I, for the most part, righted the ship last week, going 11-3 (.785). I’m calling Wisconsin’s shootout win a win, so there it is. One thing I think that we can take away from last weekend is that Minnesota is one of the hottest teams in the country right now. For a while, the Gophers were splitting series, but they are a on a roll, and swept a dangerous Ohio State squad last weekend. The series this weekend with No. 1 Wisconsin should be amazing. Overall, I am now 104-39-15 (.719). Let’s try and keep it up this weekend.
Friday-Saturday, January 28-29
Merychurst at Niagara: At this point, the Lakers are not going to be stopped by anyone save one of the top programs in the country. Niagara, despite an upset overtime win earlier in the year over the Lakers, isn’t in that category. Mercyhurst 5-1, 5-2
Connecticut/Boston University: A home-and-home with the Huskies gives the Terriers a chance to stay hot ahead of the Beanpot on February 8. Look for a Terriers sweep. Boston University 4-2, 4-3
Ohio State at St. Cloud: I could see the hapless Huskies pushing a reeling Buckeyes squad, but after last weekend’s losses to Minnesota, St. Cloud is just the recipe Ohio State needs. Ohio State 4-1, 2-1
Minnesota State at North Dakota: The Mavericks have the potential to be dangerous, but they haven’t really pushed a top squad since early in the first half of the season, and the Sioux seem to have gotten over their win one, lose one pattern. North Dakota 4-2, 4-1
Bemidji State at Minnesota-Duluth: The Bulldogs are in the middle of a rough patch, and after getting swept by Wisconsin are itching for two in a row, but I think the Beavers will win one of these games. Minnesota-Duluth 4-2, Bemidji State 3-2
Minnesota at Wisconsin: These two games are where all eyes will turn this weekend. A red-hot Gophers squad against the top team in the country. Honestly, I think this will probably be a split, but I’m going against my better instincts and calling for a sweep by the home team. Wisconsin 3-2, 2-1
Friday, January 28
Union at Cornell: Another ECAC pigeon served up on a platter for the mighty Big Red to feast on. Cornell is just too strong this year. Cornell 5-1
Clarkson at Quinnipiac: QU has been the solid second place team in the ECAC last week, but they did just lose to Wayne State last Friday. I think the Bobcats win a close one here. Quinnipiac 3-2
Providence at Boston College: The Friars righted ship last week by upsetting the Eagles, 3-1. I expect BC to come back strong, especially with the Beanpot looming. Boston College 2-1
Saturday, January 29
Rensselaer at Cornell: The Big Red continue to roll over the rest of the ECAC. Cornell 5-1
St. Lawrence at Quinnipiac: This is one of the most interesting games on the weekend. St. Lawrence is dangerous, and has some wins over top schools. This is the type of game the Bobcats have to win to cement their status, but I think the Saints pull the upset. St. Lawrence 3-2
Sunday, January 30
Northeastern at Boston College: The Huskies certainly have the talent to throw a scare into the Eagles. I think BC will have just enough to get a win and set themselves up well for the Beanpot. Boston College 3-2
Providence at Vermont: Can the Friars establish any consistency? That is the big question in Hockey East right now. Look for a close game, with Providence on top. Providence 3-2
