Notebooks: Proving Ground

There's no use denying the obvious. It's February and it's time for college hockey teams to prove their value. Whether competing for a regular-season championship, boosting your NCAA Tournament criteria or even staying afloat in league playoff races, it's the time of the year when things get magnified.

Our writers shine a spotlight on some of the teams that are dealing with those types of issues, across the country and the INCH Friday Four-cast previews the biggest games and series on the schedule this weekend.

Friday Four-cast: Spectacular Bids

Atlantic Hockey | CCHA | ECAC Hockey | Hockey East | WCHA

HOBEY TRACKER
It's the week of Groundhog Day, and just like the movie where Bill Murray's character re-lives the same day over and over, you'll see a lot of similarities between this edition of the Hobey Tracker and the last one we published. The top three players on the Big Board from two weeks ago are back in those spots this time around, but may or may not be in a different order.

Hobey Tracker: Feb. 2, 2012

LATEST UPDATES

FIRST SHIFT
Maine goalie Dan Sullivan is the INCH Player of the Week.

First Shift

POWER RANKINGS
There's some congestion at the top of the pecking order after several top teams suffered losses.

INCH Power Rankings

INCH PODCAST
Our staff discusses the viability of contending teams as the season begins to draw to a close.

Podcast – Jan. 25, 2012 (.mp3)

2011-12 COVERAGE

2011 NHL ENTRY DRAFT

INCH has everything you need to know about the proceedings in St. Paul.
First Round: The Fab First-Round Four | INCH Draft Diary
Rounds 2-7: All the Picks
Prospect Profiles: INCH's Draft Preview
Plus: NHL Mock Drafts | Final NHL Central Scouting Rankings | Other Pre-Draft Rankings

FROZEN FOUR: WHAT'S UP, 'DOGS?

MINNESOTA DULUTH 3, MICHIGAN 2
Minnesota Duluth won its first NCAA hockey title, beating Michigan
3-2 in overtime on Kyle Schmidt's goal.

Game Story and Notes | Frozen First Shift

FROZEN FRIDAY
INCH caught up with both teams at Friday's practices. | Friday Notes

THURSDAY'S SEMIFINALS
Minnesota Duluth 4, Notre Dame 3
Game Story and Notes | Frozen First Shift

Michigan 2, North Dakota 0
Game Story and Notes | Frozen First Shift

SEMIFINAL PREVIEWS
Straight from St. Paul: Wednesday Notebook
Breakdowns: Minnesota Duluth-Notre Dame | Michigan-North Dakota
Coaches Takes: Candid Scouting Reports
Our analysis, downloadable: INCH Podcast