Here’s a look at this weekend’s games featuring ECAC Hockey teams:
Friday, Jan. 29
No. 16 Rensselaer at Brown
RPI is coming off a 5-2 win against Union last weekend and two ties to Quinnipiac and Colgate, giving it a 13-7-6 record heading into the season’s final stretch. While the Engineers have maintained their position within the ECAC, Brown has struggled. The Bears are in the midst of a four game losing streak. RPI should have no trouble with this one.
No. 14 Cornell at Clarkson
Cornell has struggled since mid-January, going 0-3-1 in their its four games. A 3-0 loss to Dartmouth on Jan. 22 and a 1-0 loss to RPI on Jan. 15 have been in stark contrast to the strong performances the Big Red put on display in the season’s first half. They’ll look to get back on track against Clarkson, a team that continues to break out of its .500 record.
No. 1 Quinnipiac at Dartmouth
Although you probably wouldn’t think it, this weekend’s biggest game is between the No. 1 team in the country and unranked Dartmouth in Hanover, N.H. Quinnipiac, as coach Rand Pecknold said last week, has struggled since Christmas. Dartmouth, on the other hand, is on a five-game winning streak. If there’s a time to face the Bobcats, it’s now. And they might be ripe for the taking.
Princeton at No. 7 Harvard
Harvard has kept its composure this season, solidifying it with a two-game sweep last weekend against Colgate and Cornell. Princeton, still in rebuild mode, will have a tough challenge against the Crimson.
Colgate at St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence has dropped out of the top 20, and for good reason. The Saints have gone 1-5 over their last six games, including ugly losses to Clarkson and Dartmouth. The others have been one-goal nail-biters, and while that might not say much about the program in general it does speak to their fortunes. Colgate might be the right elixir to fix their woes.
Union at No. 11 Yale
Yale has moved into fourth place in the ECAC standings with a 6-3-3 record within the conference. While its conference record might not be impressive, its overall record certainly is: 12-4-4 with a little more than a month and a half still to play. The Bulldogs face a Union team that has gone 2-7-3 within the ECAC.
Saturday, Jan. 30
Union at Brown
A battle of two of the bottom-feeder teams in the ECAC, with Brown slightly below the Dutchmen in the standings. Union’s record overall (9-9-6) is much better than the Bears’, which might work to its advantage.
Colgate at Clarkson
Another battle of two of the bottom teams in the conference. Colgate is coming off of losses to surging Dartmouth and strong Harvard last weekend. Clarkson, on the other hand, went off on Brown in a 5-0 win last Saturday. Offensively, at least, the edge might go to the Knights.
Princeton at Dartmouth
After facing the No. 1 team in the country on Friday, the Big Green will face rebuilding Princeton in Hanover. Either way, it’ll be a stark contrast to their game the night before, but a good chance to escape the weekend with at least one victory.
No. 14 Cornell at St. Lawrence
Given all the struggles Cornell has faced, a matchup against the struggling Saints might be just what the doctor ordered. The Big Red will be looking for their first win since Jan. 9.
No. 16 Rensselaer at No. 11 Yale
If momentum was a factor, Yale would have the advantage against two top-20 teams. The Bulldogs are 3-0-1 in their last four but have faced struggling Brown twice, Clarkson once and St. Lawrence once. RPI might be their first test down the stretch.
Monday, Feb. 1
No. 7 Harvard at No. 5 Boston College
Day one of the 2016 Beanpot is Monday night. Harvard still has its 6-5 loss to Boston University on its mind from Jan. 7, and will be looking for some revenge against its cross-town rival. One thing’s for sure: We’re looking forward to the Jimmy Vesey show.
