Neither Dave nor I did very well last week with so many unexpected outcomes in holiday tournaments. Fortunately, Dave was three games worse than I was, helping me cut his lead in picks in half.
Jim last week: 8-6-1
Dave last week: 5-9-1
Jim’s record-to-date: 61-39-10
Dave’s record-to-date: 64-36-10
Friday, Jan. 4
Yale at Boston College
Jim’s pick: As much as Boston College has struggled of late, I still like the Eagles at home.
BC 5, Yale 4
Dave’s pick: I have to agree. I’m still on the BC bandwagon.
BC 3, Yale 2
Rensselaer at Boston University
Jim’s pick: BU, similar to BC, needs a nice bounce-back game and will get it vs. RPI.
BU 4, RPI 2
Dave’s pick: Once again, I have to agree. Time for a BU rebound.
BU 3, RPI 1
Mass.-Lowell at Clarkson
Jim’s pick: I can’t positively say that Lowell is back to winning ways. But as a betting man, I’m going to say the River Hawks are indeed.
UML 3, Clarkson 1
Dave’s pick: Back in December, I thought Lowell was headed for a nice winning streak, and the River Hawks are living up to it.
UML 4, Clarkson 1
Mercyhurst vs. Maine (at Cumberland Country Civic Center, Portland, Me.)
Jim’s pick: Similar to Lowell, I can’t tell if Maine is for real after its holiday tournament win. I feel like this series will be a split, so I’ll pick the ‘Hurst in the opener because the game isn’t at Alfond.
Mercyhurst 4, Maine 3
Dave’s pick: Is Maine out of the woods yet? I’m not sure, but I like the recent signs.
Maine 2, Mercyhurst 1
Providence at Minnesota State
Jim’s pick: The only idle Hockey East team last week, I think the rest probably did the Friars well.
PC 5, MSU-Mank 2
Dave’s pick: MSU has lost only twice at home all year and that was to No. 11 Denver. I see a tough trip for the Friars.
MSU-Mank 3, PC 2
Saturday, Jan. 5
Merrimack at Vermont
Jim’s pick: Two weekends in a row, Merrimack has to make the long trek to Burlington. That should take a toll on the Warriors.
UVM 4, MC 3
Dave’s pick: I think the Warriors will squeak this one out.
MC 4, UVM 3 (OT)
Mass.-Lowell at Clarkson
Jim’s pick: A sweep in the North Country is never easy but I think Lowell has it in them.
UML 4, Clarkson 3
Dave’s pick: Agreed. The River Hawks are on a roll.
UML 3, Clarkson 2
Mercyhurst at Maine
Jim’s pick: Hate calling splits but think this is Maine’s at home
Maine 4, Mercyhurst 1
Dave’s pick: I also see a win for Maine here, but it’s to give the Black Bears a sweep.
Maine 3, Mercyhurst 1
Bentley at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: The Falcons gave Lowell all it could handle last weekend, but I still think I’m picking Hockey East here.
NU 5, Bentley 3
Dave’s pick: Agreed. The Huskies may have had their struggles, but I don’t think Bentley is good enough to keep them down.
NU 4, Bentley 2
Providence at Minnesota-State
Jim’s pick: Friars complete the sweep on the road.
PC 2, MSU-Mank 1
Dave’s pick: I predict a sweep as well, but not the right kind for Hockey East fans.
MSU-Mank 3, PC 2
Rensselaer at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: Last weekend was a strange one for the Wildcats. I firmly believe they will be ready to play at home.
UNH 4, RPI 1
Dave’s pick: Absolutely. The Wildcats had a terrific first half; one game doesn’t change that.
UNH 4, RPI 2
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Harvard at Boston University
Jim’s pick: Unless Harvard drastically changes from the team that played Lowell and Northeastern, this game should be a runaway.
BU 5, HU 1
Dave’s pick: I’m not sure it’ll be a runaway, but I do expect BU to prevail.
BU 4, HU 2
