It’s been a while since either Dave or I have picked up a game on one another. I finally picked up a single game on Dave, but feel I shouldn’t gloat as both of us had disgustingly bad records last week.
Jim last week: 5-3-4
Jim to date: 87-57-16
Dave last week: 4-4-4
Dave to date: 86-58-16
Friday, January 12
Providence at Boston College
Jim’s pick: I feel like BC is going to return home with some anger after a fourth-place finish in Vegas. But I also feel like Providence is playing well enough to win.
PC 3, BC 2
Dave’s pick: I’d dismiss Providence’s four-game winning streak due to less-than-stellar opponents, but BC didn’t impress in Vegas at all.
PC 3, BC 2
Connecticut at Merrimack
Jim’s pick: Merrimack came from behind last weekend on the road. I think at home this matchup should favor the Warriors.
Merrimack 4, UConn 2
Dave’s pick: I agree. UConn’s losing streak extends to four.
Merrimack 3, UConn 2
Maine at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: I was ready to go all-in on Maine. And then they tied Brown. I guess a big part is which goalie is in net. I’m betting Swayman is the guy this weekend, so on night one, I’m going with the Black Bears.
Maine 3, NU 2
Dave’s pick: I haven’t been able to figure out Northeastern at all, but it ain’t hard to figure out a Black Bears team that hasn’t lost since Nov. 24 in Belfast.
Maine 3, NU 1
Boston University at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: Flip a coin here. Neither team is playing that well of late. So I’ll just go with the team that should win on paper.
BU 4, UNH 3
Dave’s pick: It’s more than a coin flip for me. The Terriers have been playing a bit better than UNH (0-4-1 in its last five).
BU 4, UNH 2
Massachusetts at Vermont
Jim’s pick: Neither of these teams are on fire, but I feel like UMass is simply the better team, even on the road.
UMass 4, UVM 2
Dave’s pick: I think UMass is quite a bit better. This season has been a dumpster fire for Vermont.
UMass 4, UVM 2
UMass Lowell at Arizona State
Jim’s pick: This weekend defines a trap weekend for the River Hawks. They are scoring goals and playing well, at least they were a week ago. But this is a team they should beat yet will play them on the road. Still think UML can overcome this trap.
UML 5, ASU 3
Dave’s pick: Lowell has certainly struggled with inconsistency, but I’m thinking Norm Bazin uses Arizona State’s wins in Vegas to avoid complacency.
UML 5, ASU 2
Saturday, January 13
Providence at Boston University
Jim’s pick: If Providence can sweep this weekend, you have to believe this is Hockey East’s best team. That’s my pick.
PC 4, BU 2
Dave’s pick: I agree. The Friars have inspired a lot more confidence with their play than the up-and-down Terriers.
PC 4, BU 1
Maine at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: This weekend is likely a split. What is difficult to tell is if I will pick it backwards or not.
NU 3, Maine 1
Dave’s pick: I never, ever would have expected this at the start of the season, but I’m going with a Black Bears sweep.
Maine 4, NU 3
Massachusetts at Vermont
Jim’s pick: Even at home, I just can’t pick the Catamounts based on how they are playing right now.
UMass 3, UVM 2
Dave’s pick: Agreed. UMass becomes another team I pick for a four-point weekend.
UMass 3, UVM 1
UMass Lowell at Arizona State
Jim’s pick: Lowell should sweep here but it won’t be easy.
UML 4, ASU 3
Dave’s pick: I suppose I should give ASU more respect based on those two wins in Vegas, but I’m going to be stubborn and go with Lowell in clear-cut wins.
UML 4, ASU 2
Sunday, January 14
New Hampshire at Boston College
Jim’s pick: The Eagles were playing well heading into Vegas. And while I think Providence is a challenge to BC, I think they can handle New Hampshire.
BC 4, UNH 2
Dave’s pick: Agreed. BC disappointed in Vegas, but UNH is struggling a great deal more.
BC 4, UNH 3
Tuesday, January 16
Massachusetts at Maine
Jim’s pick: This is a strange Tuesday night game for two teams so far apart geographically. So I’ll go with Maine at home.
Maine 4, UMass 3
Dave’s pick: Classes haven’t started yet this semester, so I like tucking an extra game into the schedule here. I’m also all-in on the Black Bears.
Maine 4, UMass 1
Thursday, January 18
Providence at UConn
Jim’s pick: Even at home for UConn, I feel like Providence should have the upper hand.
PC 5, UConn 2
Dave’s pick: Unfortunately, Jim and I haven’t disagreed a lot this week. In particular, we both are extremely bullish on the Friars, which based on last week’s picks, means they’re in a ton of trouble.
PC 4, UConn 2
