ECAC Picks Dec. 16-18

Last time: 10-3-0

Overall: 27-8-3

While most teams are on break, Princeton and Union cap off their first half of the season this weekend. The Tigers host Minnesota State Mavericks for a pair of games Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Dutchmen travel to Vermont to take on the Catamounts Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.

Minnesota State vs. Princeton

The Tigers come into the weekend as one of the hottest teams in the country. After winning their first five games of the season, the Mavericks are 5-6-2. This series is a pick’em series, but I will go with Princeton Friday night.

On Saturday, I think the Mavericks come out firing. They have out shot their opponents 205-133 this season. I believe Minnesota State earns a split in the second game.

Union vs. Vermont

This should be a fun series between two teams that certainly have been surprises this season. It should be a battle of offense vs. defense. Union is averaging four goals per game while Vermont is only allowing 2.25 goals per game. I think the Dutchmen take advantage of a much quieter Gutterson Fieldhouse with the students gone Saturday night.

Sunday games are also tricky but with it being the second game in 24 hours I expect it to be a low scoring affair the second time around. Vermont who has been getting stellar goaltending all year avoids the sweep.