Weekend: It's Getting Serious

The conference races show teams tangled together in the standings like bubble gum in a pony tail. And while it is serious business for teams from coast to coast, it’s seriously thrilling for college hockey fans; this may be the most unpredictable collection of conference races we’ve seen in years. Check out notes on the biggest series of the weekend, including a pair of games between Michigan State and Michigan, in our Friday Four-cast. Plus, there's news about some of the teams making moves in our reports from all five conferences.

Friday Four-cast

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

INCH PODCAST
The INCH Podcast is back with a special guest – Nate Ewell of College Hockey Inc. Discussion in this episode includes a Beanpot recap, ideas for future Big Ten hockey tournament sites, and teams that are trending in positive and negative directions. Our regular mix of Deterioration includes some Super Bowl chatter and looking forward to the college lacrosse season.

INCH Podcast - Feb. 8, 2012 (.mp3)

LATEST UPDATES

FIRST SHIFT
Some thoughts on the events that took place last weekend.

INCH First Shift

HOBEY TRACKER
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 are back in those spots.

Hobey Tracker

POWER RANKINGS
Check out the latest report card, with a brand new student at the head of the class.

INCH Power Rankings

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