Atlantic Hockey Picks November 22-26

Last Week:

Dan: 5-5
Chris: 6-4

On The Season:
Dan: 52-19-5 (.717)
Chris: 46-25-5 (.638)

This Week’s Picks

Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22
Holy Cross vs. Sacred Heart
Chris: Sacred Heart’s offense is really clicking right now, and Holy Cross comes in victims of a sweep at the hands of Army West Point. I see both trends continuing. SHU sweeps.
Dan: The series begins in Connecticut before shifting back to Worcester on Friday night. I really like the Crusaders’ makeup, even though last week handed them two losses to Army West Point. The teams’ split last year helped jump start Holy Cross’ hot finish, but it can’t be underwritten how hot the Pioneers are right now. After sweeping RIT last weekend, I’m going to ride the hot hand but don’t be shocked with a split. Sacred Heart sweeps.

Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23
RIT at Army West Point
Chris: The Tigers came down to earth last weekend, getting no points at home against Sacred Heart after taking at least four points in each of their previous three conference series. The Black Knights are picking up steam off a split with American International and a sweep of Holy Cross. RIT has a history of playing well at Tate Rink, but I like the home team to sweep.
Dan: This is one of those series that could potentially preview a matchup in Buffalo later this year. Trevin Kozlowski is really starting to heat up in net, and I think riding a hot goaltender is the key to this weekend. That said, RIT is exceptional away from the Polisseni Center, so I’m going to split the weekend.

Niagara vs. Mercyhurst
Chris: Both teams won the back end of a split last weekend, and I think they’re both going to be sharing points again. I’m calling for a split.
Dan: Mercyhurst showed courage, resolve and heart when it responded from last week’s lopsided loss to beat AIC in overtime, and Niagara got itself in the wins column after splitting with Canisius. I like the home team in each of these games. Split them.

Air Force at Robert Morris
Chris: This should be the most entertaining series of the weekend, with Robert Morris in a groove right now and Air Force continuing to bounce back from a rough start. But I’m going with the first place team at home. RMU sweeps.
Dan: I got a good look at Robert Morris last weekend, and even though I picked them to win, they managed to gain a six-point series over Bentley. I don’t necessarily think the Colonials are perfect, but I think they play really well together and are getting a hot hand early in the season. Air Force is picking up steam, but I think RMU is the team to watch in these early weeks, at least until they lose and I draw all kinds of blame. RMU sweeps.

Saturday, November 23
RPI at Canisius
Chris:
I think this will be closer than their previous meeting, but I’m still going with RPI to win.
Dan:
RPI dropped a 7-2 win over the Griffins at Houston Fieldhouse earlier this year. I think Canisius keeps it closer, but I think the Engineers pick up the win. RPI wins.

Tuesday, November 26

Army West Point at American International
Chris:
This is the third of four meetings between the schools this season, and they’ve split the previous two. I’m going with the home team. AIC wins.
Dan:
Army has to play three games in five days against some really stiff competition. AIC doesn’t. That’s going to be the difference in this one. AIC wins.

Sacred Heart at Boston University
Chris: I’m actuakky torn on this one – it has upset written all over it, especially with the way the Pioneers are playing right now. But my gut says BU wins.
Dan: Agganis Arena is in the heart of Boston, and the game means Sacred Heart has to travel to Comm Ave. During rush hour. On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I guess I should just hope the Pioneers make it to the city before the gravy boats hit the mashed potatoes. BU wins.

Brown at Bentley
Chris: This game has huge repercussions…to the Rubin family as broadcasting brothers square off. Right before Thanksgiving, too. Bentley wins.
Dan: Rubin Bowl II. Winner gets first crack at the gravy. Bentley wins.