Atlantic Hockey Picks 10/14-10/20

Last Week: 11-3-1
On the Season: 11-3-1 (.767)

This Week’s Picks:

Friday, October 14
Niagara at Air Force – Niagara has yet to score a goal yet in two games, but with Jason Torf out I think it will…but not enough to defeat the Falcons at home. Air Force 4, Niagara 3.

Connecticut at Army – Army is coming off a tough home loss to Union, giving up an uncharacteristic eight goals. UConn won’t score nearly that many, but will get enough for the win. UConn 3, Army 1.

Bentley at Massachusetts – Bentley played Michigan close last weekend, trailing just 2-1 going into the third period of each game. I expect more of the same with the Minutemen coming out on top of a close contest. UMass 4, Bentley 3.

Mercyhurst at Alaska – The Lakers are 0-4 in Alaska over the past three seasons and I don’t see that changing. Alaska 5, Mercyhurst 3.

Saturday, October 15
American International at Holy Cross – I like the Crusaders at home over an improved AIC team. Holy Cross 5, AIC 3.

Army at Merrimack – Merrimack may not be as strong as last season, but they should defeat the Black Knights at home. Merrimack 4, Army 2.

St. Lawrence at Rochester Institute Technology – Air Force coach Frank Serratore as likened the atmosphere at Blue Cross Arena to a “a pumpkin convention” because of the sea of orange-clad fans. The game has already sold out meaning 10,000+ screaming Tiger fans.  RIT has historically not fared well as well at  BCA as it has at Ritter Arena, despite the larger crowds. I think that trend continues. St. Lawrence 3, RIT 2.

Mercyhurst at Alaska-Anchorage – More of the same. Alaska-Anchorage 4, Mercyhurst 2.

Sunday, October 16
Robert Morris at Air Force – This has the opportunity to be the best game of the week. It’s a long way for RMU to go for one game and the Falcons will have played Niagara on Friday. I’ll take Air Force and the home ice. Air Force 3, Robert Morris 2.

Friday October 14 and Saturday October 16
Sacred Heart at Clarkson – The Pioneers got punked in Minnesota last weekend, and while Clarkson isn’t as strong as the Gophers, I think they’ll still sweep. Clarkson 5, Sacred Heart 2; Clarkson 4, Sacred Heart 1.

Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16
Canisius at Quinnipiac – The Bobcats won and tied at Canisius last season, but I like them to pull both games out. this time. Quinnipiac 4, Canisius 3; Quinnipiac 3, Canisius 2.

Tuesday, October 16
Bentley at Quinnipiac – Quinnipiac continues on its run though AHA competition, and I think Bentley will give the Bobcats all they can handle. I like the Falcons in an upset. Bentley 3, Quinnipiac 2.

Connecticut at Massachusetts – Surprisingly, these teams haven’t met in ten years.  I’m picking an AHA sweep on a Tuesday night. UConn 4, UMass 3.

Thursday, October 20
RIT at Canisius – The Tigers always seem to do well at Canisius, and I think that trend continues. RIT 4, Canisius 2.

Sacred Heart at Connecticut – I think the Huskies will dominate this battle of Nutmeg State schools, UConn 5, Sacred Heart 1.