Well, I was quite prescient last weekend, at least on Friday, and further built on my lead on Matthew in our picks race. Last weekend, I went 6-2 (.750) while Matthew went 3-5 (.375). On the year, I am now 73-51-19 (.576) while Matthew is 58-66-19 (.472).
Three NCHC teams are off this weekend, so it’s a light picks weekend.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 3-4
Omaha at No. 1 Minnesota Duluth
Candace: Duluth has looked stronger and stronger. The Bulldogs might be vulnerable to a letdown after winning the North Star College Cup last weekend, but it could also give them a boost of momentum. I’ll take the latter. Minnesota Duluth 3-2, 4-2
Matthew: Omaha needs to get something here, but I don’t know if it’ll happen. Minnesota Duluth 3-1, 3-2
St. Cloud State at No. 13 North Dakota
Candace: This could be a split, as St. Cloud State has looked good of late. The last time out, North Dakota emerged with two shutouts. Both teams really need the points. I’ll take North Dakota to sweep, but I have no confidence in this pick. North Dakota 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: UND won’t do to St. Cloud in Grand Forks what the Fighting Hawks did to SCSU on the Huskies’ home ice. I could see a UND sweep here but I’ll take a split. St. Cloud State 3-1, North Dakota 3-1
Arizona State at No. 9 Western Michigan
Candace: Arizona State is coming off an impressive win over No. 17 Quinnipiac, but their last game against an NCHC team was a 6-1 loss to Denver. Western should sweep at home. Western Michigan 4-1, 4-1
Matthew: Western has been very good at home this season, and the Sun Devils aren’t anything special. If the Broncos stay focused, they should sweep here. Western Michigan 3-1, 4-1
