The winner of the MacNaughton Cup as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season champion could be determined Friday in Wisconsin. But if the two-team race lasts until Saturday, the final day of the regular season, the trophy could be unveiled after the Colorado College-University of Denver showdown at Magness Arena.
That’s what the Pioneers are hoping for — a chance to play for the title against their archrival at home.
For that to happen, league-leading North Dakota must lose or tie Friday at Wisconsin, keeping DU within two points of the Fighting Sioux, who lead by one.
WCHA commissioner Bruce Mc- Leod said teams typically celebrate with the MacNaughton Cup only at home, a scenario only DU might enjoy Saturday with a win or a tie against the Tigers. And barring a change in plans, McLeod said he wouldn’t take the Cup to Madison this weekend.
For the Pioneers to win the Cup outright, they must beat CC while North Dakota loses both games at Wisconsin. A DU win and a Sioux loss and tie in Madison would produce co-champions, but the Sioux would win the tiebreaker (1-0-1 in head-to-head) for the No. 1 league playoff seed.
DU would still celebrate its 13th Cup-winning season, fourth since 1983 and third this decade.
“Obviously, we’re still hoping for the best, and a win on Saturday might gives us a chance,” DU goalie Marc Cheverie said.
Rakhshani probable.
Junior wing Rhett Rakhshani, DU’s best forward since Christmas, is confident he will play Saturday. Rakhshani suffered a “lower body” injury during the first period of Friday’s victory against St. Cloud State. He did not return and was scratched in Saturday’s loss.
“I feel pretty good. I skated (Saturday) a little bit. It’s just tight, and taking a full stride I get a little sore, and taking a full shot hurts a little bit,” Rakhshani said. “It’s something that takes time, but nothing too serious, and nothing that’s going to get worse, only better with rehab.”
Footnotes.
DU center Tyler Bozak (knee injury) remains on target to return to the lineup during the March 13-15 WCHA Final Five, if the Pioneers advance. Defenseman Chris Nutini, who has missed the past seven games with a shoulder injury, could be available Saturday. . . . Atlantic Hockey Association co-champion Air Force is idle until March 13, when the No. 1-seeded Falcons begin an AHA quarterfinal, best-of-three series against No. 8 Sacred Heart, No. 9 Connecticut or No. 10 American International.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
