I didn’t do as well last week as I did the previous week, especially due to a few ties, finishing 7-2-3 (.708). On the season, I am now 29-7-4 (.775). Still pretty respectable numbers I think. Let’s take a look at the big games for the coming week.
Friday-Saturday November 5-6
Minnesota-Duluth at Bemidji State: Bemidji State has surprised a few teams this season, most notably upsetting Mercyhurst a couple of weeks ago. However, Minnesota-Duluth is coming off a sweep of Minnesota, and I expect them to keep rolling. Minnesota-Duluth 5-2, 4-1
Wisconsin at Minnesota: Before North Dakota accomplished the feat three weeks ago, Minnesota hadn’t been swept at home in three years. The last team to do it? Wisconsin. The Gophers are just coming off a pair of losses to arch-rival Minnesota-Duluth, and now get the privilege of hosting the undefeated Badgers. This is the marquee series of the weekend, and while traditionally Minnesota has been strong against Wisconsin, I’m calling a Badgers sweep. Wisconsin 3-2 (OT), 4-2
Friday, November 5
Harvard at Cornell: The cream of the ECAC faceoff against each other in what should be the battle for first in the conference. Until recently, Harvard owned the ECAC. Cornell was the preseason favorite, and though they stumbled against Mercyhurst, I think home ice will be the difference. Cornell 3-2
Saturday-Sunday November 6-7
Ohio State at North Dakota: This is the other big series of the weekend, pitting No. 9 against No. 10. The Sioux come off a bye weekend, while Ohio State swept Syracuse convincingly last weekend. Except for the series against Minnesota, the Sioux have split each of their series against tough competition, and I think that will hold true again this weekend. North Dakota 5-3, Ohio State 4-2
Saturday, November 6
Dartmouth at Cornell: Dartmouth was traditionally the big foe for the Harvard Crimson for the ECAC title, but the program has slipped in recent years. They started off with two wins against Brown and Yale, but I don’t think that has them ready for the strength of the Big Red. Cornell 4-1
Providence at Boston University: These two squads faced off in Providence last week, with a 2-2 tie the result. I expect Providence will battle for the Hockey East title with BU and Boston College all year. However, I’m going with home ice in this one. Boston University 3-2
Mercyhurst at Niagara: After stumbling against Bemidji, Mercyhurst has righted ship, and they just scored a big win over Cornell on Tuesday. The Lakers, with Meghan Agosta and Vicki Bendus leading the way, are too strong for the Purple Eagles. Mercyhurst 5-1
Sunday, November 7
Vermont at Boston College: The Eagles aren’t quite perfect, with two ties being the only blemish on their record, but they look to be back at the top of the heap in Hockey East. This year’s Beanpot should be a barnburner. Look for the Eagles to roll. Boston College 4-1
New Hampshire at Boston University: We’ll know a lot more about where the Terriers stand after this weekend after they face the No. 3-4 teams in Hockey East. New Hampshire had surprising losses early to Syracuse and Colgate, but goaltender Lindsey Minton has been near impenetrable since. Boston University has been strong all year. Look for the Terriers to take a close one. Boston University 4-3
