Going with the league homer pick worked out for Matthew last night, as CC defeated Merrimack. On the year, I am 51-34-16 (.584) while Matthew is 42-43-16 (.495). We’re picking all NCHC games except the second St. Cloud game, which we will pick when we know who the Huskies play.
Thursday, Dec. 29
Colorado College vs. Cornell
Candace: CC continues to do better on the road, but Cornell should be too strong. Cornell 3-1
Matthew: I’d love to see the Tigers win this one and take home a tournament title but I’d be surprised if it happens. Cornell 3-1
Western Michigan vs. Michigan State
Candace: The Broncos to me are the favorites in the GLI. Western Michigan 4-2
Matthew: Tough to predict who’s going to come out of the holiday break better, but I like the Broncos here. Western Michigan 3-2
Friday, Dec. 30
St. Cloud State vs. Connecticut
Candace: The Huskies have been consistently inconsistent, but I like them to start their second half with a win. St. Cloud State 4-2
Matthew: SCSU needs to start finding better consistency, and a good performance against a wholly average UConn team (6-6-6) would be a good place to start. St. Cloud State 4-1
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 30-31
Denver at Providence
Candace: Denver is missing its two top forwards to the World Juniors, but I think the Pioneers have enough to gut out two tough wins. Denver 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: Providence is better at home this season than on the road, and I can see them getting a win here but I’ll take the league homer route. Denver 3-2, 4-2
Lake Superior at Omaha
Candace: Sorry Mavericks nation, I have to go with the home team sweep. Omaha can’t continue to be as dreadful at home as they were in the first half. Omaha 3-2, 3-1
Matthew: UNO needs to start picking up home wins. There very well could be one or two on offer against a Lake State team three games under .500 on the road. The Lakers did hold Bemidji State close in two games before the break, though. Omaha 3-2, 5-2
Saturday, Dec. 31
Miami at Ohio State
Candace: These two battled to a 1-1 draw on Miami’s home ice back in October. OSU is currently ranked ninth in the country, which I think overrates the Buckeyes given their strength of schedule, or lack thereof, but I understand given the number of wins they have why they are that high. Still, home ice should be enough for a tough win over a Miami team that struggles to score. Ohio State 2-1
Matthew: The Buckeyes are unbeaten in their last seven games and won three of their last four, all of those on the road. I’d like to see a Miami win here but I’m not sure it will happen. Ohio State 3-1
North Dakota at Union
Candace: I think the team that has been perhaps the best second-half squad in college hockey the last decade starts its campaign with an important win. North Dakota 3-2
Matthew: This could be a really tricky game for UND. Union has won its last six games, all away from home, and the Achilles Center should be buzzing. This could come back to bite me, but I’ll take the Dutchmen. Union 4-2
