Hockey East picks: Oct. 27-28

A week ago, Dave and I were equally bad. Last week we were equally strong with our picks, each earning 14 wins to match our win totals to date.

Jim last week: 14-4-2
Jim to date: 28-18-5
Dave last week: 14-4-2
Dave to date: 28-18-5

Friday October 27

Boston College at Providence
Jim’s pick: Neither team is coming off their best effort, so I’m going to go with Providence on home ice.
PC 4, BC 3
Dave’s pick: Between home ice and BC’s eyebrow-raising 1-3-1 record, I’ve got to go with the Friars.
PC 3, BC 2

Merrimack at Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: I’m not sure what to make of the Warriors to this point. And I think UMass is a little bit improved. So I’ll go with the host in this one.
UMass 4, MC 2
Dave’s pick: I may not have picked the Minutemen to win a single game last year. Not anymore.
UMass 3, MC 2

Northeastern at UMass Lowell
Jim’s pick: There is a big question looming over this series: will it be about offense or defense? If it is run and gun, I like the Huskies. But not sure that will be the case on night one.
UML 3, NU 2
Dave’s pick:
Unfortunately, Jim and I are agreeing on some tough games, and here’s another one. Lowell was too impressive last weekend, taking two games in the North Country, while Northeastern got swept.
UML 4, NU 2

Denver at Boston University
Jim’s pick: On paper, this is pretty tough to pick. BU hasn’t had all perfect efforts, but my gut is they can get up for this game.
BU 4, DU 3
Dave’s pick: The Terriers have been too up-and-down to pick them in this tough matchup.
DU 4, BU 3

Minnesota Duluth at Maine
Jim’s pick: Maine’s offense opened my eyes last weekend, but I’m not sure Miami was the opponent that UMD can be.
UMD 5, Maine 3
Dave’s pick: Duluth hasn’t gotten off to a blazing start, but it still outclasses the Black Bears.
UMD 4, Maine 2

Connecticut at Miami
Jim’s pick: Even on the road, I think UConn is a better team than Miami right now.
UC 3, Miami 2
Dave’s pick: Agreed. Home ice does make me nervous about this pick, but I do like the Huskies.
UC 3, Miami 2

Saturday, October 28

Massachusetts at Merrimack
Jim’s pick: Back at Lawler Arena, I’ll go with the Warriors.
MC 3, UMass 2
Dave’s pick: I’m going with the Minutemen in a road upset, keeping the Warriors winless.
UMass 3, MC 2

UMass Lowell at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: Offense vs. defense, part II. I think this game will have more goal scoring, but I still think the River Hawks will prevail.
UML 5, NU 4
Dave’s pick: The River Hawks have all the momentum. I think they take it on the road.
UML 4, NU 3 (OT)

Boston University at Providence
Jim’s pick: This could be two really quality wins for the Terriers, if they take care of business.
BU 3, PC 2
Dave’s pick: Providence has won its three games against teams with a collective 1-9-0 record, but lost to its two “strong” opponents. BU is a strong opponent.
BU 4, PC 2

New Hampshire at Vermont
Jim’s pick: I really do like the way UNH is playing right now, so I’ll pick them even against what should be a very hungry Catamounts team.
UNH 4, UVM 3
Dave’s pick: This will be a really good test of the Wildcats even though Vermont has lost four of the last five. I think they pass.
UNH 3, UVM 2 (OT)

Denver at Boston College
Jim’s pick: It’s strange to pick Boston College for a four-game losing streak, but I just think this weekend stacks up against the Eagles.
DU 5, BC 2
Dave’s pick: BC will get better as the year progresses, but right now Denver is clearly the best team.
DU 4, BC 2

Minnesota Duluth at Maine
Jim’s pick: Road sweeps are tough but I think that the Bulldogs have what it takes.
UMD 4, Maine 2
Dave’s pick: Agreed, Duluth is clearly the better team.
UMD 4, Maine 2

Connecticut at Miami
Jim’s pick: See above re: road sweeps. I’m still picking it.
UConn 3, Miami 1
Dave’s pick: Once again, Jim and I agree. UConn wins even on the road.
UConn 4, Miami 2