Win-sconsin
Will anyone beat the Badgers this year? Looking like the most dominant team in the country at 16-0-2, the pollsters confirmed the perspective by keeping Wisconsin atop the rankings for the eighth straight week — a unanimous decision for the seventh poll in a row. The Badgers blew out Minnesota State in Madison to secure their place, while second-place Minnesota swept No. 10 Harvard in the Twin Cities. State- (and league-)mate Minnesota Duluth climbed from seventh to fourth in this week's poll after sweeping No. 5 Dartmouth in Duluth, and St. Lawrence at No. 3 is now the highest-ranked team in the East after sweeping Ohio State in Canton, N.Y. No. 6 Boston University fell two spots after getting upset at Yale on Tuesday, while easterners New Hampshire, Boston College and Mercyhurst round out spots seven, eight and nine.
The Poll
Culture Clash
It's East versus West on the big stage again this weekend, as elite Harvard and Dartmouth hit the road to tangle with Minnesota and Minnesota Duluth, respectively. The ninth-ranked Crimson are reeling lately, winning only one of four and two of six, but have rediscovered their scoring touch with the re-emergence of reigning Patty Kazmaier winner Sarah Vaillancourt. No. 2 Minnesota hasn't lost at home since the upset L to Robert Morris, and has rolled to six wins in a row entering the weekend. The UMD Bulldogs are No. 7 in the polls, and trying to find their way back to the crown. The Big Green are the highest-ranked team in the East at No. 3, and have only lost once all season: at No. 5 St. Lawrence. Elsewhere in the world, No. 1 Wisconsin defends the Kohl Center against Minnesota State, aforementioned SLU is at home against Ohio State, and the Nutmeg Classic features Quinnipiac, Yale, Connecticut and Wayne State in Storrs, among other action.
The Rundown
Women's Feature Stories
- Regaining Their StrideDespite being ranked number one for much of last season, the Harvard Crimson women's hockey team couldn't win when it mattered most, in the NCAA tournament. This year's team is looking to regain their stride amid increased competition from conference rivals, a competition they feel will help them in the long run.
Never A Dull MomentAmong the words that could describe Molly Schaus' tenure in net for Boston College, "boring" isn't exactly one. Mike Scandura profiles the Eagle 'keeper.
Denotes USCHO Extra Premium ContentUSCHO.com/CBS College Sports Polls: Current No. 1s — 12/01
USCHO Players of the Week
O Ashley Riggs, Niagara
D Jessie Vetter, Wisconsin
Women's Question of the Week
| Which team's start has been most surprising thus far? |
