2026 NCAA men's hockey tournament bubble watch - ESPN
ESPN
by ESPNFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 NCAA men's hockey tournament is just weeks away from its selection day, with the top contenders for the 16-team bracket beginning to take shape. Michigan State and Michigan remain at the forefront of the rankings, while North Dakota and Western Michigan are close behind. These four teams are considered near-certain to make it to the NCAA tournament, given their strong conference performances and consistent results throughout the season.
The NPI formula, which replaced the PairWise rankings this year, plays a crucial role in determining at-large spots. Strength of schedule, home/road splits, and overtime outcomes all factor into these calculations. Teams like Penn State, Quinnipiac, Providence, and Denver are closely monitored as they navigate their remaining regular-season schedules to solidify their positions.
The tournament's regional games will be held in Albany, Loveland, Sioux Falls, and Worcester, with the Frozen Four set for T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Michigan State and Michigan, currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, are strong contenders for top seeds, while North Dakota and Western Michigan continue to challenge them.
For teams like Penn State, Quinnipiac, Providence, and Denver, every game matters as they aim to prove they belong among the nation's best. The Nittany Lions need to demonstrate they can compete with top-tier opponents, while Quinnipiac's strength-of-schedule concerns loom large. Providence and Denver must also build on their recent success to secure their spots.
Sports fans will be glued to the action as the season winds down, with every game potentially altering the NPI rankings. The excitement of bubble teams fighting for inclusion and the top contenders vying for No. 1 seeds makes this a can't-miss time in college hockey. The tournament's unpredictability and the
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026