UPDATE: The NCAA tournament landscape is rapidly shifting as the 2025-26 NCAA Division I women’s hockey regular season enters its final six weeks, and the NCHC faces just seven weeks left. Both the men’s and women’s teams of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) must capitalize on their upcoming games to secure their postseason spots.
The women’s team finds itself on the bubble after a 4-2 nonconference record, with key losses to Harvard and Quinnipiac in Northern Ireland. The WCHA has been formidable, boasting a 40-6-2 record against other leagues. However, the Bulldogs need to rally in the coming weeks to strengthen their chance for a sixth consecutive NCAA tournament berth.
The current women’s NCAA tournament projections suggest that teams ranked between No. 8-10 are at risk of being pushed out by surprise conference tournament champions, particularly from Atlantic Hockey, ECAC, and Hockey East. With the pressure mounting, UMD’s women’s team must secure victories to solidify their position.
In contrast, the men’s team is currently in a favorable position to not only make the NCAA tournament but also contend for a No. 1 seed after a 9-1 nonconference record, their only loss coming against a potential tournament contender in Augustana. The NCHC continues to dominate the standings, with four teams in the top 11 and three in the top five.
As bracket predictions unfold, the men’s tournament is proving more complex, with numerous variables influencing the final selections. The current projections suggest that if the tournament were to solidify today, UMD would be well-positioned to compete vigorously.
Here are the latest tournament brackets for both teams:
Women’s Tournament Projections:
– Madison, Wisconsin Regional: 1. Wisconsin* vs. 8. Princeton*; 9. Minnesota Duluth
– Columbus, Ohio Regional: 2. Ohio State vs. 7. Northeastern*; 10. Cornell
– Minneapolis, Minnesota Regional: 3. Minnesota vs. 6. Quinnipiac; 11. Saint Anselm
– University Park, Pennsylvania Regional: 5. UConn at 4. Penn State*
Men’s Tournament Projections:
– Albany, New York Regional: 1. Michigan* vs. 16. Bentley*; 8. Penn State vs. 9. Cornell
– Loveland, Colorado Regional: 2. North Dakota* vs. 15. UConn*; 7. Dartmouth vs. 11. Denver
– Worcester, Massachusetts Regional: 3. Wisconsin vs. 14. St. Thomas*; 6. Michigan State vs. 10. Quinnipiac*
– Sioux Falls, South Dakota Regional: 4. Minnesota Duluth vs. 13. Providence; 5. Western Michigan vs. 12. Augustana
With the tournament clock ticking down, every game is crucial. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching how the Bulldogs will navigate their remaining schedules. The urgency to succeed is palpable, as both teams aim for a place in the prestigious NCAA tournaments.
Stay tuned for further developments as the Bulldogs push towards the postseason, and share your thoughts on their chances!
