SB Nation’s NCAA Poll: Holiday Hold

We have reached the end of the first half. The teams we all thought would be around the top are, while the bottom half is a little different than many saw.

1. Wisconsin (17-1-12), 60 (6) — Last poll: 1

• Last week: W 5-1 @ Bemidji State (12/10), W 5-2 @ Bemidji State (12/11)
• Coming Week: No Games/

The Badgers avoided a slip up in Bemidji and head into the break with their ship righted. They will have a huge test when they return when Quinnipiac comes to town.

2. Ohio State (15-3-0), 53 — Last poll: 2

• Last week: No Games
• Coming Week: No Games/

The Buckeyes are pretty set up in the home ice slots but will need to continue to take care of business in the second half.

T-3. Northeastern (16-2-1), 43 — Last poll: 4

• Last week: No Games
• Coming Week: No Games/

After a giant slip up early in the season the Huskies have gotten their affairs in order and seem to be playing more like the team we all expected at the start of the season.

T-3. Minnesota (14-5-1), 43 — Last poll: 3

• Last week: L 2-3 v Minnesota-Duluth (12/10), W 2-1 v Minnesota-Duluth (12/11)
• Coming Week: No Games/

After letting Duluth steal a game on home ice, the Gophers almost let the Bulldogs go with a sweep but were able to hold on to split the weekend. Minnesota has the history and talent to go far as always but they seem to lack some consistency this season.

5. Quinnipiac (15-1-2), 39 — Last poll: 5

• Last week: No Games
• Coming Week: No Games/

No one really saw the Bobcats coming this season, and while they have had some slips, all three were against teams that have consistently received attention in our poll. They will travel to Madison for a pair which will either cement them in this top tier or hurt their home ice chances for the NCAAs.

6. Minnesota-Duluth (9-7-0), 29 — Last poll: 7

• Last week: W 3-2 @ Minnesota (12/10), L 1-2 @ Minnesota (12/11)
• Coming Week: No Games/

The Bulldog’s record is not impressive, even less so when you see who some of those loses were to. However over the last two weeks they have managed to split against two very good teams and made themselves this week’s ‘Belle’s of the Ball.’ The second half will be interesting to watch as they travel to Boston for a pair against Harvard and will have a few trap games against weaker conference foes that they will need to take care of.

7. Colgate (15-4-1), 27 — Last poll: 6

• Last week: No Games
• Coming Week: No Games/

The Raiders really wish they had been able to split their home series against Minnesota or that they had been able to take care of business in the ECAC. They will stick around the conversation but clearly need to make a few more statements.

8. Yale (10-3-1), 17 — Last poll: 8

• Last week: W 3-2 v Boston University (12/8)
• Coming Week: No Games/

It was a win, but it was a less than stellar win over a Boston University team that has faltered this season. Yale was not expected to be in this level this season but here they are and they have the opportunity to make a tournament run if they continue with this success.

9. Harvard (9-3-0), 9 — Last poll: 9

• Last week: No Games
• Coming Week: No Games/

Anther team that is over performing relative to preseason hype. The Crimson will have a solid shot at a Beanpot, an Ivy Crown and the ECAC title this year.

10. Clarkson (15-2-3), 7 — Last poll: 10

• Last week: No Games
• Coming Week: No Games/

Clarkson is back in the top ten for now but they hold on precariously. They lost some top talent and are jsut not dominating like we have come to expect from the only Eastern team to ever win a title.

Also Receiving Votes: Providence 3