Friday-Saturday, Feb. 17-18
No. 2 Adrian at No. 6 Lake Forest
Adrian has lost twice this season — both times to Plattsburgh. Lake Forest has also lost twice, and one of those losses came at the hands of Adrian. No one is scoring more goals per game than the Bulldogs. The two teams are tied for team defense, each allowing just 1.43 goals per game. I’m going to pick a split, since Lake Forest is at home. They’ve got one of the best goalies in the country and I like upsets, so I’ll say Lake Forest wins game one and Adrian wins game two. Lake Forest 4-3, Adrian 5-4
No. 8 Hamilton at Connecticut College
These are two of the stingiest defenses in the country; they’re tied for third in the nation, allowing just 1.18 goals per game. They’ve also both got top goaltenders. They’re about as evenly matched as two teams get, so it should be a spectacular series. I don’t see a way to pick anything other than a split. Hamilton 3-2, Connecticut College 2-0
No. 1 Plattsburgh at Buffalo State
Buffalo State stole a win from Oswego last weekend, but I’m not sure they have what it takes to keep up with Plattsburgh. I expect the Cardinals to sweep, but think Buffalo can make it tough for them. Plattsburgh wins both. Plattsburgh 4-2, 5-3
No. 10 Oswego at William Smith
With the split last weekend, Oswego is one point behind Buffalo State and looking to make up that ground. I expect the Lakers to sweep. Oswego 4-2, 4-1
Saturday, Feb. 18
Manhattanville at Massachusetts-Boston
Manhattanville has the more potent offense, but Massachusetts-Boston has the stronger defense. They’re close in the standings and should provide an interesting game. I’ll pick Manhattanville to win. Manhattanville 3-1
