SB Nation’s Women’s College Hockey Division I Poll: Upstart Underdogs

This week featured a number of games that had the favorites struggle but eventually come out on top. The top 10 is unchanged but a few more teams have received consideration and might break in to this poll in the coming weeks

1. Wisconsin (6-0-0), 110 (11) — Last poll: 1

•  Last Week: W 3-0 @ Ohio State (10/11), W 7-3 @ Ohio State (10/12)

•  Coming Week: @ Long Island (10/18, 10/19)

The Badgers shut Ohio State down in the first game and then struggled before pulling away in the second.  The wins cement the idea that the WCHA is theirs to lose, and makes them this week’s “Belles of the Ball.”  Next up will a trip to Long Island to welcome the Sharks to D-I, which could get messy.

2. Minnesota (6-0-0), 92 — Last poll: 2

•  Last week: W 4-3 OT @ Robert Morris (10/11), W 6-2 @ Robert Morris (10/12)

•  Coming Week: v St. Cloud State (10/19, 10/20)

This weekend started rough for Minnesota getting taken to overtime by Robert Morris and needing a power play to finish the job. The next day, the Gophers flipped a switch and took care of business early. This weekend brings St. Cloud to Minneapolis which should allow them to stay atop the WCHA for now.

3. Northeastern (3-0-0), 88 — Last poll: 3

•  Last week: W 2-1 @ Syracuse (10/11), W 6-3 @ Syracuse (10/12)

•  Coming Week: @ Maine (10/18), v New Hampshire (10/20)

Like so many other teams this week, the Huskies got a scare out of a Syracuse team that has been a thorn to everyone they have played this season. They were taken to the brink on Friday night and again on Saturday, being tied in the second period before unleashing three straight goals. The first game of the weekend will be another long road trip as they head to Maine before finally coming home against the New Hampshire team that dominated Boston University.

4. Clarkson (3-1-0), 78 — Last poll: 4

•  Last week: No Games

•  Coming Week: @ Robert Morris (10/18, 10/19)

A weekend off hopefully will allow the Golden Knights to take care of business at Robert Morris.

6. Princeton (0-0-0), 63 — Last poll: 6

•  Last week: No Games

•  Coming Week: No Games

One more weekend off for the Tigers.

5. Cornell (0-0-0), 58 — Last poll: 5

•  Last week: No Games

•  Coming Week: No Games

The Big Red will also have one more weekend before starting their season.

7. Boston College (4-0-0), 39 — Last poll: 7

•  Last week: No Games

•  Coming Week: v Merrimack (10/18), @ Vermont (10/20)

The Eagles were able to hold on to the top spot in Hockey East and can keep it that way with a pair of conference foes including a trip up to Burlington.

8. Minnesota-Duluth (3-1-0), 32 — Last poll: T-8

•  Last week: W 3-2 OT v Minnesota State (10/11), W 4-1 v Minnesota State (10/12)

•  Coming Week: @ Bemidji State (10/18, 10/19)

A tough weekend including an overtime escape against Mankato.  With other teams struggles it didn’t hurt them in the polls.  They will need to take care of business when they travel to Bemidji.

9. Ohio State (4-2-0), 28 — Last poll: T-8

•  Last week: L 0-3 v Wisconsin (10/11), L 3-7 v Wisconsin (10/12)

•  Coming Week: @ Minnesota State (10/18, 10/19)

The Buckeyes had an opportunity to prove they belong at the top of the poll but were unable to take advantage dropping both games including being shut out in one.  Next weekend brings a trip to Mankato that gave Duluth a scare last weekend.

10. Boston University (1-1-1), 9 — Last poll: 10

•  Last week: T 2-2 OT v Merrimack (10/11), L 2-4 @ New Hampshire (10/12)

•  Coming Week: @ Connecticut (10/18), @ Maine (10/20)

The Terriers are hanging on by the skin of their teeth in this poll after a disastrous weekend that hurts their chances of returning to the top of Hockey East. This weekend will bring a pair of must wing road games in conference play.

Also Receiving Votes: Robert Morris 4, New Hampshire 2, Syracuse 2