SB Nation’s Women’s College Hockey Division I Poll: Narrow Margins

With only two weeks to go in the regular season, we still have no clue how the postseason participation will be determined. But, all the teams still have games to improve resumes left.

1. Wisconsin (9-2-1), 76 (5) — Last poll: 1

• Last week: W 4-3 OT @ Minnesota (2/5), T 2-2 OT (0-1 SOL) @ Minnesota (2/6)
• Coming Week:v Bemidji State (2/12, 2/13)/

A pair of tight games against Minnesota tightened the Badgers lead in the WCHA slightly but a pair of games against Bemidji should do the trick to lock up the number one seed.

2. Northeastern (13-1-1), 73 (3) — Last poll: 2

• Last week: W 8-0 @ Holy Cross (2/5), W 12-0 v Holy Cross (2/6)
• Coming Week: TBD/

While the actual games were painful to watch regardless of who you root for, history was made. Aerin Frankel notched a pair of shutouts to claim the top spot all time in HEA shutouts. The pair of wins also put Northeastern firmly atop the HEA table and made them this week’s “Belles of the Ball.”

3. Ohio State (9-5-0), 63 — Last poll: 3

• Last Week: No Games
• Coming Week: @ Minnesota (2/12, 2/13)/

After a week off the Buckeyes get to travel back to Minneapolis for their third pair against Minnesota. While it is technically possible for them to fall out of the top four in the WCHA they are essentially locked in.

4. Minnesota (9-5-1), 55 — Last poll: 4

• Last week: L 3-4 OT v Wisconsin (2/5), T 2-2 OT (1-0 SOW) v Wisconsin (2/6)
• Coming Week: v Ohio State (2/12, 2/13)/

The Gophers were really hoping for a signature win, instead a blown lead and a furious comeback live them right about where they were when they started the weekend. This weekend’s pair against OSU will be important for seeding.

5. Colgate (11-4-1), 48 — Last poll: 5

• Last week: W 4-2 v Clarkson (2/5), L 2-5 @ Clarkson (2/7)
• Coming Week: @ Quinnipiac (2/13, 2/14)/

When you play a team enough times it starts to become a toss up. Colgate has played Clarkson 10 times this season. While they finally have another team on the schedule again they are still likely to meet Clarkson again down the line.

6. Boston College (12-3-0), 34 — Last poll: T-6

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

The Eagles were idle, and we have no clue who they will play next.

7. Minnesota-Duluth (8-4-0), 32 — Last poll: T-6

• Last week: No Games
• Coming Week: @ Minnesota State (2/12, 2/13)/

After an off week the Bulldogs get to ease back into things with Mankato.

8. Clarkson (8-6-1), 30 — Last poll: 8

• Last week: L 2-4 @ Colgate (2/5), W 5-2 v Colgate (2/7)
• Coming Week: v St. Lawrence (2/10), @ St. Lawrence (2/13), v St. Lawrence (2/14)/

Another split with Colgate is improving people’s view on the Knights. This week supposedly brings a trio of games against St. Lawrence.

9. Penn State (11-1-2), 16— Last poll: 10

• Last week: W 2-1 v Robert Morris (2/5, W 4-2 v Robert Morris (2/6)
• Coming Week: v RIT (2/9, 2/10)/

The Nittany Lions are the best team in Pennsylvania for the first time in their short history. Now they look to cement themselves as the best team in the CHA against RIT.

10. Providence (9-5-1), 10 — Last poll: 9

• Last week: L 0-1 @ New Hampshire (2/5), W 5-4 v New Hampshire (2/6)
• Coming Week: TBD/

Things aren’t looking up for the Friars. A late loss and a narrow victory against UNH isn’t exactly awe inspiring as the season limps to a close.

Also Receiving Votes: Quinnipiac 2, Boston University 1