Well, in my first week of picks, I went 8-4 (.667). Not bad. Really, who would have picked North Dakota to sweep Minnesota in Minnesota? Who could imagine Bemidji would knock off top-ranked Merchyhurst? All in all, I think I did pretty well. Let’s take a look at what’s on tap for this week.
Friday-Saturday, October 22-23
North Dakota at Minnesota State: With all the focus on the Lamoureux twins, North Dakota displayed an impressive balanced attack against the Gophers last week. Couple that with a 4-2 record against top five teams, and I think the Sioux should sweep. North Dakota 4-1, 5-2
Minnesota at St. Cloud: Though they were swept at home by the Sioux, Minnesota is still one of the top programs in the country, and too strong for a St. Cloud team still looking for its first win of the year. Look the for the Gophers to come out firing. Minnesota 5-0, 6-1
Ohio State at Wisconsin: The marquee matchup of the week pits the No. 10 Buckeyes against No. 1 Wisconsin. I’ve felt all month that the Badgers should have been ranked higher than they were, given the returning Olympians, and with Mercyhurst’s loss last weekend, the Badgers took the top spot. Ohio State should prove to be a stiff test for the Badgers, but I think Wisconsin has enough for the sweep. Wisconsin 3-2, 2-0
Robert Morris at Cornell: Cornell is most people’s pick as the top squad in the ECAC. This week, the Big Red start their season. I don’t think they should be tested in their opener. Cornell 4-1, 5-0
Friday, October 22
St. Lawrence at Boston University: The Terriers look to have regrouped after dropping their first contest of the year, going 4-0 since, and St. Lawrence has struggled out of the gate. I like the Terriers in this one. BU 4-2
Boston College at Quinnipiac: The Bobcats have gotten off to a great start, going 5-1, but they’ve yet to face a squad with the depth of the Eagles. I think this should be close but BC takes it. BC 4-2
Clarkson at New Hampshire: Both of these teams should be better than they are. Clarkson was picked highly in the preseason polls, and New Hampshire has always been one of Hockey East’s powerhouses. This could be a battle. I’m going to have go with home ice on this one. UNH 3-2
Saturday-Sunday, October 23-24
Connecticut at Minnesota-Duluth: This is an intriguing matchup. The Huskies usually hover near the bottom of the top 10, and challenge top teams occasionally. Still, I think the Bulldogs will show they want to get fully untracked before next weekend’s titanic clash with arch-rival Minnesota. Minnesota-Duluth 4-2, 5-1
Saturday, October 23
Clarkson at Boston University: The Golden Knights complete their Hockey East swing with a tilt against the No. 5 Terriers. Though Clarkson has shown some signs of life, I think BU is too strong. BU 4-3
St. Lawrence at New Hampshire: Again, a potentially tough battle for the Wildcats. The Saints struggled with scoring last weekend against Clarkson. I think UNH takes it in a close one. UNH 3-2
Sunday, October 24
Brown at Boston College: Look for the Eagles to dominate this contest and move to 6-0 on the year. BC 5-1
