Well, last week I certainly improved on my recent struggles with picks. I even picked not only the score, but the OT win, in the first Wisconsin win over Minnesota-Duluth. Since Ohio State won the first game in a shootout, I’m going to say that overall, I went 9-3 (.750). On the season, I am now 54-25-11 (.661). Let’s take a look at some of the big games this weekend.
Friday-Saturday Dec. 3-4
Niagara at Mercyhurst: Mercyhurst looked underwhelming against Colgate, but they still found a way to win. Niagara stunned the Lakers in OT the last time the two teams faced off. I think the ‘Hurst will remember that sting and be out for revenge. Mercyhurst 4-1, 5-0
Minnesota at Bemidji State: I thought Bemidji had the stuff to upset Ohio State last week, and they almost did on Friday. Minnesota just swept Harvard, and is showing signs of shaking off some of their early season issues. This will be close, but I’m calling a Gophers sweep. Minnesota 3-2, 3-1
Minnesota-Duluth at St. Cloud: The Bulldogs just came off a big win against Wisconsin, and while they might be primed for a letdown, St. Cloud, who is winless this season, doesn’t have the guns to hurt them. Minnesota-Duluth 4-0, 4-1
Friday, Dec. 3
St. Lawrence at Cornell: The Big Red just took over the No. 1 spot in the poll, something I think is dubious, since Wisconsin’s second loss came against No. 4 Minnesota-Duluth, while Cornell’s only game against a current top 10 team resulted in a 4-3 OT loss to Mercyhurst. St. Lawrence is a traditional power in the ECAC, but Cornell is the big dog now. Look for the Big Red to continue their mastery of ECAC teams. Cornell 4-2
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 4-5
Wisconsin at North Dakota: The Sioux are home and have won a lot of big games this season, including a sweep of Minnesota and a split with Minnesota-Duluth. The Badgers have rolled along most of the season, but have split with the other big teams in the WCHA. I think home ice gives the Sioux another split. Wisconsin 3-1, North Dakota 3-2
Saturday, Dec. 4
Clarkson at Cornell: Clarkson was expected to challenge Cornell for first in the ECAC, but has had a disappointing season. Look for Cornell to remain undefeated in conference play. Cornell 4-1
New Hampshire at Providence: An intriguing matchup between two mercurial teams. I figure home ice nets the Friars the win. Providence 3-1
Boston University at Connecticut: The Terriers have been the top team in Hockey East all season, and, except for a pair of ties against Vermont, played strong against teams they should beat. Look for the Terriers to win a close one here. Boston University 3-1
Sunday, Dec. 5
Harvard at Boston College: Can the up-and-down Crimson find some consistency? This could be an interesting look at a Beanpot battle, but I think the Eagles win this one. Boston College 3-1
