Ohio State has wrapped up their first regular season conference championship since 1972 as a member of the CCHA. They lead second-place Minnesota by seven points heading into the final weekend. Furthermore, Minnesota is out of action for the final weekend of Big Ten play. They’ll be hosting Arizona State this weekend.

Ohio State’s got the title locked up but Minnesota could very well lose that second-place spot while playing Arizona State. Notre Dame and Michigan sit at 34 points, two behind Minnesota. Penn State has 32. With two games against hapless Wisconsin, Michigan could easily come away with at least three points and second place. Notre Dame-Penn State is a huge two games. If Wisconsin plays spoiler to the Wolverines, the winner of ND-PSU’s series could find them self in second. It’ll be a busy weekend in the standings. I think Michigan comes away with the sweep. They’re hungry and they’re playing good hockey.

Michigan State is alone in the basement at 27 points, but Wisconsin is right there with 28. They have identical 11-16-5 overall records.

The middle of the conference was uber-competitive this year. Penn State, Notre Dame and Michigan all have a very good chance at capturing second place heading into the Big Ten tournament.

Who’s in

Ohio State is in the NCAA tournament unless they flop and get swept this weekend and completely bomb the conference tournament. They’re pretty much in no matter what happens.

Notre Dame and Penn State are tournament-quality teams, but will need to close the regular season emphatically to have a shot.

Michigan and Minnesota have to win the conference tournament.

Technically Michigan State or Wisconsin could win the tournament but that’s not going to happen.

Ohio State is clearly the best team in the conference. If anyone else is going to make a run, I think it’ll be Michigan. They’ve got a lot of talent and the experience from their Frozen Four run last year. Notre Dame is another team I like a lot, but I think Michigan is better at the moment.

Bold Prediction

Michigan wins the tournament, Ohio State and Michigan both go to the NCAA tournament. The Vancouver Canucks are gonna have to wait just a little longer for Quinn Hughes’ season to end.