Matthew and I went 3-1 last weekend, so I still have a two-game lead in our picks race, as I am 84-51-19 on the year, while Matthew is 82-53-19. Here’s the weekend that could decide the season though, so let’s see which of us comes out on top.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 16-17
No. 2 Denver vs Colorado College (home-and-home)
Candace: I’m going out on a limb. Despite CC’s strong play of late, I think Denver will be amped up and get it done. Denver 3-2, 3-1
Matthew: CC still has a ton to play for, and the Tigers will definitely be up for this series, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the home teams win. Colorado College 4-2, Denver 3-1
Miami at No. 11 Minnesota Duluth
Candace: Duluth has fallen back to Earth somewhat, but Miami has struggled of late as well. The two teams split back in November. I think Duluth will get two close wins. Minnesota Duluth 3-2, 3-1
Matthew: UMD was swept last time out, but only in two one-goal games against a very good Denver team. The Bulldogs should have a somewhat more straight-forward task this time. It’s tricky, though, because Duluth hasn’t been amazing home or away this season. Minnesota Duluth 3-1, Miami 3-2
No. 9 North Dakota at No. 13 Omaha
Candace: North Dakota only has one win in its last seven games, going 1-3-3. The two teams split back in January, and that seems likely again. Omaha 3-2, North Dakota 3-1
Matthew: UNO is .500 since New Year’s, and I don’t think the Mavericks could complain too much about splitting their season series with UND. Omaha 3-2, North Dakota 4-2
No. 3 St. Cloud State at No. 15 Western Michigan
Candace: Western is missing Wade Allison and Colt Conrad, while St. Cloud is without Will Borgen. A split wouldn’t surprise me, but I like St. Cloud to set up an epic series with Denver next weekend by sweeping here. St. Cloud State 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: This goes against what had become the standard narrative about Western being great at home, but I don’t know if the Broncos get anything from this series without Allison and Conrad. St. Cloud State 3-1, 3-1
