I think getting the #1 seed for the WCHA playoffs is key.
One, you get a trophy/banner.
Two, the jump in team skill from MTU in 12th to SCSU/MSUM/BSU in 11th is pretty substantial. I would much rather play MTU in the 1st round than either of those three teams.
Even though we'd be playing MTU 4-5 games in a row...still better than finishing 2nd.
Third, you avoid the Thursday night games at the Final Five. At most you have to play two games in the Final Five, saving some energy for the following weekend's regionals.
Last year the Sioux just depleted themselves down the stretch. While it was awesome watching them win the Broadmoor, all those games in 9 days really hampered them in their game against Yale IMO.