Last Week: 9-3-1
On the Season: 113-52-24 (.661)
A snow storm is predicted to hit the Northeast this weekend, affecting travel from Boston to Buffalo. There’s a good chance some of these games will be postponed, especially since the majority are home-and-home series, meaning the teams will be traveling between the games. Check back for updates. But for now, let’s assume the show goes on as scheduled.
This Week’s Picks:
Thursday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 9
Niagara vs. Canisius – The No. 15 Purple Eagles lead the all-time series 13-7-2. The home team has struggled in the series the last few seasons, only 1-6-1 in the last eight games. I think that trend holds on Thursday when Canisius hosts, but Niagara keeps its home unbeaten streak (now at 15 games) alive on Saturday. Niagara sweeps.
Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9
American International vs. Army – The Black Knights won the first meeting between the teams and hosts again on Friday followed by a Saturday afternoon contest at AIC. I’m picking the home team in each game. Army wins Friday; AIC on Saturday.
Air Force at Mercyhurst – A single point separates second-place Mercyhurst and third-place Air Force. The Lakers are coming off consecutive 8-1 wins over Army and Robert Morris, while Air Force was able to muster only a point at home against American International last weekend. The all time-series is deadlocked 10-10-2. I think the Lakers, who defeated the Falcons 5-4 earlier this season, stay hot. Mercyhurst sweeps.
Connecticut vs. Bentley – Another series between teams separated by a single point has the sixth-place Falcons host the eighth-place Huskies on Friday, with the action shifting to UConn on Saturday. Both teams are having problems putting together two solid games in a row, so I’m taking the home team in each game. Bentley wins Friday; UConn Saturday.
Sacred Heart vs. Holy Cross – The Crusaders, who are tied with Air Force for third place, need to hold serve and take four points from the winless Pioneers. I think they’ll get that done, on Friday in Worcester and Saturday in Milford. Holy Cross sweeps.
Rochester Institute of Technology at Robert Morris – RMU leads the all-time series 4-2-3, including a win at Ritter Arena in October. RIT is coming off a big win (7-1 over Connecticut) and Robert Morris a big loss (8-1 against Mercyhurst), but the Tigers have never won at 84 Lumber Arena (0-3-1). This is another series between teams separated by a point in the standings. I’d pick a tie in one game if allowed, but instead I’ll go with a Robert Morris sweep.
Feel free to chime in by posting your picks in the comments and follow me on Twitter @chrislerch for updates throughout the weekend.
