Merrimack retains the top spot, while a surprising sweep surges Ohio State to the top of the CCHA and to number four in HPT's weekly Power Rankings.

When Frozen Four finalist Notre Dame and defending champion Minnesota-Duluth split to open the season up in Duluth, neither team looked like it had the mojo that carried it to the end of the NCAA Tournament. Since then, the two teams have been nearly unbeatable. In fact, they have been unbeatable for more than a month now.

And while those two look worthy of an encore performance in the Frozen Four, Ohio State continues to be one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Buckeyes’ sweep of Michigan at the Wolverines’ Yost Arena catapulted them to the top of the CCHA conference standings, and up to fourth in our latest power rankings.

1. Merrimack (8-0-1): As an undrafted senior, Warriors defenseman and captain Karl Stollery is making every effort to make sure NHL scouts notice him this season. With Stollery posting eight points in nine games, it may be working.

2

  Notre Dame (9-2-2): The Irish haven’t been beaten in nine games now, but haven’t won by more than one goal in seven games. At least you can’t say they don't lack drama.

3  Minnesota-Duluth (9-3-2): The Bulldogs haven’t lost on the road, where they’ll be playing until a home date with Alabama-Huntsville on Jan. 20. That’s eight games and time to prove how legitimate their current 10-game unbeaten streak is.

4  Ohio State (10-3-1): The Buckeyes' win streak is now at seven, and their unbeaten streak at nine, after sweeping Michigan by scores of 2-1 and 6-5. So yeah, they can win any way you want them to. Yikes.

5  Colorado College (7-2-0): After sweeping Wisconsin by scores of 4-1 and 4-2, the Tigers have now scored at least four goals in eight straight games. Looking ahead at their schedule, that streak doesn’t look it will end anytime soon.

6  Minnesota (11-3-0): Saturday’s win over St. Cloud State was goalie Kent Patterson’s sixth shutout of the season. In his previous three seasons, the Avalanche draftee blanked the opponent exactly zero times.

7  Miami (6-6-2): The RedHawks followed up a 2-6-0 October with a 4-0-2 record so far this month. The biggest reason for the turnaround? Miami gave up 3.38 goals per game in the first month, but just 1.67 since.

8  Yale (5-1-1): The Bulldogs’ defense has been outstanding, but the offense – averaging just 2.71 goals per game – needs to get going. At least Penguins prospect Kenny Agostino rolled up a four-point game on Connecticut to break out of his funk.

9  Mercyhurst (6-5-1): The Lakers are 6-1-1 in their last eight, thanks to a favorable schedule – or as it’s known to any good teams in Atlantic Hockey, the conference schedule. Next weekend’s reality check comes with a twinbill at Wisconsin.

10  Michigan State (7-5-0): Let’s give points for consistency. The Spartans have given up two goals in each of their last six games, while posting a 5-1-0 mark in that stretch.

11  Cornell (5-2-0): Under the category “Things That Won’t Last,” file this one: the Big Red’s team shooting percentage of 18.95.

12  Denver (5-3-3): After scoring just seven goals in a 0-2-2 stretch, the Pioneers have scored 15 in their last three, a 2-0-1 string. While Denver waits on injured goalie Sam Brittain, they’ll need to keep up that offensive pace.

13  Ferris State (10-3-1): Despite the record, the Bulldogs are still just 1-2-1 against teams with winning records. Now, they get to finish the first half with home-and-homes against Western Michigan and Notre Dame.

14  Colgate (8-4-1): Dallas Stars prospect Austin Smith just took over the NCAA lead with 15 goals, and subsequently made the Hobey Baker race a lot more interesting.

15  Boston University (6-4-1): The Terriers were all over the map in October. During their current three-game win streak, they’re finally starting to show their talent – especially Islanders prospect Corey Trivino, who has goals in five straight games.

16  Union (6-3-3): The Dutchmen have given up 30 shots to the opposition just twice this season. Those games ended in ties.

17  Boston College (9-4-0): After losing three of their last four, the Eagles get a road date with Yale. Suddenly, things look like they could get worse before they get better on Chestnut Hill.

18  Michigan Tech (7-4-1): If they can sweep their series at St. Lawrence next weekend, they’ll have matched the win total from their previous two seasons … combined. And it’s still November.

19  Mass-Lowell (6-4-0): The River Hawks have had 60 power-play opportunities, but have killed only 41 penalties. That gap is a big reason Lowell is still competitive in Hockey East.

20  New Hampshire (5-5-2): Last week’s loss to Boston University had to be especially frustrating. The Wildcats outshot BU in the third period 23-8, but got outscored 3-1 in that stanza.

Three Stars

Austin Smith, Colgate

The week: Five goals in a pair of wins, including the hat trick in the victory over Quinnipiac

Fun fact: The draft pick of the Dallas Stars already calls Dallas home.

Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota

The week: Four goals and an assist in a split with St. Cloud State, including a hat trick in Saturday’s win.

Fun fact: The Minneapolis native scored two game-winners for the USA at the last World Junior Championships.

Caleb Herbert, Minnesota-Duluth

The week: Three goals and an assist in the Bulldogs’ sweep of Minnesota State.

Fun fact: Was a fifth-round pick by the Washington Capitals in the 2010 NHL Draft.

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