So caught up was I in season previews for the women’s conferences and the NCHC, I almost forgot weekend picks. I got off to a pretty good start last week, going 5-0-3 (.812). Let’s get to this weekend’s games.
Friday, Oct. 2
Minnesota at Penn State
The Nittany Lions played the Gophers tough last night, but this should be a sweep. Minnesota 4-1
Connecticut at Boston University
The Terriers are still a strong team without Poulin. Boston University 4-2
Maine at New Hampshire
Too early to tell. New Hampshire always seems to be in turmoil. Maine 2-1
Friday-Saturday
Minnesota-Duluth at Boston College
The Bulldogs are scrappy, and it’s early season, but I’m picking the Eagles. Boston College 3-1, 4-1
St. Lawrence at Clarkson
The Saints didn’t look so good last weekend, and even if this is usually a push, I’m picking a Clarkson sweep. Clarkson 4-2, 4-1
Ohio State at Lindenwood
The Lions look good against the Bulldogs, and there’s a lot up in the air in Ohio, but I like the Buckeyes. Ohio State 3-2, 2-1
St. Cloud State at Merrimack
The Warriors start their first season as a D-I squad. Usually, it takes some adjustment. St. Cloud 2-1, 2-1
Mercyhurst at Quinnipiac
This has split written all over it, even if the Lakers aren’t as strong as in the past. Quinnipiac 2-1, Mercyhurst 2-1
North Dakota at Rensselaer
Another WCHA sweep. North Dakota 4-1, 4-1
Wisconsin vs. Providence
This used to be a more of a battle, but the Badgers are perhaps stronger than anyone but Minnesota. Wisconsin 4-1, 4-0
Sunday, Oct. 4
Boston University at Maine
The Terriers get off on the right foot. Boston University 4-1
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Clarkson at Syracuse
The Orange can be quite mercurial, but I like the Golden Knights in a roll. Clarkson 4-1