Last week Theresa: 4-7-1
Season Theresa: 14-12-3
Last week Tyler: 7-5
Season Tyler – 7-5*
*Since Tyler picks ties … because I told him we don’t do that here … I did some fuzzy math. So if he picked a tie and a team got a tie, that’s a win. If he picked a tie and that didn’t happen, that’s a loss. If he didn’t pick a tie and one happened … that’s a tie. Bear with the confusion.
Friday October 29 and Saturday October 30*
North Dakota vs. Denver:
Theresa: This is the tricky series and it’s been discussed a lot already this week. If UND sweeps, I won’t be surprised; if DU does I will be; if they split, it’ll be what I expected. UND Friday, DU Saturday.
Tyler: The Fighting Sioux occupy the penalty box as much as anyone and that cost UND last week at Maine, but it shouldn’t matter this week. Denver’s 6.2 percent power play is third worst in the nation which makes it safe for the Sioux to play its patented physical style and push the Pioneers around all weekend. UND bounces back and stays unbeaten in the WCHA. Sioux sweep.
Colorado College vs. Minnesota
Theresa: The Gophers have proved they can actually win; the question is, will they be able to sustain it? Given Rylan Schwartz’s suspension Friday as a result of last weekend’s game disqualification, the answer is yes … partly. UM Friday, CC Saturday.
Tyler: Two teams with a lot to prove. The Gophers need to take advantage of CC leading scorer Rylan Schwartz’s game disqualification and consequential absence from Friday night’s game. The Tigers don’t score a lot the way it is (2.33 goals per game) and CC will likely be more punchless without Schwartz. Minnesota wins 4-2 Friday but CC exposes the shaky Gophers defense on Saturday. Split.
Bemidji State vs. Minnesota-Duluth
Theresa: I wrote earlier this week that this is a big weekend for the Beavers to prove themselves. The question is, do I think they’ll do it? The answer? Well, sure, why not. I’ll go for it. UMD Friday, BSU Saturday.
Tyler: The Beavers are a couple weeks behind in the games played column and want nothing more than to get that first win in the new building. I’ll give BSU its first-ever point at the Sanford Center but a “W” will be tough to get with UMD’s explosive offense coming to town. The Bulldogs have scored five goals per game and the Beavers allowed five goals in each loss to UND earlier this season. UMD takes three points.
Wisconsin vs. Michigan Tech
Theresa: You know, I’m happy that Tech has done well so far this season and this weekend will be their first true test. I think they do have the chance to get some points; however, Wisconsin returns home smarting after a tough series against Denver and is looking to rebound in this one. Since I don’t call ties, I’m sorry Husky fans … I’ve gotta go with a UW sweep.
Tyler: Wisconsin reminds the Huskies what it’s like to play a team that can win, how difficult it is to win at the Kohl Center and of Tech’s place in the WCHA. Their record looks nice so far, but until the Huskies beat a decent team and continue to win, Tech hasn’t proven anything. Wisconsin sweep.
Alaska-Anchorage vs. Minnesota State
Theresa: This weekend is a perfect opportunity for both teams to pick up some points early in the sesason … which I think they’ll both do. MSU Friday, UAA Saturday.
Tyler: MSU captain Rylan Galiardi will miss this series with a lower-body injury but the Mavericks get scoring from a lot of different players. I’m going to call a split.
St. Cloud State vs. Quinnipiac
Theresa: This weekend is the perfect opportunity for the Huskies to finally find their groove … and I think they will. SCSU sweep.
Tyler: After the annual slow start to the season, a visit from an ECAC team is perfect opportunity for the Huskies to get rolling and reverse the slide in the polls. SCSU sweep.
* Yes, I checked; no silly Saturday/Sunday series this week. Oops.
