Despite earning its first two wins of the season, the Minnesota men’s hockey team was unable to crack the top-20 of the latest USCHO poll, released today.
Ranked No. 6 in preseason rankings, the Gophers fell to No. 11 after a loss and a tie at the hands of North Dakota before getting knocked out of the top-20 following a home sweep courtesy of Denver.Now at 2-3-1, the Gophers will have a chance this weekend to try and get back in the rankings as they will travel to Madison, Wisc. to face No. 18 Wisconsin.Miami (OH) remains atop the rankings with an overall record of 6-1-1. Two Western Collegiate Hockey Association teams are right behind, with Denver and North Dakota occupying No.’s 2 and 3 respectively.Rounding out the top five is No. 4 Michigan and No. 5 Cornell.Boston University fell three spots from No. 4 to No. 7, while soon-to-be conference member Nebraska-Omaha jumped two spots to No. 10.
Other WCHA teams in the top-20 include:
No. 12 Colorado College
No. 20 Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota Duluth jumps into the top-20 after a weekend sweep of Clarkson.As for the Gophers, they actually fell in the standings despite the sweep. Last week Minnesota was first among other teams receiving votes, while this week the Gophers are the second team left out with 36 points. Quinnipiac is the first team left out with 53 points.
