Hockey East picks: Nov 18-22

I differed with Jim on only three games last week. One was a tie and he got the other two  right. So my five-game lead was almost sliced in half.

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, Nov. 18

Providence at Northeastern 
Dave’s pick:  These two teams are listed at the bottom of the standings? Seriously? Even though picking a split in this home-and-home makes sense, I’ll take Providence in the front half of a sweep.
PC 3, NU 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: This was the point in time that Northeastern began turning things around last season. But I think Providence is better than they’ve performed so I will go with the Friars.
PC 4, NU 2

Massachusetts at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: I’m feeling a lot more optimistic long-term about the Minutemen after writing about them in this week’s column, but they did lose to UNH at home just a couple weeks back. I’m going to have to stick with the Wildcats at the Whitt.
UNH 4, UMass 3
Jim’s pick: It’s been a while since New Hampshire has played a complete game. But a Friday night at home in a winnable scenario. If UNH can’t play well here, be concerned.
UNH 3, UMass 1

Boston University at Connecticut
Dave’s pick: The Terriers are hitting a few more early-season potholes than I expected, but they still have the best talent (or at least the top two or three) in the league.
BU 4, UConn 2
Jim’s pick: Talent usually wins, so I can’t bet against talent, even if I think UConn can outwork the Terriers.
xxxxx

Maine at Vermont
Dave’s pick: If only the Black Bears could take that Alfond magic on the road….
UVM 3, UM 2
Jim’s pick: I don’t feel like this is a one-goal game. Vermont is playing well and, on the road, Maine isn’t.
UVM 5, UM 2

Massachusetts-Lowell at Notre Dame 
Dave’s pick: Lowell’s loss at Maine last weekend dampened my enthusiasm for the River Hawks a bit, while the Irish fared much better on Saturday night at Northeastern before the Zamboni failure resulted in a game-shortened tie the next day.
UND 3, UML 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: I have the advantage of picking after the Thursday game and watched UML play well against the Irish. So I differ here and will go with the River Hawks.
UML 3, UND 2

Boston College at Harvard 
Dave’s pick: Harvard provides a tough challenge, but I still think the Eagles will extend their undefeated streak to 11 games.
BC 3, HC 2
Jim’s pick: Really tough game for BC and the Eagles are flying high. I just like the Crimson at home.
HC 4, BC 2

Merrimack at Wisconsin
Dave’s pick: Wisconsin has split with Northern Michigan, Boston College, and then Northern Michigan again, all at home. So another split would seem to be in the offing… if not for Merrimack’s winless road record.
UW 4, MC 2
Jim’s pick: I really like the way Wisconsin is playing under Tony Granato so I am going with the home team.
UW 4, MC 2

Saturday, Nov. 19

Maine at Vermont 
Dave’s pick: I’d be picking the sweep the opposite way at Alfond.
UVM 4, UM 2
Jim’s pick: I agree with Dave. Home cooking is special for the Black Bears and, though they are better on the road, I still don’t want to put faith in them just yet.
UMV 3, UM 1

Connecticut at Boston University
Dave’s pick: Since UConn already has five ties, I suppose I should pick the Huskies to add a sixth. Unfortunately for them, BU is just too tough.
BU 4, UConn 1
Jim’s pick: I will be incorrect in picking a BU sweep, guarantee it. But I feel like this BU team is poised for a run here.
BU 3, UConn 2

Northeastern at Providence
Dave’s pick: This weekend series is an important one for both clubs. I just like the Friars a bit more.
PC 3, NU 2
Jim’s pick: We both picked against Northeastern at home. Does the road change things? It should make it harder so I have to go with the Friars at home.
PC 5, NU 3

Merrimack at Wisconsin
Dave’s pick: The Badgers drop Merrimack’s road record to 0-5-2.
UW 3, MC 1
Jim’s pick: Dave just pointed out the obvious. Merrimack is not playing well away from Lawler.
UW 4, MC 2

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Boston College at Connecticut 
Dave’s pick: In five days, UConn faces fifth-ranked BU twice and third-ranked BC once. Yikes!
BC 4, UConn 2
Jim’s pick: This is a really tough schedule for UConn. And another reason I can’t pick them.
BC 2 UConn 1

Rensselaer at New Hampshire 
Dave’s pick: Here’s a match-up between two proud programs having tough years. Even though UNH is 4-5-2 overall and 2-1-1 in Hockey East, it feels as though the Wildcats have been struggling more than that. RPI is 2-8-1 and 0-4-0 on the road. Easy call.
UNH 4, RPI 2
Jim’s pick: RPI got swept at Maine. And though there have been a few weeks in between, I think UNH handle this task.
UNH 4, RPI 3

Harvard at Boston University
Dave’s pick: The Crimson will probably take one of the two this week against BC and BU, but I’m sticking with Hockey East on both counts.
BU 3, HU 2
Jim’s pick: I like Harvard to do something special this week, but it would be easier to pick if both games were home.
BU 3 HU 1