Hockey East picks: Nov. 14-15

Perfection is difficult to achieve, but one would hope if you go a week in the picks without taking a loss that you might pick up more ground on your opponent:

Jim last week: 6-0-3
Dave last week: 5-1-3
Jim last week: 37-25-10
Dave last week: 41-21-10

UMass Lowell vs. Connecticut (Fri. at UConn; Sat. at UML)
Lowell has been on a roll of late paced by excellent goaltending by Tyler Wall and scoring that is distributed among many. UConn has been at the opposite end of the spectrum, struggling to score goals and, last weekend at least its defense wasn’t anywhere near good enough.

Jim’s pick: UML 4, UConn 2; UML 3, UConn 2
Dave’s pick: UML 3, UConn 2; UML 4 UConn 2

Boston College at Vermont
The Eagles offense came alive against UConn last weekend, something that they hope can be sustained. This weekend, though, they’ll run into a goaltender in Stef Lekkas who can frustrate pretty much anyone. Now if only Vermont can find its scoring touch.

Jim’s pick: BC 2, UVM 1; BC 3 UVM 1
Dave’s pick: BC 3, UVM 1; BC 3, UVM 1

Providence vs. Northeastern (Fri. at Prov.; Sat. at NU)
Each of these teams enter this series coming off solid three-of-four point weekends. The Friars offense was alive and well in its two games versus Boston University, while Northeastern’s defense and goaltending paced their team. This promises to be a battle for both nights.

Jim’s picks: PC 4, NU 2; PC 3, NU 2
Dave’s picks: PC 3, NU 2; NU 3, PC 2

Massachusetts vs. Boston University (Fri. at BU; Sat. at UMass)
The Minutemen offense was missing on Sunday in a 3-1 loss to New Hampshire (granted, much of that could be credited to UNH’s goaltender), while BU’s defense struggled through two games against Providence. It will be interesting to see if either team can right the ship enough to grab a weekend sweep.

Jim’s picks: UMass 4, BU 3; UMass 5, BU 3
Dave’s picks: UMass 3, BU 2; UMass 4, BU 2

New Hampshire at Maine
These two teams will renew their border battle rivalry in Orono in what may be the most anticipated matchup of these two teams in at least half a decade. Both teams have had better-than-expected starts and New Hampshire is riding th momentum of a win over No. 2 UMass last Sunday.

Jim’s picks: UNH 4, Maine 3; Maine 3, UNH 2 (OT)
Dave’s picks: Maine 4 UNH 3 OT); Maine 3, UNH 2 (OT)