Amazing. After 22 weeks of the regular season, Dave and I have the exact same record. It’s almost impossible to believe.
The postseason will be the deciding factor this year. May the best man win.
Jim last week: 5-3-1
Jim to date: 131-81-26
Dave last week: 6-2-1
Dave to date: 131-81-26
Hockey East playoffs – first round (best of three)
No. 11 New Hampshire at No. 6 Maine
Jim’s pick: I feel like UNH might make this desperate run to keep Dick Umile’s career alive, but I’m just not sure this team has the talent.
Maine 4, UNH 2; Maine 4; UNH 3; Maine 6, UNH 3
Dave’s pick: Agreed. Much as my heart wants to go with Umile, the Wildcats have won only once since Dec. 6.
Maine 4, UNH 1; Maine 4, UNH 2; Maine 5, UNH 1
No. 10 Merrimack at No. 7 UMass Lowell
Jim’s pick: Despite these two teams splitting a weekend ago, the fact these games are in Lowell should make a difference.
UML 5, MC 2; UML 2, MC 1; UML 4, MC 2
Dave’s pick: The River Hawks have driven me (and their fans) crazy this year with their inconsistency, then finished with five losses in their last six games, but I still think they’re the better team.
UML 5, MC 3; UML 3, MC 2; UML 4, MC 1
No. 9 Vermont at No. 8 Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: I’ll go with the series upset here. And though I pick a UVM sweep, it easily could go 3.
UVM 3, UMass 2; UVM 2, UMass 1; UVM 3, UMass 2 (OT)
Dave’s pick: Both teams had great stretches late in the season, making this the toughest call by far. I’m going with UMass in three plus overtime.
UMass 2, UVM 1; UVM 3, UMass 1; UMass 2, UVM 1 (OT)
