The turkey has been digested and for some, the shopping has begun..
For now, USCHO Women’s Editor Candace Horgan and Division III writer Matt Mackinder give their thoughts on the big games this weekend.
Saturday, Nov. 29/Sunday, Nov. 30 - Cardinal/Panther Classic
Matt: Wow — four ranked teams all under one roof, and of those four, all are in the USCHO.com top five. The home team and No. 1-ranked team, Plattsburgh, may have home-ice advantage and will beat No. 4 Gustavus Adolphus in the first game, but falls in the tournament final Sunday to No. 2 Elmira, who should top No. 5 Middlebury in its first game. I like the tournament final to be a one-goal game, with possible overtime.
Candace: I think Plattsburgh takes the whole shebang, but it might be in OT. Friday: Plattsburgh 4-2 over Gustavus; Elmira 3-2 over Middlebury. Saturday: Plattsburgh 3-2 over Elmira; Middleburg 3-2 over Gustavus.
Saturday, Nov. 29 – Holy Cross at Bowdoin
Matt: The two teams have just one loss between the two of them (Holy Cross at 6-1-0, Bowdoin 2-0-1) and though neither team is ranked, this game has an aura about it that makes it a viable contest on the schedule. I like Holy Cross 4-2, with an empty-netter to seal it late in the third.
Candace: I’d like to pick my alma mater, but I think that Bowdoin is a little stronger. Plus, Bowdoin is at home. Bowdoin 3-1
Tuesday, Dec. 2 – No. 7 Wisconsin-River Falls at St. Benedict
Matt: These weeknight games can play tricks on a team’s routine, but not for seventh-ranked UWRF, which takes down St. Benedict on the road by a 6-2 count. Give Chloe Kinsel two goals and two assists for the Falcons.
Candace: I think it might be closer than Matthew thinks, but I agree with the result. Wis.-River Falls 4-2
