Game picks by USCHO writers
COVID continues to disrupt the Big Ten schedule, with Penn State the latest program to pause. The series between the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions slated for this weekend has been postponed, and a scheduled series between Arizona State and Penn State scheduled for Feb. 20-21 has been cancelled outright. There is a month left … Read more
Man, what a season we are seeing here. First, you have to love what Minnesota State continues to do week in and week out after their huge sweep of Bowling Green last weekend. However, at the same time, don’t sleep on Northern Michigan. They appear to be heating up at just the right moment. … Read more
Last time: 1-2-1 Overall: 14-20-7 There’s only one series scheduled in ECAC Hockey this weekend, as Clarkson announced a pause on all athletic activities following a rise in COVID-19 cases on campus. The university did not give a timeline for the pause, but said it would keep the campus and public apprised of the next … Read more
We almost got this pick in under the wire, but there’s some Tuesday afternoon hockey happening as we speak in Big Rapids. Here’s what we think: Michigan Tech at Ferris State Jack: The Huskies are on their way back to Houghton from Huntsville and just happen to make a stop in Big Rapids today. I think … Read more
Bemidji State aa Ferris State Jack: The Beavers are on a roll after winning four straight against Bowling Green and Minnesota State. I expect them to continue to do so this weekend in Big Rapids. Beavers sweep, 4-2, 4-1 Daver: The Beavers certainly have been better of late, there is no doubt about that, but … Read more
Omaha getting its splits on Saturday, instead of Friday, continued to help me, as I went 3-1 last week while Matthew was 2-2. On the year, I am 31-19-6, while Matthew is 27-23-6. A four-game lead with four weeks left. I like those odds. Well, let’s see how we do this week. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 5-6 … Read more
Here I was, thinking a 6-1-0 mark last weekend was decent. Except for the fact that Marisa was a perfect 7-0-0, closing the gap on my lead to three games. Nine games on tap this week, and plenty available on the airwaves (NESN, NESN+). Of course, all games can be found at www.collegesportslive.com. Jim last … Read more
It’s a relatively quiet weekend in Big Ten hockey. Michigan announced that the game between the Spartans and Wolverines scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9, has been postponed “due to health and safety concerns by the athletics programs” following the two-week shutdown of all athletic activity at the University of Michigan because of COVID-19. That hiatus … Read more
At A Glance: Last week’s record: 7-1 Overall Record: 53-24-1 This Week’s Picks*: *All games are subject to change. Thursday, February 4 American International at Army West Point Dan: They’ve played each other more than most teams have against one another, but I don’t think that will necessarily even the playing field against the AIC … Read more
Last time: 2-2-2 Overall: 13-18-16 ECAC Hockey is back in action after a week off from conference play. The league has played all of its scheduled three-game series, meaning its back to a standard two games per weekend for the rest of the season, barring any changes. Here’s a look at the two series set … Read more
Last time: 2-2-2 Overall: 13-18-6 There’s only one game on the ECAC schedule this weekend, as first-year program Long Island University visits Quinnipiac Saturday at 7 p.m. The Sharks have been competitive despite struggling to score for much of the season. But it’s going to be a tough matchup against a Quinnipiac team that has … Read more
Boy, the 2020-21 season keeps having curveballs sent its way with last-minute changes, series cancellations, and quick reschedulings. However, no one can accuse it of being anything other than amazing that it has gone as smoothly as it has. Six teams see action this weekend, with four playing for points. Should make for more exciting … Read more
Last weekend, my only flaw was reversing the nights of the Denver and Omaha wins. Overall, I was 6-2, while Matthew was 5-3. On the year, I am 28-18-6, while Matthew is 25-21-6. There are some canceled games due to COVID-19 this weekend, but we still have two series on the docket. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 29-30 … Read more
Ties through 65 minutes were the way of Hockey East last weekend as four of the eight games went down as ties with the extra league point decided in a shootout. Five games, in fact, went to overtime, which continues to highlight just how close things are in Hockey East. Jim last week: 4-0-4 Marisa … Read more
At A Glance: Last week’s record: 3-1 Overall Record: 46-23-1 This Week’s Picks*: *All games are subject to change. Thursday, January 28 Mercyhurst at Rochester Institute of Technology Dan: I expect RIT to come out with a house of fire after missing the last three to four weeks or so. That type of energy should … Read more
Another week winding down and another weekend of hockey on the horizon. Sadly, the situation going on at the University of Michigan reminds us that the latter is still not a guarantee. The Wolverines were scheduled to have this weekend off, and Arizona State is spending some well-deserved time at home, so we have three … Read more
Hockey East announced a new scheduling format this week to avoid cancellations, announcing which games will be played at the start of the week. Northeastern misses another week and teams scramble to change opponents, or, as we call it in the 2020-21 season, a normal week. So, throw out your old schedules and embrace the … Read more
Well, a power outage in Upper Michigan does not slow down the WCHA schedule. Three series to watch this weekend and at least two of them carry interesting storylines with the third being a bit of a toss-up depending on how youth competes against experience. Bowling Green at Bemidji State Jack: A nonconference series … Read more
Matthew tied me last week on the first night of play, but I picked up a game overall on the week. We were both dismal last week though, as I went 2-4 and Matthew was 1-5. On the year, I am I am 22-16-6, while Matthew is 20-16-6. This is the first full weekend of … Read more
At A Glance: Last week’s record: 3-1 Overall Record: 43-22-1 This Week’s Picks*: *All games are subject to change. Thursday, January 21 and Friday, January 22 Army West Point at Holy Cross Dan: Holy Cross returned to the ice last Sunday after missing nearly a full month. The Crusaders lost to AIC, 1-0, but the … Read more