CC hockey: Three things to watch at Mankato

Three things for Colorado College to focus on headed into its road Western Collegiate Hockey Association series at Minnesota State-Mankato this weekend.

1. RE-ESTABLISH THE ROAD-GAME MENTALITY
In short, play smart. The Tigers (5-2-1, 4-1-1 WCHA) need to play a solid game defensively by avoiding turnovers and penalties. Nothing would get the crowd in the 4,832-seat Verizon Wireless Center roaring better than a home power play. Avoid those and you have a chance to take the crowd out of the game.

2. BE READY FOR ANOTHER PHYSICAL SERIES
The Mavericks (3-4-1, 1-4-1) would be hard pressed to match the exploits of Minnesota-Duluth (nation’s worst 24.6 penalty minutes average), but Mankato (ninth at 18.9) is known for its physical play. CC must move its feet on the big sheet (almost Olympic-sized) to stop the charges at the net without reaching and drawing bad penalties.

3. ESTABLISH THE FORECHECK
CC could disrupt the Mankato transition into offense and generate some turnovers in the home team’s end. It would help the Tigers play more of the game in the Mavericks’ end, allowing the visitors to establish their cycling down low for quality scoring chances in 5-on-5 play.