Friday-Saturday, Jan. 11-12
No. 9 Gustavus Adolphus versus No. 4 St. Thomas
Gustavus is coming off an important win over Wisconsin-Eau Claire last Saturday. If the Gusties win both games over St.Thomas, it could give them the lead in the MIAC standings. However, St. Thomas continues their hot streak and has yet to lose a game. I think St. Thomas is too strong for Gustavus to win a game. St.Thomas 3-2, 2-0
No. 8 Hamline versus Augsburg
Augsburg is currently fifth in the MIAC standings and will need to work hard and earn as many conference points from their remaining games in order to climb in the conference standings. Hamline averages 4.3 goals a game, whereas Augsburg averages 2.8. I believe Hamline’s powerful offense will be too much to lose to Augsburg. Hamline 4-2, 2-1
Colby versus Williams
Williams is still making the case to be in the top 10. Therefore, they need to make each game remaining in their season count. Colby has had low scoring games this year except for their most recent win over Southern Maine. Williams is on a hot streak; their last loss was Dec. 1 to Wesleyan. Since then, the Ephs has defeated top-tier programs such as Elmira and Manhattanville. Colby could potentially hold Williams to a tie, but the likelihood of them coming out with the win is low. Williams 2-1, 3-1
No. 10 Wisconsin-Eau Claire versus Lake Forest
Lake Forest will be hosting the Blugolds, and this will be their second series against a top 10 opponent this year. The Foresters had trouble finding the back of the net in their first series against a ranked opponent, which was their first game at the beginning of the season. I think the home-ice advantage will be beneficial, but not enough to win. The Blugolds will be looking to add a couple wins to their record coming off a recent loss to Gustavus. Wisconsin-Eau Claire 4-1, 3-0
No. 3 Elmira versus Manhattanville
Elmira’s confidence should be at an all-time high. The Soaring Eagles won the holiday tournament, defeating Norwich and Plattsburgh. Manhattanville would need to win both games in order to stay above Elmira in the UCHC standings. This series should not be taken lightly by either team, as it holds important conference points. Elmira 4-3, 3-1
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 11-12
No. 1 Plattsburgh versus Buffalo State
Even if Plattsburgh were to lose to Buffalo State, the Cardinals would still hold the lead in the NEWHL standings. Plattsburgh is an extremely talented team with great coaching. The Cardinals should win this series no problem and have an even greater lock on the conference regular season title. Plattsburgh 5-1, 4-0
