With all the upsets last weekend, both Arlan and I struggled big-time. I think it might have been the worst weekend ever for me picking games, as we both went 7-6-4 (.529). That moves my record on the year to 107-39-15 (.711), while Arlan is right behind me at 105-41-15 (.698). We’re pretty much going all in this weekend, so let’s see how we can do.
Friday
Quinnipiac at Cornell
Candace: Quinnipiac may have been looking at this game when it lost to Dartmouth last week. Cornell is at home, so go for the Big Red. Cornell 5-1
Arlan: Dartmouth at home doesn’t bode well for this road game. Cornell 6-2
Rensselaer at Dartmouth
Candace: Dartmouth has gotten on a bit of a roll lately, and I think that continues this weekend. Dartmouth 4-1
Arlan: Once we totally give up on the Engineers, they’ll display another inspired effort. Dartmouth 4-2
Union at Harvard
Candace: Union has gotten better this season, but the Dutchwomen can’t match the Crimson. Harvard 3-1
Arlan: Union tends to play better with its senior in goal, but the Crimson should be okay with or without Pucci. Harvard 3-0
Friday / Saturday
Niagara home-and-home with Mercyhurst
Candace: Syracuse tied the Lakers last week, but they have Bailey Bram back, and too much other firepower for the Purple Eagles. Mercyhurst 4-1, 5-0
Arlan: Niagara has surprised Mercyhurst in the past, but the Lakers figure to be awake after Syracuse. Mercyhurst 4-0, 5-3
Minnesota at Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: I think this will be a split. I’m just torn on picking the winner for which night. When Duluth has split at home, it’s generally been they’ve won the first game, plus the Gophers might be flat after beating Wisconsin last Saturday. Minnesota-Duluth 3-2, Minnesota 3-1
Arlan: Expect the Bulldogs to play their best series of the season; I’d predict a split if order was irrelevant. Minnesota 3-2, 2-1
Ohio State at Bemidji State
Candace: This has the makings of another split. Again, picking the night is hard. Bemidji State 3-2, Ohio State 2-1
Arlan: Don’t know if the Buckeyes are just that reliant on Laura McIntosh, or if they merely aren’t finishing games. Bemidji State 2-1, 2-1
Saturday
Princeton at Cornell
Candace: After last week’s win over Harvard, I don’t think anyone will take the Tigers lightly anymore. Cornell 3-1
Arlan: At 3-2-3 in their last eight games, the Tigers show signs of improvement, but that’s a rather small sign. Cornell 4-0
Rensselaer at Harvard
Candace: I really want to pick RPI at some point, but this isn’t the game for it. Harvard 3-0
Arlan: This may be the last game that RPI loses in January. Harvard 2-1
Union at Dartmouth
Candace: Dartmouth continues its good second half. Dartmouth 3-0
Arlan: Union at Dartmouth seems like a no-brainer; why is there a warning light flashing? Dartmouth 2-1
Boston College at Vermont
Candace: I expect BC is still angry about losing last week to St. Lawrence. The Eagles also get Alex Carpenter back. Boston College 4-0
Arlan: At times the Eagles play down to their competition, but the Catamounts look to be too far down for that to be an issue. Boston College 5-1
Saturday/Sunday
Maine at Boston University
Candace: I picked Maine at home last weekend when the Terriers didn’t have Isabel Ménard and Tara Watchorn. With those two back, as well as Marie-Philip Poulin, I see a sweep. Boston University 3-0, 3-2
Arlan: I really want to pick Maine once, but Saturday or Sunday is as big a dilemma for me as “paper or plastic?” Boston University 4-1, 3-2
Wisconsin at North Dakota
Candace: Always pick Wisconsin. I think this will be a well-played series, but the Badgers have Brittany Haverstock and Saige Pacholok back from the Meco Cup. Wisconsin 4-1, 5-3
Arlan: North Dakota earns one tie in a battle of extremely motivated teams; can’t pick a tie. Wisconsin 5-2, 2-1
Sunday
Northeastern at Providence
Candace: I got nailed twice last week for picking Providence. Not making that mistake again. Northeastern 2-1
Arlan: Token upset — Northeastern gets caught looking ahead to BC. Providence 2-1
Tuesday
Northeastern at Boston College
Candace: The battle for Hockey East. I see the Eagles prevailing. Boston College 3-2
Arlan: The Huskies win the battle, but the Eagles will ultimately win the war. Northeastern 2-1
