Hockey East picks – Feb. 9-15

After a week when Jim and I disagreed on almost everything, we agreed on every pick last week.

Unfortunately.

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, Feb. 9

UMass Lowell at Boston College 
Dave’s pick: I’m not sure I want to pick either team. BC has lost two straight, and three of four, plus also may be down in the dumps after losing the Beanpot opener. Lowell, on the other hand, has spent much of the season in a win one, lose one, see-saw. I’m picking BC only because of home ice.
BC 3, UML 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Well it takes just one pick for us to differ this week. I know BC is coming off the Beanpot loss, but I think Lowell comes prepared for this Friday game.
UML 3, BC 2 

UConn at Northeastern
Dave’s pick: After losing five straight, UConn has now won five straight. Plus with the Beanpot championship contest looming on Monday, this looks like the trappiest of all trap games for Northeastern. Nonetheless, I’m going with the team I like to finish first.
NU 4, UConn 2
Jim’s pick: If this game were in Connecticut, I might pick the Huskies. But I don’t think Northeastern is losing this at home
NU 3, UConn 2

Vermont at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: As tough as it was to pick for the Catamounts earlier this season, it’s now tough to pick against them.
UVM 3, UNH 2
Jim’s pick: I’m in agreement. I like UVM a lot in this weekend series.
UVM 4, UNH 2

Maine at Providence
Dave’s pick: As surprisingly good as Maine has been this season, Providence is better.
PC 3, Maine 2
Jim’s pick: Providence is coming off a poor weekend and should rebound at home.
PC 4, Maine 1

Massachusetts at Boston University 
Dave’s pick: Earlier in the year, BU fell through every trap door possible, but I’m going with the Terriers to emerge with a W in this very trappy game.
BU 3, UMass 2
Jim’s pick: Loving the way BU is playing right now. Still a little concerned where UMass goals will come from.
BU 4, UMass 1

Saturday, Feb. 10

UMass Lowell at Massachusetts 
Dave’s pick: UMass righted the ship against Merrimack, terminating a six-game losing streak, but I still need to go with the River Hawks.
UML 4, UMass 3
Jim’s pick: These could be the two most-needed wins of the River Hawks season. Now if they just go out and win these games.
UML 5, UMass 3

Vermont at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: Six wins in seven games for the Catamounts? Yes.
UVM 2, UNH 1
Jim’s pick: I’m in agreement. When UVM is playing well, they are a top 4-5 team in Hockey East.
UVM 4, UNH 2

Monday, Feb. 12

66th Beanpot Tournament (at Boston)
Harvard vs. Boston College (Consolation) 
Dave’s pick: Yes, the Garden will feel like a tomb for the first half of this who-cares game, but since BC stands at 22nd in the PairWise and Harvard at 25th, both teams really do need to care.
BC 3, HU 2
Jim’s pick: And both teams will. The building won’t provide the energy in this game. The implications of the game will. Still, BC emerges.
BC 5, HU 3

Boston University vs. Northeastern (Championship)
Dave’s pick: BU will be bridesmaids for the third straight year as the Huskies take their first Beanpot since 1988.
NU 4, BU 3
Jim’s pick: It’s such a bold pick and I hope Dave is right. But BU seemingly knows how to be confident in this game.
BU 3, NU 2 (OT)

Wednesday, Feb. 14

Maine at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: The Black Bears haven’t lost in regulation since Jan. 13, eight games ago, to Northeastern. UNH got a big win against UMass on Saturday, but I think this will be a third straight downer.
UM 2, UNH 1 (OT)
Jim’s pick: It seems weird to play this game, once a major rivalry game, on a Wednesday night. That said, I think Maine has the horses.
UM 3, UNH 1

Thursday, Feb. 15

Boston College at Massachusetts 
Dave’s pick: UMass has slayed plenty of giants this year, but I don’t see it happening now against BC.
BC 2, UMass 1
Jim’s pick: On the road, I find it hard to pick BC, but deep down I seem them being the more confident team.
BC 4, UMass 2