Matthew picked up another game on me last week, thanks to the tie between St. Cloud and Western Michigan. I went 3-3-1 (.500) to move to 42-17-3 (.701) on the year, while Matthew went 4-2-1 (.642) to move to 37-22-3 (.620). All eight NCHC teams are in action this weekend, so let’s get to it.
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-22
Western Michigan at No. 7 Miami
Candace: I’ve gotten burned a lot picking Western Michigan, or picking against them, so I’ll just go with the home team sweep and hope I get one game right. Miami 3-1, 3-2
Matthew: The RedHawks are the better team here, and they’ve been just about unbeatable at home so far this season. This could come back to haunt me, but I’ll take Miami to sweep. Miami 4-1, 4-2
No. 2 North Dakota at No. 16 St. Cloud State
Candace: I find this the toughest series to pick this weekend. I think home ice equals a win in the first game. St. Cloud 3-2, North Dakota 4-1
Matthew: UND is the better team here, but although St. Cloud has been a little bit up-and-down the last couple weeks, I think the Huskies will turn it around somewhat and pick up a split here. St. Cloud State 2-1, North Dakota 3-1
No. 8 Minnesota-Duluth at No. 13 Nebraska-Omaha
Candace: Can Minnesota-Duluth keep up its strong play? I don’t see why not. Minnesota-Duluth 3-2, 2-1
Matthew: UMD has done better than UNO so far this season and against a much more difficult schedule. The Mavericks will be playing at home for the first time in a month and a half, though, and they and their fans will be up for this. Split. Nebraska-Omaha 3-1, Minnesota-Duluth 3-1
Wisconsin/Air Force at Colorado College
Candace: I think CC will finally pick up a win, but so will Wisconsin. Wisconsin 3-2, Colorado College 3-2
Matthew: Will the Badgers finally pick up their first win of the season? I think so. The second game is probably our toughest pick to make this week; I’m taking Air Force to win, but this game could absolutely go either way. Wisconsin 3-2, Air Force 2-1
Air Force/Wisconsin at Denver
Candace: I’m wondering if Wisconsin will have a repeat of a few years ago, when they came in on a down run and turned it around in November against Denver. I’ll pick the Pios in both for now. Denver 4-1, 3-1
Matthew: Air Force has proven itself to be a very tough out, but Denver really ought to take care of business here at home, and I’m taking Wisconsin to beat Colorado College on the road, but given the Badgers’ form so far this season, I’m not sure they’d win a whole lot of games against Denver regardless of venue. Denver 4-2, 3-1
