Every time I even try to pick games that might allow me to gain ground on Arlan, I blow it. Last week, I went 20-4 (.833), while Arlan went 21-3 (.875). On the year, I am 225-74-34 (.726), while Arlan is 234-65-34 (.753).
Looks like I am dead to rights with only four weeks left.
Friday, Feb. 7
Quinnipiac at Clarkson
Candace: I’d like to try for the upset pick, but Clarkson has looked really good, and is home. Clarkson 4-1
Arlan: Arlan: I expect that the Golden Knights want to make a statement here. Clarkson 4-1
Harvard at Dartmouth
Candace: I thought Dartmouth might be over its malaise, but the Big Green’s results last week proved me wrong. Harvard 4-2
Arlan: Harvard looks a little more vulnerable with each passing week, and I’m sure the Big Green would love to exploit that. Harvard 3-1
Princeton at St. Lawrence
Candace: I picked against the Tigers last week and it cost me. Princeton 2-1
Arlan: This is a vote for home ice; beyond that, it looks even. St. Lawrence 2-1
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 7-8
RIT at Mercyhurst
Candace: The Lakers already lost once to RIT; it won’t happen again. Mercyhurst 4-2, 4-1
Arlan: All those banners hang in Erie because the Lakers figure out a way to win these games. Mercyhurst 4-3, 3-1
Syracuse at Robert Morris
Candace: The Colonials need to bounce back after losing to Lindenwood. Home ice should help in two close games. Robert Morris 2-1, 2-1
Arlan: Arlan: Which direction do the Colonials go after the crushing loss to Lindenwood? They still control a share of the CHA title. Robert Morris 1-0, 2-1
St. Cloud State at Minnesota State
Candace: This is a total split, and since I need to try to make my defeat by Arlan respectable, I’ll pick the opposite. Minnesota State 2-1, St. Cloud 3-1
Arlan: The fight to escape the WCHA cellar. Ever see “Inglorious Basterds?” I can hear Brad Pitt saying, “You know, fighting in a basement offers a lot of difficulties. Number one being, you’re fighting in a basement!” St. Cloud State 1-0, Minnesota State 2-1
Wisconsin at Ohio State
Candace: Ohio State has been hot the second half, but Wisconsin has the Buckeyes’ number. Wisconsin 3-1, 3-2
Arlan: The Badgers have more riding on this series, because the Buckeyes likely finish fifth no matter if they get points or not. Wisconsin 2-1, 4-0
Bemidji State at Minnesota
Candace: I’m sure at least one of these games will be really close, but it won’t prevent a Gophers’ sweep. Minnesota 4-1, 4-0
Arlan: It’s been awhile since a scrappy effort from BSU has produced points versus the Gophers. Minnesota 5-1, 3-0
Saturday, Feb. 8
Princeton at Clarkson
Candace: Clarkson continues to roll. Clarkson 3-1
Arlan: The Golden Knights can’t afford to look ahead a week to Harvard. Clarkson 4-1
Quinnipiac at St. Lawrence
Candace: I’d like to pick the Saints, but the last time I did, I was wrong. Quinnipiac 3-2
Arlan: Probably a tie, but I can’t pick a tie. Quinnipiac 2-1
Rensselaer at Yale
Candace: I was really surprised Yale came out flat last weekend. Hopefully, home ice helps. Yale 3-2
Arlan: The winner of this game likely makes the ECAC tournament, but the loser’s odds are probably about even. Rensselaer 2-1
New Hampshire at Boston University
Candace: New Hampshire seems to be fading fast. Boston University 3-1
Arlan: BU had a rough January, but UNH hasn’t had a winning month since October. Boston University 4-1
Northeastern at Providence
Candace: I picked Providence last week and got burnt. Northeastern 3-1
Arlan: One is hot, and the other is not. Northeastern 4-3
Boston College at Connecticut
Candace: The Eagles move one game closer to the Hockey East title. Boston College 3-1
Arlan: These are the type of games where the Eagles tend to be a tad flat, but they should win anyway. Boston College 2-0
Maine at Vermont
Candace: Maine will make this close, but I’m going with home ice. Vermont 2-1
Arlan: Maine was winless in its first 11 league games, but has won three of its last five. Vermont 3-1
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 8-9
North Dakota at Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: OT will happen in at least once, and a tie wouldn’t surprise me, since they had one last fall. North Dakota 3-1, 3-0
Arlan: Series between these teams usually result in splits and overtime. I don’t think UND can sweep if Meghan Dufault is still out. North Dakota 3-2, 2-1
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Northeastern at Boston College (Beanpot Championship)
Candace: Northeastern has been one of the hottest teams in the last month, but I think the Eagles recapture the title. Boston College 3-1
Arlan: I think that the Huskies defend their title with everything they have, but the Eagles have more. Chloe Desjardins will have to commit larceny to flip the result. Boston College 4-2
Harvard versus Boston University (Beanpot Consolation)
Candace: This one could be a coin flip, but I’m not completely convinced the Terriers are fully back. Harvard 2-1
Arlan: Neither team can afford to start as slowly as it did in its Beanpot semifinal loss. Harvard 3-1
