Both of us had a pretty decent week with 9-3-0 records, but that was only good news for front-running Jim. Dave made up no ground.
Dave last week: 9-3-0
Jim last week: 9-3-0
Dave’s record-to-date: 58-24-18 (.670)
Jim’s record-to-date: 69-22-16 (.720)
Here are this week’s picks:
Friday, January 21
Providence at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: The Friars played Maine tough last weekend, losing in overtime, and will make life difficult for UNH too. In the end, though, the Wildcats will just be too good.
UNH 4 PC 3
Jim’s pick: Home ice gives UNH the edge here.
UNH 4, PC 2
Massachusetts-Lowell at Merrimack
Dave’s pick: The Warriors are enjoying a terrific season; the River Hawks are struggling. Do the math.
Merrimack 4 Lowell 1
Jim’s pick: Yet another home win for the top-10 PWR Warriors.
Merrimack 3, Lowell 2
Massachusetts at Vermont
Dave’s pick: Even though the Minutemen are coming off a sweep of Lowell, the Catamounts still look like the stronger club. Especially at home.
UVM 3 UMass 2
Jim’s pick: I feel like this series is a split, so I’ll start with Vermont as the victor.
UVM 3, UMass 1
Boston College at Boston University
Dave’s pick: Both teams are coming off losses, but in this series you can pretty much throw out recent results, statistics, and every other measuring stick. That said, I’m going with the Eagles.
BC 3 BU 2
Jim’s pick: Having a tough time picking this one, but thinking that the Eagles will be hyper hungry after that loss to Maine.
BC 5, BU 3
Saturday, January 22
Boston University at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: The Wildcats take a big step to making this a two-team race for the regular season title.
UNH 4 BU 2
Jim’s pick: Even though BU knocked off UNH at home, don’t see that happening in Durham.
UNH 5, BU 4
Maine at Northeastern
Dave’s pick: I can’t say that I’ve got a handle on the Black Bears. One weekend they’re getting trashed by Merrimack, 7-1. The next they beat BC, 4-1. For this week, I’m going to believe. At least I think so.
Maine 3 NU 2
Jim’s pick: I think Maine is back on the right track here. That will give them plenty of edge against NU.
Maine 5, NU 2
Massachusetts-Lowell at Boston College
Dave’s pick: No offense intended toward Lowell, but a billion laps around Conte Forum for the Eagles if they lose this one.
BC 4 Lowell 1
Jim’s pick: In full agreement with Dave.
BC 5, Lowell 1
Massachusetts at Vermont
Dave’s pick: These two teams are so close, the percentage play is to pick a split, but I’m going with a Catamounts sweep that puts them back on pace for a playoff berth.
UVM 3 UMass 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: UMass will make the bus ride home a good one.
UMass 4, UVM 2
Sunday, January 23
USA Under-18 Team at Providence
Dave’s pick: Exhibitions don’t count in our picks, but let’s go with the Friars anyway.
PC 3 U-18 1
Jim’s pick: Providence should have enough talent to win this one.
PC 4, U-18 1
Tuesday, January 2
Bentley at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: The River Hawks’ losing streak could be at 15 by game time so they really, really need this one.
UML 3 Bentley 2
Jim’s pick: Let’s hope Lowell doesn’t go the way of Northeastern when it comes to Atlantic Hockey.
UML 5, Bentley 2
