There is a slew of nonconference action this weekend, with the lone MCHA games coming from a home-and-home series between Marian and MSOE. I didn’t fare well in my nonconference picks over Thanksgiving, but I’m hoping to turn my luck around this week. Last week I went 5-2-1 (.625), bringing my pick record to 25-14-2 (.609).
Friday, December 7
Lawrence at Gustavus Adolphus
Most recently, Lawrence (4-6-0) swept past Finlandia with 6-3 and 5-2 scores. The Vikings are 0-2 against nonconference opponents. The Golden Gusties are 6-5-1, including a four-game unbeaten streak. I like the offensive output from Lawrence, having scored 43 goals in 10 games, where Gustavus Adolphus has tallied 23 in 12 games. Lawrence 4-2
Friday-Saturday, December 7-8
Marian vs. MSOE
The home-and-home series is the only conference series of the weekend, and frankly the one I’m most excited about. Marian has a 6-2-1 conference record, and is coming off a weekend sweep of Northland. The Sabres are a defensively-sound team and have scoring coming from 18 players. MSOE (4-3-1) is on a four-game unbeaten streak and is looking to climb in the conference standings. MSOE 4-1, Marian 3-1
Northland at Bethel, Augsburg at Northland
The Lumberjacks have struggled this season, holding a 1-7-0 record. They are facing two nonconference opponents. On Friday, Northland will have a road game at Bethel (6-6-0) before hosting Augsburg (1-8-1). I think Northland will have the home advantage on Saturday night. Bethel 2-1, Northland 3-1
St. John’s at Concordia
Concordia (4-7-0) is hosting nonconference foe St. John’s (2-4-1) this weekend, and is coming off a hard-fought weekend against Adrian. Although they dropped two games, I saw some highlights for the Falcons. Freshman goalie Jake Hebda, who made 42 saves in Friday’s loss, is strong between the pipes for Concordia. I’m thinking with the climbing improvement of the rookie Falcons squad, they’ll take the sweep this weekend. Concordia 4-2. 5-2
St. Mary’s at Lake Forest
Lake Forest (2-7-2) is hosting St. Mary’s (5-4-0) this weekend in a nonconference series. Most recently, the Foresters tied and lost to MSOE. Freshman goaltender Brendan Sullivan started last weekend for Lake Forest, and has put up pretty good numbers, boasting a 2.30 goals-against average with a .923 save percentage. Hopefully, the Foresters can find their offensive stride. Lake Forest 3-2, 3-2
Finlandia at Alabama-Huntsville
Finlandia (3-6-0) is making the trek to Huntsville, Ala., this weekend to face D-I opponent Alabama-Huntsville Chargers (1-12-1). Finlandia was swept by Lawrence last weekend. The Chargers haven’t won a game since Nov. 16, when they beat Lake Superior State. Finlandia 2-1, Alabama-Hunstville 2-1
