Well, a couple of ties, a couple of splits, and I held off Arlan once again on a week when we had the most number of different picks all year. Arlan and I both went 20-3-3 (.826). Entering the final weekend of the regular season, I hold a one-game lead in the race for the six pack, as I moved to 219-70-27 (.735), while Arlan is 218-71-27 (.732). We are picking a lot of games, so let’s see if I can win the race!
Friday, Feb. 22
Princeton at Brown
Candace: If the Tigers win, they are in the playoffs. Princeton 3-2
Arlan: This game is as big as a playoff game. Princeton 4-2
Clarkson at Dartmouth
Candace: This game will probably be a lot closer than the last one between these two. Clarkson 3-2
Arlan: The Golden Knights need two wins and a lot of help. Clarkson 2-1
St. Lawrence at Harvard
Candace: I’d love to give St. Lawrence the benefit of the doubt, but I can’t. Harvard 3-1
Arlan: It’s been a long time since the Saints have defeated the Crimson anywhere other than Ithaca, N.Y. Harvard 3-0
Cornell at Rensselaer
Candace: The Big Red should eat up little red. Cornell 5-1
Arlan: Possible prelude to a quarterfinal series. Cornell 4-1
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 22-23
Northeastern vs. Providence
Candace: Northeastern has been playing a lot better than the last time these two played. Northeastern 4-2, 3-2
Arlan: The teams combined for 15 goals in last game; it’ll be hard to match that in two. Providence 4-3, Northeastern 5-1
Wisconsin at Bemidji State
Candace: The Badgers get revenge for the Beavers ruining the debut of Wisconsin’s new arena in October. Wisconsin 3-2, 3-1
Arlan: BSU wants a win in the worst way, but the Badgers are a far better team than in the opening weeks. Wisconsin 2-0, 5-1
Minnesota State at Ohio State
Candace: The Buckeyes have only won one game over the last month. I want to pick a split, but don’t know if the Mavericks can take advantage. Ohio State 2-1, 3-2
Arlan: Unlike the first half, the Mavericks’ best performances have come on the road in 2013. Ohio State 2-1, 3-2
North Dakota at Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: These will be close games, but I expect North Dakota to have enough to stay ahead of Wisconsin in the race for second. North Dakota 4-3, 4-2
Arlan: UMD hit a one-of-six stretch at the worst time. Minnesota-Duluth 2-1, North Dakota 4-2
Saturday, Feb. 23
Quinnipiac at Brown
Candace: This game could be closer if the eighth spot for the ECAC playoffs is still up for grabs. Quinnipiac 4-2
Arlan: The Bobcats warm up for the postseason. Quinnipiac 4-1
St. Lawrence at Dartmouth
Candace: I really don’t want to pick this game. Dartmouth 2-1
Arlan: The Big Green have played their best hockey in February. Dartmouth 3-2
Clarkson at Harvard
Candace: Home ice should just be enough to get the Crimson over the hump. Harvard 3-2
Arlan: Harvard wraps up the ECAC crown. Harvard 3-1
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 23-24
Connecticut vs. Boston University
Candace: These games may be close, as the Terriers seem unable to romp over teams lately. Boston University 4-2, 4-3
Arlan: The Terriers share of the Hockey East title is all but assured. Boston University 5-0, 4-1
Maine at New Hampshire
Candace: Maine wants to play spoiler, but New Hampshire wants home ice. New Hampshire 3-2, 4-2
Arlan: Hopefully the Wildcats plan a better effort than they had on Wednesday or they’ll be hitting the road for the tournament. New Hampshire 3-2, 4-1
Boston College at Vermont
Candace: The Eagles keep pace with the Terriers, forcing a coin flip. Boston College 4-1, 5-1
Arlan: The final pick of the season is a bit anticlimactic. Boston College 5-1, 7-2
