Last week, Matthew and I went 8-0-1 (.944). On the year, I am 72-31-7 (.686) and Matthew is 68-35-7 (.650). Let’s get to this week’s picks.
Friday-Saturday, Jan. 9-10
No. 5 Miami at St. Cloud State
Candace: A very difficult series to call, as St. Cloud State can’t get anything consistent going. Miami 3-2, 3-1
Matthew: The Huskies have been frustratingly inconsistent thus far and I think that will get rectified eventually, but I’m not convinced that it starts this weekend. Split. Miami 3-0, St. Cloud State 3-1
No. 7 Minnesota-Duluth at No. 1 North Dakota
Candace: A series that could go a long way to determining the conference champion if either squad sweeps, but I have trouble seeing that. Minnesota-Duluth 3-2, North Dakota 4-2
Matthew: Really can’t see anything other than a split here. The question is who will win which night. Minnesota-Duluth 3-2, North Dakota 3-1
No. 10 Denver at No. 13 Omaha
Candace: Denver could really use a sweep to close the gap on the teams above it, but I don’t think it happens. Denver 3-1, Omaha 4-2
Matthew: Denver hasn’t consistently played to its potential this season and UNO starting goaltender Ryan Massa will be out this weekend with a concussion. It all sort of balances out to me. Denver 2-1, Omaha 3-2
Notre Dame vs. Western Michigan (home-and-home)
Candace: Both teams have had their ups and downs, so I’m thinking home ice split. Western Michigan 3-1, Notre Dame 2-1
Matthew: Two fairly even teams in this matchup. Home team wins both games. Western Michigan 2-1, Notre Dame 3-1
