Predictions: East and West Regionals

Predicting WCHA games is like trying to predict the weather in Colorado. Just like it can be snowing downtown and 70 degrees at the World Arena, any weekend allows any team to win. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the NCAA Tournament should be slightly easier to predict. The biggest intangible with these games is who reacts to the pressure and who folds up and collapses. I'll run through each bracket and try to give the best bet on who will head to Denver. Obviously I'm going to be CC biased but to be perfectly honest, they will win it all IF they can score like they were used to (4+ goals a game average) and don't get caught up in the atmosphere, like last weekend. (all times below MT)

West Regional-Colorado Springs World Arena
Friday, 4PM Early Game-New Hampshire vs Notre Dame
I'm looking at New Hampshire taking out Notre Dame with relative ease. ND hasn't played on an Olympic sheet all season and is coming out of the Cup Cake Hockey Association, UNH plays home games on Olympic ice and was consistent all season.
Prediction: UNH 4, ND 1

8PM Night Game-Colorado College vs Michigan State
If the Tigers play their game (fast and high scoring), the defending champions should be sent packing Friday night. CC is at home and played one of the top 3 hardest schedules in the country. Michigan State is a 3rd place CCHA team. However, the experience from last season's title run will give them an advantage in the intangible category, the World Arena crowd should give the Tigers comfort. Look for a fast, high-tempo game.
Prediction: CC 5, MSU 3

Regional Final-8PM Saturday
If the Tigers can beat the defending champs, they will continue their run Saturday night and knock off New Hampshire. The Tigers were swept the second weekend of the season against the Wildcats and will be hungry for revenge and running on adrenaline after knocking out the Spartans. New Hampshire will be worn down by games end, CC clinches with an empty-net goal with 1:20 left and punches their ticket to Pepsi Center.
Prediction: CC 4, UNH 2

Bottom line: Colorado College reaches the Frozen Four 75 miles north of home

East Regional-Albany, NY
Friday Early 2PM St. Cloud State vs Clarkson
Much debate has been made about this matchup because of the seeding. However it won't matter as the WCHA will win this one. CC dominated Clarkson this season 5-2 and 6-2 and St. Cloud has given the Tigers fits, splitting 2-2 and ending the Tigers undefeated home record. Their tough and never-die attitude will take them far and only another WCHA team will beat em. I think the Huskies will be the Cinderella/pest team in this tourney and cause everyone headaches.
Prediction: SCSU 4, Clarkson 1

Friday Night Game 5:30 Michigan vs Niagra
Despite Michigan's weak schedule in a weak conference, the Wolverines will win game 1 handily against probably the lowest profile team in the tournament. Niagara did beat 1/2-WCHA team Bemidji in the CHA tournament but will suffer from the talent gap with UM. I hate Michigan but I'll take them in this one.
Prediction: UM 3, Niagara 1

Regional Final 5PM Saturday
Media darling Michigan will have their hands full trying to keep the Huskies on their leash. The Wolverines will struggle with the pest of the WCHA in a battle much tougher than they had expected. I think SCSU's grit and determination, not to mention conference experience, will carry them to Denver in a nasty battle.
Prediction: SCSU 3, UM 2

Bottom line: St. Cloud heads to Denver as the Frozen Four underdog

Look for the wide-open Northeast and Midwest predictions later tonight.