More teams are going to be in the playoffs across most of the conferences which means the balance of the remaining schedule is more interesting for everyone looking to make a move in the standings either just for position or for home-ice position or a bye. Final week of the regular season for NEHC teams while other conferences still looking at two or more to finish out the full schedule where possible. Last week I stumbled in at 8-5-0 (.615) which shows a downward trend from recent picks. The overall numbers of 74-42-7 (.630) are good but still not great. Lots of great action with a lot on the line for many of the games below. Here are this week’s picks:
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Worcester State v. Framingham State
The Rams celebrated a nice comeback win over Massachusetts-Dartmouth last week so teams can’t just show up and expect a win. The visitors definitely won’t be taking a win or the points for granted – Worcester State, 5-3
Friday, February 11, 2022
Suffolk v. University of New England (11)
Suffolk has played everyone tough in the second half and has picked up points to move into fifth in the conference. Home team battling for the top seed and won’t be surprised by Cal Wilcox and company – UNE, 4-2
Elmira (7) v. Norwich (13)
It is the final weekend in the regular season so these games will matter for seeding with six teams in a dogfight at the top. Cadets better with Drennen Atherton in goal and it shows here – Norwich, 3-2
Colby (14) v. Wesleyan
The Cardinals have been playing their best hockey of late with everyone chipping in. Colby has been great all year especially in the close ones but this one goes to the home team – Wesleyan, 2-1
Rivier v. Canton
Would not want to be a goaltender for either team in this one as this should be a track meet with some talented players looking for some highlight reel goals. More video for the home team – Canton, 6-5
Plattsburgh v. Potsdam
It took a while, but the Bears have found their scoring touch and some success in recent games. Stepping up the competition against the Cardinals who need OT to capture the win – Plattsburgh, 4-3
Neumann v. Manhattanville
The Black Knights have played four one-goal games in their last five contests and expect this one to be the fifth. Lost three of those four but find a way to hold on for a big win here – Neumann, 5-4
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Utica (2) v. Wilkes (9)
The Pioneers have a 12-game win streak going and want to send a message tot eh other competitors in the UCHC. Winning on the road against the high-flying Colonels is a big message – Utica, 6-4
Brockport v. Fredonia
The Golden Eagles have played some very good hockey this season but want to get some momentum heading into the playoffs. A nice road win helps build the confidence – Brockport, 4-3
Middlebury v. Williams
The Ephs have struggled a bit in the second half especially scoring goals. The first contest with the Panthers went their way, 3-2. Look for another one-goal win and season sweep over the Panthers – Williams, 3-2
University of New England (11) v. Curry
The Colonels need this one to inch closer to UNE and Salve Regina above them in the CCC. Only lost once on home-ice this season and the Nor’easters come close but can’t bear Reid Cooper and company – Curry, 3-1
Massachusetts-Boston v. Skidmore
Sssssh – very quietly the Beacons have played some great hockey and goaltender Sam Best has a lot to do with that streak of good play. Expect this one to be low scoring and with special teams factoring into the Beacons’ win – UMB, 2-1
Anna Maria v. Fitchburg State
The Falcons have played great in the second half and won’t look past a gritty AMC team in a non-conference game that can help fine-tune their playoff game readiness. Too much upfront talent for the Falcons – FSU, 5-2
Assumption v. Southern New Hampshire
The Penmen do not want to be coasting into the playoffs and showed a lot of character in bouncing back from a 9-1 loss to beat split a series with St. Michael’s last week. This one should be for the weekend sweep – SNHU, 5-4
Lots of excitement and scoreboard watching to see which team can help your team’s cause in the standings. Won’t matter much if your team isn’t taking care of its own business. Control what you can control – “Drop the Puck!”
