Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. Some teams, such as No. 1 Wisconsin, certainly have reason to be thankful, as they continue to dominate, while others show signs of life. Last week, I went 8-6 .571). Honestly, I didn’t see Harvard sweeping Dartmouth, and I while I correctly called a split between BU and BC, I called the wins on the wrong nights. On the season, I am 45-22-11 (.647). Let’s try to pick a little better this week.
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 26-27
Bemidji State vs. Ohio State: Two unpredictable, dangerous teams that have each scored some big upset wins, the most recent was Ohio State beating Minnesota-Duluth. I like a split in this one. Ohio State 5-3, Bemidji State 4-3
Princeton vs. Boston University: The Terriers just split with arch-rival Boston College, and have looked like one of the top teams in the country this season. Princeton has played tough against Harvard, but doesn’t have enough to hurt BU. Boston University 4-1, 3-1
Niagara at Cornell: I don’t think these will be quite the mis-matches you might expect, especially since Niagara proved they can be dangerous, upsetting Merchyhurst a few weeks ago, but I think Cornell should sweep this one. Cornell 3-1, 4-1
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 26 and 28
Minnesota-Duluth at Wisconsin: The marquee matchup of the weekend, pitting the two most recent defending national champs against each other. The Badgers have rolled most of this season, while the Bulldogs have had the occasional miscue. I wouldn’t be surprised with a split, but I’m calling a home ice sweep. Wisconsin 3-2 (OT), 2-1
Harvard vs. Minnesota: Which version of each of these teams will show up? The Crimson who tied Yale and Princeton, or the Crimson who swept Dartmouth? The Gophers who were swept by North Dakota and Minnesota-Duluth, or the ones who beat Wisconsin? I have to figure this is a split. Minnesota 3-2, Harvard 2-1
Saturday, Nov. 27
Colgate vs. Mercyhurst: Though Mercyhurst has shown some vulnerability this season, I don’t think the Raiders will be able to pull the upset. Mercyhurst 4-1
Sunday, Nov. 28
Boston College vs. New Hampshire: A couple of weeks ago, New Hampshire looked like they might be ready to challenge BC and BU for the Hockey East crown again. However, they’ve proven to be wildly inconsistent. I’m thinking the Eagles win a close one. Boston College 3-2
