Main Story

Michigan has made the strongest case as college hockey’s top team so far, pairing an undefeated record with sustained control of games. Minnesota Duluth, Providence and Wisconsin are also unbeaten, while Western Michigan and several rising contenders have shown they can challenge the favorites. Early results are impressive, but shooting and goaltending numbers across the field suggest some teams could cool off as the season progresses.

By the Numbers
  • Michigan has trailed for 9.7% of its playing time and led for 63.9%.
  • Minnesota Duluth has trailed for fewer than 5 minutes this season.
  • Providence has outscored opponents by 3 goals per game and allowed 1.2 per game through 5 games.
  • Wisconsin sophomores have scored 75% of the team’s goals through 4 games.
  • Merrimack is 4-1-1 and has gone 16-6-2 over its last 24 games.
Yes, But

Several teams’ early dominance may be difficult to sustain: Wisconsin is allowing fewer than 1 goal per game, Merrimack is shooting 15.9%, and UMD goalie Carl Axelsson has a .961 save percentage. Providence has also faced a relatively light schedule so far. Still, the strong starts are backed by convincing performances, and some teams have room to improve offensively or defensively as the season unfolds.

State of Play
  • Michigan, Minnesota Duluth, Providence and Wisconsin remain undefeated.
  • Western Michigan’s only loss came against Michigan; the Broncos are averaging nearly 40 shots per game.
  • Colorado College is 5-1, while Merrimack is unbeaten in 5 straight after its opening-night loss.
  • Conference play ramps up this weekend, with Providence at Quinnipiac and Minnesota Duluth at Colorado College among the key matchups.
What’s Next

This weekend’s matchups will offer tougher tests for several early-season standouts. Providence visits Quinnipiac, Minnesota Duluth faces Colorado College without Max Plante, and Michigan State meets North Dakota in the Hall of Fame Game. Those results should help clarify which hot starts are translating against top competition.

Bottom Line

Michigan is the early benchmark, but the field is crowded—and the next round of high-profile games will show which contenders can sustain their momentum beyond the opening month.