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What are Miami's chances of making the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team?

They're looking better, especially if the RedHawks can sweep their two games this weekend at Northern Michigan and if the second-place Michigan Wolverines manage to lose one of their two games at Ohio State. That would give Miami second place in the final Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings. Right now Miami is red hot, having won four straight games by an overall score of 19-9. Of course, Miami would have to win its second-round series in the CCHA Playoffs at Steve Cady Arena March 9-11 and then make a good showing in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena the following weekend.

How are the RedHawks faring in the national polls?

Again, much better. They're back in the top 10. Miami is ranked No. 9 by USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine and USCHO.com/CSTV and No. 8 by the InsiderCollegeHockey.com power rankings. If the RedHawks can remain in the top 10, that also will help their NCAA chances.

How have the RedHawks been able to bounce back from a five-week stretch when they went 3-5-3?

The veterans have come through in a big way. Over the last six games, senior Marty Guerin has three goals and six assists, senior Matt Christie has three goals and four assists, junior Ryan Jones has six goals and two assists, and junior Nathan Davis has three goals and an assist. That's 28 points from four players. And there have been key contributions from seniors Geoff Smith and Joe Cooper and junior Mitch Ganzak, who have added another six points during that span.

How does Miami's senior class rank among other classes in the history of the program?

Miami has recorded 86 victories with Christie, Ganzak, Guerin and Smith. That's more than any other class. The previous record of 85 was set by last year's senior class.

What are Miami's chances of winning two games this weekend?

Historically speaking, not great. The RedHawks (22-10-4) have a much better record than the Wildcats (12-20-2). But Miami's all-time record in Marquette, Mich. is 2-18-1. Miami has not beaten Northern Michigan on the road since Jan. 10, 2004.