
Quick hits
Let’s get right to it…here’s what our four Michigan schools are looking at this weekend.
No. 4 Michigan State vs. No. 1 Union – 3:00 p.m. (ESPNU HD/ESPN3)
My pick: Michigan State
Darren Eliot’s pick: Michigan State
Here’s a compilation of the Spartans’ press conferences and other info from MSUSpartans.com.
What we wrote on Sunday: Under the direction of new coach Tom Anastos, the Spartans (19-15-4) will make their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2008. Michigan State will take on Union (24-7-7), the top team in the East Region. Hobey Baker candidate Torey Krug and the Spartans now have the opportunity to make up for a disappointing series loss to Miami in the CCHA quarterfinals.
No. 2 Ferris State vs. No. 3 Denver – 5:30 p.m. (ESPN Syndication HD/ESPN3 plus ESPNU HD tape delay for 11:30 p.m.)
My pick: Ferris State
Darren Eliot’s pick: Denver
Need more info on the Bulldogs before the puck drops tonight? Check out the team’s official site right here.
What we wrote on Sunday: Ferris State (23-11-5) will make just their second appearance in the NCAA Tournament when they take on Denver (25-13-4) Friday. The opening face-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The last time the Bulldogs made it to the national tournament was in 2002-03 season. The CCHA regular-season champions will be looking to finish their season strong, after a disappointing playoff ending to Bowling Green last weekend.
No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Cornell – 9:00 p.m. (ESPNU HD/ESPN3)
My pick: Michigan
Darren Eliot’s pick: Cornell
MGoBlue.com has everything you need to get ready for tonight’s battle.
What we wrote on Sunday: The Wolverines (24-12-4), who hold the top spot in the Midwest region, will take on the Cornell Big Red (18-8-7) in the first round. Cornell finished third in the ECAC tournament with a win over Colgate in the consolation game Saturday. Michigan – the second overall seed in the field – will make their 22nd consecutive appearance in the national tournament when the puck drops at 9 p.m. on Friday.
No. 4 Western Michigan vs. No. 1 North Dakota – Tomorrow, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN Syndication HD/ESPN3 plus ESPNU HD tape delay for 12:30 p.m. the following day)
My pick: North Dakota
Darren Eliot’s pick: Western Michigan
A comprehensive summary of what to watch for in the Broncos’ NCAA opener can be found right here.
What we wrote on Sunday: The CCHA Tournament champions (21-13-6) punched their ticket to the NCAAs with a 3-2 win over Michigan at Joe Louis Arena Saturday night. Now, they will take on one of the top college hockey programs in the nation – the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota (25-12-3). It’s the Broncos’ second straight appearance in the national tournament, and their fifth in school history. If freshman goaltender Frank Slubowski continues his exceptional play, the Broncos will be a tough team to beat on the road to the Frozen Four.
Highlight reel
Experience the final weekend of the CCHA season one more time before we shift to the national stage.
Outside the Mitten
Former Whalers star James Neal is our Michi-gamer for the second time in three days. Playing on a loaded Pittsburgh Penguins roster probably doesn’t hurt.
Duncan Keith will find out if he’s suspended for his hit on Daniel Sedin this afternoon.
Alexander Radulov scored in his first game back to the NHL, but as noted a few lines above, the Penguins team he played against is pretty good.
Check it out
North Dakota will participate in this year’s NCAA Tournament with different jerseys as their mascot and logo is still a hot debate in college sports.
Next up
Stay with us all day (and all weekend) for NCAA Tournament coverage. Good luck to all of our Michigan teams!