There won’t be any analysis or explanation with these picks. I just figured that if I don’t post something, tens of hockey fans will have one fewer thing to complain about on a Friday. Why would I want to deprive anyone of that pleasure?
First, my numbers. They aren’t good.
Last week: 1-3
Season to date: 132-91-25 (.583)
Slightly better than flipping a coin. If I’m above .500 by the Frozen Four, it’ll be a miracle.
This week
As I said, no analysis or explanations of the picks. And to be completely honest, this is how I’m thinking at 10:00 a.m. the day the tournament begins. I thought differently last night — several times. I’ll probably think differently by noon today, too.
Here is all the information you need about the tournament itself, complete with sites and game times, some information and the bracket. Here’s the television schedule.
There are links below to three of the regionals; the Northeast regional will be published after these picks are, but I’ll come back and link to it later. (Note: Added the link to the Northeast Regional at 11:30 a.m.)
East Regional
First round
No. 4 Michigan State vs. No. 1 Union: Union 3-2
No. 2 Miami vs. No. 3 Massachusetts-Lowell: Miami 4-1
Quarterfinal
No. 2 Miami vs. No. 1 Union: Miami 3-2
Midwest Regional
First round
No. 4 Cornell vs. No. 1 Michigan: Michigan 4-3
No. 3 Denver vs. No. 2 Ferris State: Denver 3-2
Quarterfinal
No. 3 Denver vs. No. 1 Michigan: Michigan 2-1
West Regional
First round
No. 4 Western Michigan vs. No. 1 North Dakota: Western Michigan 4-3
No. 3 Boston University vs. No. 2 Minnesota: Minnesota 5-3
Quarterfinal
No. 4 Western Michigan vs. No. 2 Minnesota: Western Michigan 3-2
Northeast Regional
First round
No. 4 Air Force vs. No. 1 Boston College: Boston College 4-3
No. 3 Maine vs. No. 2 Minnesota-Duluth: Maine 2-1
Quarterfinal
No. 3 Maine vs. No. 1 Boston College: Maine 2-1
This weekend
I won’t be covering a regional this year, but I will be checking in with the USCHO live blogs and tweeting throughout every televised game. Today I’ll also be grading all day, so my online presence may be a bit more sporadic with my attentions divided between my two worlds.
But I’m here, virtually speaking. You can reach me through Twitter (@paulacweston), by email ([email protected]) or through the forum below. Again, people, play nice with each other here and don’t embarrass the program for whom you cheer via Twitter. As for email, if you’re civil, I’ll answer. I always do.
