Nicole and I had the same record last weekend, going 19-4-5, something I don’t think has happened in a while. On the year, I am 314-103-55 while Nicole is 278-139-55.
This weekend has more interesting games than last weekend, particularly a No. 1 vs. No. 2 series when Wisconsin hosts Minnesota Duluth.
Friday, Feb. 10
Colgate at Brown
Candace: The Raiders seem to have their mojo back. Colgate 3-1
Nicole: Colgate should have no issues taking down Brown. Colgate 4-1
No. 10 Princeton at No. 4 Clarkson
Candace: Clarkson has shown some signs of vulnerability, but I like the Golden Knights on home ice. Clarkson 3-2
Nicole: I’m still unsure what to think of Clarkson after last week’s tie with Harvard and Princeton is in desperation territory, but I have to go with the Golden Knights at home. Clarkson 4-3
Dartmouth at Rensselaer
Candace: Dartmouth just hasn’t been able to get much traction this season. Rensselaer 3-1
Nicole: RPI should have the advantage here, especially at home. Rensselaer 2-1
No. 9 Quinnipiac at No. 3 St. Lawrence
Candace: Quinnipiac scored more goals last weekend against Brown than they usually do in consecutive weekend series, but that won’t happen against the Saints. St. Lawrence 2-1
Nicole: The Saints eked out a 1-0 win earlier in the season and I think the gap between these two has only widened since then. St. Lawrence 3-1
Harvard at Union
Candace: The Crimson need a win desperately, and they seemed to find goals in the Beanpot against Boston University. Harvard 3-1
Nicole: Harvard has shown signs of improvement over the past few weeks so I have to pick them here. Harvard 3-2
No. 7 Cornell at Yale
Candace: Cornell gets closer to securing home ice for the ECAC playoffs. Cornell 3-2
Nicole: I think Cornell’s offense is too much for Yale’s defense. Big Red win. Cornell 4-2
Northeastern at No. 6 Boston College
Candace: Northeastern gave the Eagles all they could handle in the Beanpot Tuesday, but I think since BC won, that will give the Eagles more confidence. Boston College 3-1
Nicole: BC just beat the Huskies for the Beanpot and if Northeastern was going to earn an upset, I think it would have been there, at home. BC is just too strong. Boston College 4-2
Providence at Vermont
Candace: This is the type of game that could lead to a puzzling loss for Vermont, but I think the Catamounts come through. Vermont 3-2
Nicole: I like the Catamounts at home here. These two played each other early, but I think Vermont has grown a lot since then. Vermont 4-2
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 10-11
Penn State at Lindenwood
Candace: Two teams I cna’t seem to get a solid read on. I’ll pick Penn State to sweep, but have no confidence in it. Penn State 2-1, 3-2
Nicole: We’ve seen some good growth from Lindenwood this year and they’re at home. I’ll call a split, but be unsurprised if the Lions can pull off a sweep. Penn State 3-2, Lindenwood 3-1
RIT at No. 8 Robert Morris
Candace: The Tigers have shown some signs of life, but I think Robert Morris gets the sweep. Robert Morris 3-1, 3-2
Nicole: Should be a sweep for the Colonials at home. Robert Morris 4-2, 3-0
Mercyhurst at Syracuse
Candace: Another one of those classic split series, but I’ll pick the Orange to sweep just to be contrary. Syacuse 2-1, 3-2
Nicole: This series should give us a good indication where these two programs are at the end of the season. I expect a split. Mercyhurst 3-1, Syracuse 2-0
Connecticut at Maine
Candace: Maine is at home so they might get a win, but I’ll be contrary. Connecticut 2-1, 3-2
Nicole: Maine has the ability to surprise and they’re at home, so I’ll call a split. Connecticut 3-1, Maine 2-1
Boston University at New Hampshire
Candace: The Terriers would be a lot more dangerous if they could have a consistent defense. Boston University 3-2, 4-1
Nicole: Though they’re tied in the standings, I think there’s a separation between these two. Boston University 3-1, 4-1
Minnesota State at Ohio State
Candace: Ohio State has shown signs of being a dangerous team. Ohio State 3-2, 3-1
Nicole: Ohio State should sweep this. Ohio State 3-2, 2-1
Bemidji State at St. Cloud State
Candace: This will likely be a split, but I have no idea on the order. I’ll pick how it happened last time, with home team winning first. St. Cloud State 2-1, Bemidji State 2-1
Nicole: I expect a split but won’t be surprised if St. Cloud sweeps. St. Cloud State 4-2, Bemidji State 3-1
North Dakota at No. 5 Minnesota
Candace: The Gophers could really use this as preparation for the WCHA playoffs. I think they come through in two tight games. Minnesota 3-2, 3-1
Nicole: I kind of want to hedge my bets and pick two ties. I think these two will split, but North Dakota has to bring a big game with them. Minnesota 5-3, North Dakota 3-1
Saturday, Feb. 11
No. 7 Cornell at Brown
Candace: The Big Red have too much firepower. Cornell 4-1
Nicole: Cornell is too much for Brown. Cornell 4-1
No. 9 Quinnipiac at No. 4 Clarkson
Candace: This could be a close game, but I think Clarkson will rediscover its offense and come out with a tough win. Clarkson 2-1
Nicole: I think last week was a wakeup call for the Golden Knights and they’ll be atop their game this weekend. Clarkson 2-0
Harvard at Rensselaer
Candace: The Engineers are a tough team to play, and Harvard is not consistent. Rensselaer 2-1
Nicole: RPI wins this and gets closer to the ECAC playoffs. Rensselaer 2-0
No. 10 Princeton at No. 3 St. Lawrence
Candace: A North Country trip is always a tough swing, and I don’t see Princeton getting a win. St. Lawrence 3-2
Nicole: Prineton is in must-win territory and I’ve already picked Clarkson to beat them, so I’ll call for an upset win here for the Tigers. Princeton 3-2
Dartmouth at Union
Candace: These two teams are pretty evenly matched. I’ll go with the visitors. Dartmouth 2-1
Nicole: I like Union at home here. Union 2-0
Colgate at Yale
Candace: The Raiders desperately need this one. It won’t be easy, but I think they get it. Colgate 3-2
Nicole: I’m going to take the Elis at home here. Yale 3-1
No. 2 Minnesota Duluth at No. 1 Wisconsin
Candace: The Badgers just seem like an unstoppable juggernaut. Wisconsin 3-1, 3-2
Nicole: These are either going to be offensive blowouts or low-scoring affairs. I think the Badgers sweep on senior weekend with Desbiens in net. Wisconsin 2-0, 5-3
Sunday, Feb. 12
Vermont at No. 6 Boston College
Candace: I’ve been impressed by how the Eagles have rallied in tough games and found a way to win. Boston College 3-1
Nicole: The Catamounts played BC so close a few weeks ago, but I don’t think they can pull off the upset with the momentum BC has gathered. Boston College 3-1
Providence at Merrimack
Candace: Merrimack could use a win to get into the Hockey East playoffs, but I like the Friars. Providence 2-1
Nicole: Providence should handle this without issue. Providence 3-0
