One week after going almost perfect, I had a pretty dismal picking performance, going 10-7-1 (.583). I think the lesson to take away from it is that, barring Cornell, I should just stay away from ECAC games, as outside of Cornell, I was 0-3. Overall on the season, I am now 93-36-15 (.697). Let’s try and get back to my winning ways.
Friday-Saturday, January 21-22
Mercyhurst at Robert Morris: Though they were just shutout by Cornell, the Lakers are one the elite teams in the country, and just too strong for the Colonials. Mercyhurst 4-1, 3-0
North Dakota at St. Cloud: The Sioux got away from the splitsville trend on the weekend, sweeping Bemidji last weekend. I expect the Sioux to make it two sweeps in a row. North Dakota 4-0, 4-1
Minnesota at Ohio State: The Gophers have been playing awfully well of late, getting a win and a tie against arch-rival Minnesota-Duluth last weekend. The Buckeyes have shown signs of more consistency, getting a sweep against Minnesota State last weekend. On paper, I’d go with a Gophers’ sweep, but I think Minnesota will have a letdown after last weekend and split. Ohio State 3-2, Minnesota 4-0
Minnesota State at Bemidji State: This is a hard series to predict. Both teams have been struggling of late. I’m tempted to call a home-ice sweep for the Beavers, but I think this will be a split. Bemidji State 3-2, Minnesota State 3-2
Wisconsin at Minnesota-Duluth: The marquee series of the weekend pits the teams that have won the last five NCAA titles against each other. The Badgers have looked almost unbeatable this year, save for single losses to Minnesota and Minnesota-Duluth. However, the Bulldogs have struggled somewhat lately. I’m going to call for a Badgers sweep, though a split wouldn’t surprise me. Wisconsin 3-2, 2-1
Boston College/Providence: An intriguing home-and-home series, with Providence hosting Friday. BC had a wrench thrown into their confidence when they were shutout by Boston University. Providence had shown signs of moving into a solid position in Hockey East, but lost to New Hampshire last weekend. I think BC will be extra-motivated to build momentum heading into the Beanpot. Boston College 4-3, 4-1
Colgate/Cornell: A home-and-home, with Cornell playing host on Friday. The Big Red looked very good in shutting out Mercyhurst on Tuesday. Honestly, I think Cornell could go undefeated in conference play this year. Cornell 5-1, Cornell 6-1
Saturday, January 22
Boston University at Vermont: Will the Catamounts again play the tie spoiler? They have nine on the year, including against some good teams. I think the Terriers take this though. Boston University 4-1
