Arlan and I picked identically last week, and we went 15-4-1. On the year, I am 176-60-27 while Arlan is 173-63-27. This week, we differ on a few games, so let’s see if I put more distance between us or Arlan closes the gap.
Friday, Jan. 9
St. Lawrence at Cornell
Candace: I think the Big Red have ironed out their issues. Cornell 4-1
Arlan: The Saints will have some good games in the second half, but with travel and a couple of key injuries, I don’t expect this to be one of them. Cornell 5-3
Yale at Princeton
Candace: Yale looked really good last weekend, and I think they’ll continue to play well. Yale 3-1
Arlan: The Bulldogs have looked better coming out of the break than the Tigers. Yale 3-2
Dartmouth at RPI
Candace: RPI played well last weekend, and Dartmouth has been up and down, but I think they come out strong. Dartmouth 3-1
Arlan: The Engineers are playing better than they were when they fell to the Big Green in November, but I think that DC gets these critical points. Dartmouth 2-1
Friday-Saturday, Jan. 9-10
Robert Morris at RIT
Candace: The Tigers closed the first half on a 1-7 run, while the Colonials won their exhibition game to start the second half. I’m picking Robert Morris and hoping I get one game right. Robert Morris 3-2, 3-1
Arlan: A month ago, I’d have had zero insight as to what to expect from this series. Add in a break, and my knowledge drops to negative numbers. RIT 2-1, Robert Morris 1-0
Ohio State at St. Cloud
Candace: I think the Buckeyes might pull into the final home ice slot in the WCHA before season’s end. Ohio State 3-1, 4-1
Arlan: This is the type of series where the Buckeyes have traditionally been hurt by an inability to sweep; can they this time? Ohio State 3-1, 1-0
Saturday, Jan. 10
Clarkson at Cornell
Candace: Cornell won in a blowout last month, and I think it will be closer, but the same result. Cornell 3-1
Arlan: Cornell looks poised for a big second half, and it clearly needs one. Cornell 4-2
Yale at Quinnipiac
Candace: This will be closer than the last time the two played. Quinnipiac 3-2
Arlan: If this contest had better rules, I’d pick a 1-1 tie. Quinnipiac 2-1
Brown at Princeton
Candace: I think it will be closer than the last outing between the two, but expect the Tigers to win. Princeton 4-2
Arlan: The Tigers continue to hang around the .500 mark. Princeton 5-4
Harvard at RPI
Candace: Like Cornell, I think the Crimson will have a big second half. Harvard 5-1
Arlan: For whatever reason, the Crimson don’t play that well in Troy, but they look to be on a bit of a roll now. Harvard 4-1
Maine at Boston University
Candace: The Terriers won’t take the Black Bears lightly this time. Boston University 4-1
Arlan: The Terriers should be able to avenge a loss in Orono. Boston University 3-1
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 10-11
Boston College at Northeastern (home-and-home)
Candace: Eagles netminder Gabriella Switaj gave up three goals on her first three shots in her first start of the season against Wednesday, but I think she will be more solid this time out while Katie Burt is still playing for the U.S. in Buffalo. Boston College 4-1, 6-1
Arlan: For the first time in months, the Eagles looked a bit vulnerable versus BU, but the Huskies don’t possess as much firepower. Boston College 4-2, 6-1
New Hampshire at Providence (home-and-home)
Candace: UNH won the last time they played 5-0. The Wildcats haven’t played since, while Providence has had a few games and looked good in them. Let’s go with home ice for each. Providence 3-1, New Hampshire 3-2
Arlan: Providence showed some improvement in tying at RPI, so let’s go with home ice. Providence 3-2, New Hampshire 2-0
Vermont at Connecticut
Candace: I think the Catamounts will have a more consistent second half. Vermont 4-1, 4-2
Arlan: The battle to escape the Hockey East basement. Vermont 3-1, Connecticut 1-0
Bemidji State at Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: I would have been looking forward to this series more about six weeks ago, before the Beavers tanked. Minnesota-Duluth 2-1, 3-1
Arlan: Look for the Bulldogs to be on a crusade. Minnesota-Duluth 1-0, 4-1
Wisconsin at Minnesota
Candace: I got burned picking Wisconsin when they played in Madison in the first half, so I’m going with the Gophers. Minnesota 3-1, 3-2
Arlan: These teams learn where they need to improve over the next two months. Minnesota 3-2, 2-1
Syracuse at North Dakota
Candace: North Dakota is looking better after a few shaky outings, and Syracuse seems to have put all its good play into beating Mercyhurst in November. North Dakota 3-2, 4-2
Arlan: In the first semester, the Orange would have gained a split from this trip. Has UND gotten more consistent? North Dakota 4-2, 3-1
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Boston University at Cornell
Candace: I think this will be a barn-burner, but I’m going with the home team. Cornell 4-2
Arlan: The Big Red conclude a three-game week that will go a long way to determining their fate. Boston University 4-3
