Last week:
Dan: 1-0
Chris: 1-0
On the season:
Dan: 68-40-9 (.620)
Chris: 77-31-9 (.697)
This Week’s Picks:
Monday, December 28 and Tuesday, December 29
Robert Morris vs. Penn State
Robert Morris vs. Mass-Lowell or Clarkson
Dan: This is kind of showdown time for the Colonials if they want to get into the national tournament. I don’t think we’re breaking new ground by saying they’re as must-win as humanly possible. For RMU, that road begins with them going straight through Penn State, their regional rival, in a game that’s fast becoming one of the more fun rivalries in college hockey.
I think RMU can beat Penn State, but I don’t think they’re beating UMass-Lowell in that championship game. Either way, if you’re an Atlantic Hockey fan, you should be pulling for this team. Summary: RMU beats Penn State, then loses to Lowell. If they wind up playing Clarkson in any capacity, they win.
Chris:These games, part of the Three Rivers Classic tournament, are huge for RMU if the Colonials, who currently sit in 29th place in the PairWise Rankings, are to have any chance at an at-large NCAA bid down the road. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Colonials upset cross-state rival Penn State, but I don’t think it will happen. I’m going with a win over Clarkson on Tuesday, ether in in the title or consolation game, but a loss if RMU matches up with Lowell. So to summarize, loss to Penn State and/or Lowell, win over Clarkson.
