ECAC West picks: Feb. 8

Had my worst week of the season so far, going just 1-4 a week ago, bringing my overall record to 40-12-4 (.750) for the 2012-13 campaign. Let’s see how I fare with six league games on tap this weekend.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Hobart (17-3-2 overall, 9-2-1 ECAC West) at Manhattanville (12-7-2, 5-4-2)
The No. 5 Statesmen are looking to lock up first place in the league, are 8-1-1 on the road overall so far, and should be able to outlast the No. 13 Valiants. Hobart 4-2
Elmira (10-12, 5-7) at Neumann (12-6-3, 4-6-1)
The host Knights suffered a loss and a tie against Manhattanville last week, while the Soaring Eagles swept Nazareth. Home ice could help Neumann, which has won seven of its last nine outings, and trails Elmira by just one point in the standings. Neumann 3-2
Nazareth (6-14-1, 1-10) at Utica (17-4, 8-3)
The No. 8 Pioneers are averaging more than four goals per game and just have too much firepower for the nascent Golden Flyers. Utica 7-3
Saturday, Feb. 9
Elmira at Manhattanville
Look for the Valiants, who are just ahead of the Soaring Eagles in the standings, to bounce back. Manhattanville 4-3
Utica at Nazareth
The Golden Flyers should put on a better show at home, but the Pioneers should be able to just get by the host team. Utica 3-2
Hobart at Neumann
The Statesmen will be seeking a weekend sweep to stay ahead of second-place Utica, although the host Knights will make them work for it. Hobart 5-4