A 5-1-0 (.833) weekend makes it three strong pick weeks in a row. I might just be getting my game in high gear for the playoffs, which is exactly what all of the conference teams are trying to get going. The overall season numbers are now 49-16-7 (.729). Percentage is solid, and with just two weeks remaining, I need to stay focused if the numbers are going to stay north of the 70 percent threshold.
There are only two weekends remaining. Here are this weekend’s selections.
Friday, Feb. 8
Skidmore at St. Michael’s
The Thoroughbreds split a pair of tough games last weekend and come off a solid 3-0 win over Babson last Saturday. The Purple Knights upset St. Anselm last week, so Skidmore best be ready for a full 60 minutes — they are ready for this road challenge. Skidmore 4-2
Castleton at Norwich
The first match-up was decided in the last minute of the third period in a 2-1 game. The Spartans still have a shot at the two seed, but Norwich can ensure all roads to the conference championship go through Northfield. Unfortunately for the Spartans, they are playing in Northfield this weekend. Norwich 3-2
Massachusetts-Boston at Southern Maine
The Beacons have been on fire against all comers in the second half of the season, and keeping some space between themselves and the other contenders for the number two seed is coach Peter Belisle’s main focus on Friday night. Massachusetts-Boston 5-2
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Castleton at St. Michael’s
Alonzo, Bell, and Harris can provide all the offense the Spartans need for a much-needed two points and a split of the weekend’s games. Josh Geary can counter for the Purple Knights, but this in-state rivalry goes to the visitors. Castleton 4-2
Babson at Southern Maine
The Beavers could really use a four-point weekend, and this game with the Huskies is the way to close the deal. Look for a fast start from the visitors to get Babson on the way to an important victory. Babson 4-1
Skidmore at Norwich
The Cadets have just too much firepower for the Thoroughbreds, but goalie Ben Freiburg keeps it close and gives Skidmore a chance for points; close but not enough. Norwich 4-2
There are only four games left in the regular season, so if you haven’t figured it out, it is time to leave it all on the ice or it might be too late. The points are so important now — drop the puck.
Due to winter storm conditions the games between Massachusetts-Boston, Babson, Southern Maine, and University of New England have been rescheduled from Friday and Saturday to Sunday and Monday.
