Aside from a few puzzling results, Arlan and I both did pretty well last weekend, each going 14-3-3 (.775). The puzzlers were Boston University crushing Boston College, and Robert Morris beating Mercyhurst (See this week’s Wednesday Women column). On the season, I am 133-46-20 (.718), while Arlan is right behind at 130-49-20 (.703). Some interesting games, including the Beanpot, coming up.
Friday, Jan. 27
Cornell at St. Lawrence
Candace: I don’t think Cornell will lose the rest of the way. Cornell 3-1
Arlan: The Saints’ two-month unbeaten streak ends. Cornell 4-1
Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27-Jan. 28
Robert Morris home-and-home with Niagara
Candace: Niagara might get a tie, especially since Robert Morris could come out flat after the huge win over Mercyhurst, but there’s no percentage in it. Robert Morris 3-2, 3-1
Arlan: I expect Niagara gets a split, but the CHA is too chaotic to attempt to determine the order. Robert Morris 3-2, 2-1
Syracuse at Quinnipiac
Candace: The Bobcats need better teams on their nonconference schedule. Beating up on Syracuse won’t help them get in the NCAA tournament. Quinnipiac 4-0, 4-1
Arlan: It’s impossible to pick an Orange team that last won in OT against Lindenwood. Quinnipiac 4-1, 3-2
North Dakota at Ohio State
Candace: Last time out, North Dakota crushed Ohio State. I think this will be a split, but picking the correct dates is a bummer, so I’ll call North Dakota to sweep and figure I’ll at least get one right. North Dakota 3-2, 4-1
Arlan: This could go about a dozen different ways, but in the end, UND is simply better than OSU. North Dakota 6-4, 3-2
Bemidji State at Wisconsin
Candace: Wisconsin continues to build toward another NCAA title. Wisconsin 4-1, 4-2
Arlan: BSU has more incentive, but the Badgers are still the Badgers, and the Bowl should be full. Wisconsin 2-1, 5-2
Saturday, Jan. 28
Cornell at Clarkson
Candace: See my comment about the St. Lawrence game. Cornell 4-2
Arlan: Good as it is, Cornell should lose one more regular-season game, and this one is the most likely. Clarkson 2-1
Northeastern at BU
Candace: The Terriers showed signs of life last week against Boston College. If Poulin plays and works magic with Tara Watchorn, it could spell trouble for Northeastern. Boston University 3-2
Arlan: One needs conditional code on the BU picks; e.g., “If Poulin exists.” Huskies can grab HEA lead. Northeastern 3-2
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29
Providence home-and-home with Connecticut
Candace: Providence is so up and down. I think one of these games will end in a draw. Providence 3-2, 2-1
Arlan: Can’t pick Connecticut until they show some improvement, but Friars are far from a slam dunk. Providence 2-1, 4-1
Monday, Jan. 30
Robert Morris at Princeton
Candace: Princeton is very tough defensively. I think the Tigers will come out ahead. Princeton 1-0
Arlan: Goofy schedule — RMU playing third game in four days, while the Tigers haven’t played in two weeks. Princeton 2-1
Tuesday (Beanpot)
Boston College versus Northeastern
Candace: Hockey East’s two leading squads. The Eagles just got rocked by archrival Boston University. Maybe this wakes them up. Boston College 3-2
Arlan: It seems like the Eagles will be the hungrier team in this one. Boston College 4-2
Harvard at Boston University
Candace: The Crimson pull out a heart-stopper to return to the championship game. Harvard 3-2
Arlan: Overtime wouldn’t surprise me, but BU has more firepower than Harvard once there. Boston University 3-2
