Well, Matthew and I finished our last weekend 2-2 (.500), as our NCHC sweep picks didn’t work out so well. Entering the New Year, we are tied 58-33-13 (.620). Let’s see if we can start well.
Thursday, Dec. 28
No. 12 Western Michigan at Bowling Green
Candace: Even though Western isn’t that great on the road, I’m going with the league homer pick. Western Michigan 3-2
Matthew: BGSU only has two losses at home this season, but the Falcons also have tied five times there. Western hasn’t been great on the road this season but I’ll take the Broncos here. Western Michigan 4-2
Friday, Dec. 29
No. 17 Minnesota Duluth vs Yale
Candace: I keep expecting Duluth to break out stronger. This weekend is as good as any. Minnesota Duluth 3-2
Matthew: Tough to say how different UMD will look with five players at the World Juniors, but I’ll take the league homer pick on this one. Minnesota Duluth 3-2
Colorado College at Air Force
Candace: The Cadets have had the better of this rivalry of late, but I like CC to get the win. Colorado College 3-2
Matthew: I didn’t love how CC entered the break, but I like the Tigers here. Colorado College 3-2
Merrimack at No. 2 Denver
Candace: I expect Jim Montgomery worked with his players to put the bad loss to Dartmouth behind them. Denver 3-1
Matthew: Time for the Pioneers to get back on the horse. Denver 4-1
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 29-30
No. 1 St. Cloud State at Princeton
Candace: Look for St. Cloud to start its second half strong. St. Cloud State 4-2, 4-2
Matthew: I wouldn’t be stunned if there’s a split here, but a Huskies sweep seems more likely. St. Cloud State 3-1, 3-1
No. 19 Union at Omaha
Candace: A tough series to pick. The Dutchmen have been so up and down, and lost two of their last three. Omaha has been a .500 team all season. Omaha 3-2, Union 3-2
Matthew: UNO needs a boost ahead of next weekend’s important series at North Dakota. A split wouldn’t be bad against a Union team that’s good on the road this season. Omaha 3-1, Union 4-2
Saturday, Dec. 30
No. 17 Minnesota Duluth vs Dartmouth
Candace: Can Dartmouth stun another NCHC team? No. Minnesota Duluth 3-1
Matthew: Again, Dogs in a tight one. Minnesota Duluth 3-2
Merrimack at Colorado College
Candace: Again, I’m going with the league homer pick, even though CC struggled in the last month. Colorado College 4-2
Matthew: Merrimack’s 1-6-2 on the road this season. This a game CC should be picking up. Colorado College 3-2
Air Force at No. 2 Denver
Candace: Look for Denver to start its second half with two important wins. Denver 4-2
Matthew: See above. This should be a good place for the Pios to get themselves restarted. Denver 4-1
