In his column this week, Arlan Marttila discussed the importance of getting off to a quick start. I and Arlan had a great first week in our picks, but a miserable second week, each going 4-5-2 (.454). Since we had identical records in the first week as well (though we’ve picked differently in a few series each week), we are 12-6-3 (.642) on the year.
Speaking of the importance of an early start, undefeated No. 1 Wisconsin and undefeated No. 3 Minnesota square off in a barnburner of an early-season series. Also on tap this week are Boston College against New Hampshire for a pair, as well as some other interesting match-ups.
Friday-Saturday, October 14-15
Boston College vs. New Hampshire
Candace: New Hampshire hosts Friday, BC on Saturday. The Eagles got crushed by No. 6 Minnesota-Duluth on Saturday last week, but rebounded to win in the last seconds of the game on Sunday. I think that will carry over against a Wildcats team that showed vulnerability in losing to Syracuse. Boston College 4-2, 3-2
Arlan: It used to be that each team was better suited to their home ice, but not as of late. Boston College 3-1, New Hampshire 2-1
Syracuse vs. Clarkson
Candace: The Orange host Clarkson on Friday and then visit them on Saturday. I honestly didn’t think Syracuse would beat New Hampshire on the road last week. Clarkson is looking to rebound from a disappointing year last season. I’m calling split. Syracuse 3-1, Clarkson 3-2
Arlan: I can’t find a coin to flip, so I’ll go with the power of home ice. Syracuse 1-0, Clarkson 3-2
Bemidji State at Maine
Candace: Bemidji didn’t do well in Columbus last weekend on the road. Maine is coming off two stirring come-from-behind wins against Quinnipiac. I think the Black Bears will sweep. Maine 3-2, 2-1
Arlan: Bemidji isn’t a good road team, but I think they’ll get one game. Maine 2-0, Bemidji State 3-2
Friday, October 14, Sunday, October 16
Minnesota at Wisconsin
Candace: The marquee series of the weekend. The Gophers lost a tough game to the Badgers in the WCHA championship last spring, and the hangover from that loss may have affected them in their upset loss to Boston College in the NCAA tournament. Both teams are undefeated, but while Minnesota hasn’t really been challenged, Wisconsin looked very strong in sweeping an excellent North Dakota team last week. I think the Badgers sweep here as well in two close games. Wisconsin 3-2, 4-3
Arlan: The Gophers should still get a tie even if Schoullis is out, but there’s no percentage in picking ties in this contest. Wisconsin 4-1, 3-2
Saturday-Sunday, October 15-16
Mercyhurst at Providence
Candace: Both teams are off to, by their standards, slow starts. Mercyhurst split with Minnesota State last weekend, while Providence lost to Clarkson and tied St. Lawrence. I think the Lakers could sweep a struggling Providence team, but I’m calling split. Mercyhurst 4-2, Providence 3-2
Arlan: The Lakers are inconsistent, and except for last year, the Friars’ seasons start slow. It would be tough to make a living betting on women’s hockey. Mercyhurst 4-1, 3-2
Saturday, October 15
Quinnipiac at Northeastern
Candace: Quinnipiac was expected to challenge Cornell for the ECAC title, but the team has looked mediocre in its first few contests. Northeastern beat Syracuse last weekend. I’m calling home team win. Northeastern 3-2
Arlan: The Bobcats are better than their record, but that takes another hit this week. Northeastern 4-2
