It seems almost unthinkable that the college hockey season is already upon us. This weekend (and week to come), there are three games involving Hockey East teams. So let’s kick off our season of predictions.
Saturday, Oct. 6
Quinnipiac at Maine
Jim’s pick: The Black Bears lost a lot but do return Dan Sullivan in net, which to me gives them an edge.
Maine 5, QU 3
Dave’s pick: I see Maine coming out ahead as well, but in a much lower scoring game. The Black Bears won’t have the 2011-2012 power play and first line lighting up the scoreboard so will need to win more in the defensive zone.
Maine 3, QU 2
Merrimack at Union
Jim’s pick: Though the Warriors are coming off two pretty solid seasons, Union is coming off its first Frozen Four appearance.
Union 3, MC 1
Dave’s pick: Merrimack has been a feel-good story in Hockey East the last couple years, but I expect a tough time in the early going.
Union 4, MC 2
Wednesday, Oct. 10
Merrimack at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: The Hockey East slate begins both early and midweek this season. The fact that Merrimack will have one game under its belt will help the Warriors.
MC 4, NU 2
Dave’s pick: I’m going with the Huskies at home. The Warriors are likely to need quite a few games under their belts before they effectively replace D-zone studs Joe Cannata and Karl Stollery.
NU 4, MC 2
