The contender field looks a little more crowded this year. I think at this point last year it was pretty obvious Minnesota and Quinnipiac were on a collision course in the finals. My dudes, I give you the RabidBadger power 5 (in no particular order).
-Quinnipiac: They lost a lot of key players from the title team and stumbled out of the gate, but the train is back on the tracks. When they settle into their system they are a royal pain in the ass to play.
-BU: These jags were my pre-season pick to win it all. I haven't had reason to change my mind. They have two bona fide game breakers in Macklin Celebrini and Laine will-fight-a-6'4-Swede Hutson.
-BC: They have a enviable mix of high end talent and just realgud college players. Jacob Fowler has shown he can put the team on his back and steal games. The road to the title definitely goes through Bahstin.
-Maine: Who saw this coming? They went from middling team to looking like Shawn Walsh era Black Bears. I haven't seen any weakness to suggest they'll be a flash in the pan.
-Denver: This might seem like a over rating or a diss to Wisconsin and a few others. DU has loads of firepower headed by Jack Devine and Massimo Rizzo. I think a lot of people wrote them off after a early playoff exit last year. I think they'll be even better with David Carle coming off a gold medal coaching job at the WJC.
Honorable mention:
Wisconsin: Mike Hastings is the man! They have a very solid line up and never quit. No one will want to draw them in the tournament.
-Michigan State: Adam Nightingale has worked wonders with this team. Coach of the year in my book.
-Providence: This is a young team that has taken a nice step forward. I can see them in the Frozen Four next year.
-NoDak: This is the most North Dakota-y they've looked in years. That's amazing given they lost, literally , their entire group of D-men from last year. Dylan James needs to find a way to produce offensively.
Edit: Don't bury Minnesota or Michigan...too much talent and plenty of season left to get it right.