It’s all two game series this weekend with some AHA teams looking to slay some Goliaths.
Friday, January 7 and Saturday, January 8
RIT at Army – Neither the Tigers nor the Black Knights usually come away with four points in series played at West Point, and I think this weekend will be no exception. RIT 3, Army 2; Army 2, RIT 1.
Niagara at Holy Cross – Holy Cross is winless in its last seven games, while Niagara has been off since Dec. 11. But I like the Purples Eagles to shake the rust off and pick up a road sweep. Niagara 5, Holy Cross 3; Niagara 4, Holy Cross 2.
Air Force at Sacred Heart – This is a rematch of last year’s AHA semifinals, where the Pioneers came out on top. But Air Force is clearly the better team so far this season. Saturday’s game will be played at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, where the Falcons played in a memorable NCAA Regional two years ago. Air Force 4, Sacred Heart 2; Air Force 5, Sacred Heart 2.
Mercyhurst at Connecticut – I’ve been picking against the Huskies a lot this season, and they’ve been making me look bad. I keep waiting for Mercyhurst to pull things together offensively, and it looks like it may be happening after some high scoring games of late. . But I’m not going against UConn at home. UConn 3, Mercyhurst 2; UConn 4, Mercyhurst 3.
AIC at Minnesota State – The Mavs are tough at home and should prevail. Minnesota State 4, AIC 2; Minnesota State 5, AIC 3.
Robert Morris at North Dakota – The Colonials have had the most success of any AHA team out of the league, but I don’t think they’ll be able to steal a win at the Ralph. North Dakota 4, Robert Morris 2; North Dakota 5, Robert Morris 2.
Canisius at Wisconsin – Another tall order for an AHA team, and the Griffs have had trouble scoring goals. Wisconsin 5, Canisius 2; Wisconsin 5, Canisius 3.
Guest Analyst
The guest picker is back after a holiday break. Next up is Eric Richardson, who does color for AIC’s radio broadcasts. Here are his picks, in his own words:
RIT @ Army
While Army is a good team, RIT’s stats are much higher, I predict a sweep
by RIT. 3-1, 4-2
Niagara @ Holy Cross
This is a good matchup, and I predict a split, Holy Cross in the first
game, Niagara in the second.
2-0, 3-1
Air Force @ Sacred Heart
Air Force is flying high, and I think they will sweep the series. 5-1, 4-0.
Mercyhurst @ Connecticut
Mercyhurst hasn’t won an conference game since they played Sacred Heart,
and I believe that will continue. I predict that the Huskies will sweep
them
3-2, 3-0
American International @ Minnesota State
I think this will be an interesting matchup, I think AIC will be able to
pull an Air Force style upset the first game, and then Minn. State will
get angry at them. Split.
AIC 3-1, MN 5-0
Robert Morris @ North Dakota
North Dakota is absolutely hot this season, and I think they will defeat
RMU for a sweep
5-2, 4-3
Canisius @ Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a better team this year, but I think Canisius might surprise
them. I think this will be a split
3-2 CAN, 4-1 WIS
