With Wisconsin scoring another shootout win last week, I did pretty good in my picks, going 14-5 (.736). That brings my overall record to 118-44-15 (.709). We’ve only got four weeks left in the season, and while a few teams are a virtual lock for the post-season, there is still some room for positioning. Let’s see how I can do this weekend.
Thursday, February 3
New Hampshire at Boston University: With the Beanpot looming, it’s tempting to call for an upset, with the Terriers looking ahead to their game with arch-rival Boston College. However, I think they will focus and try to buld momentum. Boston University 4-2
Friday-Saturday, February 4-5
Wayne State at Mercyhurst: The Lakers should roll in this series, even though the Warriors have played a few squads tough. Other than teams like Wisconsin though, I just don’t see anybody with the skill to stop Vicki Bendus and Meghan Agosta.
Wisconsin at Bemidji State: I thought the Beavers would have enough to split with Minnesota-Duluth last week, but it didn’t work out. It’s tempting to call a split here, with Wisconsin getting a breather after a brutal two-week stretch against Minnesota and Minnesota-Duluth, but I think the Badgers and coach Johnson are on a mission. Wisconsin 5-2, 5-1
Minnesota-Duluth at Minnesota State: The Bulldogs have been a mercurial team this season, and it’s tough to know which version will show up on any given weekend. Though the Mavericks pulled an upset on the Sioux last Saturday, I like the Bulldogs to sweep two close games. Minnesota-Duluth 4-3, 4-2
North Dakota at Ohio State: A really intriguing matchup. I thought the Sioux had finally gotten over their tendency to split with teams they should beat, and then they got upset by Minnesota State last weekend. I figure home ice is good for one win for the Buckeyes. North Dakota 4-3, Ohio State 3-1
St. Cloud at Minnesota: At this point, it is entirely possible that hapless St. Cloud will go winless on the season. The Gophers, after a bout of inconsistency early in the year, are looking like THE threat to a Wisconsin WCHA championship. Minnesota 5-0, 6-1
Friday, February 4
Cornell at Clarkson: This weekend, it’s possible, just possible, that Cornell could be threatened. I don’t see it happening though. Cornell 4-0
Quinnipiac at Dartmouth: The Bobcats messed up my record last week, winning when I thought they’d lose, and losing when I thought they’d win. The Big Green has been inconsistent this season, looking like a solid threat one week, then losing. The Bobcats will want to gain ground on Harvard this week, and I’m calling for them to pull it off. Quinnipiac 3-2
Princeton at Harvard: While the Crimson’s out-of-conference record has been off, they have done very well in the ECAC. Look for that to continue in advance of the Beanpot. Harvard 4-2
Saturday, February 5
Cornell at St. Lawrence: Do the Saints have enough to threaten the Big Red? Yes. Will they? No. Cornell 4-1
Quinnipiac at Harvard: One of the best games on tap for the weekend. The Bobcats need to establish themselves as a solid threat in the ECAC while the Crimson want to maintain their status as one of the elite teams. I think Harvard wins a close one. Harvard 2-1
Connecticut at Boston College: The Eagles have the Beanpot looming against Boston University, but two games ahead of that this weekend, both of which have the potential to derail the Eagles’ express. I think coach King will keep her team on its toes though. Boston College 3-1
Boston University at New Hampshire: Honestly, home ice should count for something, but I think the only threat to the Terriers this year is BC. Boston University 4-1
Sunday, February 6
Boston College at Providence: The Friars are a dangerous team in Hockey East, and they beat BC a few weeks ago. Home ice could work against the Eagles, but I think they will just have enough to get the win. Boston College 2-1
Tuesday, February 8
New Hampshire at Quinnipiac: This game was supposed to be played a few weeks ago, but got weathered out. I’m still sticking with my original pick. Quinnipiac 3-2
Harvard at Northeastern: Northeastern is a tricky team, but they are clearly the last team of the four Beanpot squads coming into this tournament. The Huskies will play tough and with emotion, but I think the Crimson advance. Harvard 3-1
Boston University at Boston College: It’s a shame these two are meeting in the first round, given how they have been playing this year. Their games have been excellent, and I’ve often called them wrong. BU leads the series so far, winning the last two games, including a 4-0 shutout a few weeks ago. You might as well flip a coin, but I’m going to call for the Eagles to get some revenge. Boston College 3-2
