Last week:
Dan: 8-3-1
Chris: 9-2-1
On the season:
Dan: 85-55-21 (.593)
Chris: 95-45-21 (.655)
This Week’s Picks:
Thursday, January 22 and Saturday, January 24
Canisius at Niagara
Dan: Niagara is in a bit of a funk this year, but that doesn’t mean they can’t steal some points. Of course, Canisius is on fire the last couple of weeks against quality opponents. I think they continue it this week. Side note – as much as I’ve come around on the unbalanced schedule, there needs to be protected rivalries for four games. This one is a perfect example why. Canisius sweeps.
Chris: These are the only regular season meetings between the Western New York rivals, and Niagara needs to come away with at least a split here if it wants to get its mojo going. I think that will happen because, you know, throw out the records and all that. Niagara wins Thursday, Canisius wins Saturday.
Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24
Rochester Institute of technology at Bentley
Dan: Two electric scorers go head-to-head when Matt Garbowsky and Max French step on the same ice. The annual USCHO Atlantic Hockey Bowl for Chris and me. One point differential in the standings. What more could you want? Bentley sweeps.
Chris: If the games were in Rochester, I’d go with a split between these teams, which are separated by a single point in the standings. But I like Bentley to get back on track at the JAR. Bentley sweeps.
Robert Morris at Holy Cross
Dan: My biggest fear about Holy Cross was that their offense would experience a power outage, and this team would only go as far as defense and goaltending would take it. If the offense is starting to plateau, that’s bad news for a defense facing one of the best offenses in the league/country. RMU’s scored more goals than anyone this year (91), and their per-game average is second best behind only Michigan. RMU sweeps.
Chris: A couple of weeks ago, Holy Cross was right on RMU’s heels for first place. But the Crusaders have just one win in their last seven games. It’s a great match-up between Holy Cross’ defense and RMU’s offense, which found its groove again last weekend. I’m picking the offense. RMU sweeps.
Mercyhurst at Sacred Heart
Dan: For the second time in three weeks, these two teams are playing, but the series is shifting out east. Based off what was said after that weekend, the score didn’t indicate how tight SHU played the Lakers. I think the Lakers have to play better in order to ensure four points, which is why I’m picking the always-dangerous split. Sacred Heart wins on Friday. Mercyhurst wins on Saturday.
Chris: Mercyhurst dominated SHU two weeks ago, outscoring the Pioneers 11-4. The venue has changed but I think the results will be the same. Mercyhurst sweeps.
Air Force at American International
Dan: Air Force is picking up steam in the second half of the year once again, winning four straight games. They’ll make it six this weekend, but I’ll throw an asterisk that their second half surge is coming against the bottom of the AHC. Still, this is what they needed for momentum to swing their way. Air Force sweeps.
Chris: Both teams have had their ups and downs so far, and I think AIC can certainly take at least two points at home, but I have a hunch that Air Force will come out on top in a pair of close games. Air Force sweeps.
Tuesday, January 27
Army at Princeton
Dan: Princeton is a bad hockey team this year, having not won a regular season game since November 28th. They have to be cautious to not expend too much here since they’re coming up on a four-game road trip with series at Yale/Brown and Colgate/Cornell. Bad timing for this game for them. Army wins.
Chris: Princeton has just two wins so far this season, and I think Army will handle the Tiger’s anemic offense and win a low scoring game, even without leading scorer Tyler Pham, who will be serving a one-game suspension. Army wins.
