Three thoughts from the B1G Tournament

Well, the Big Ten Tournament is in the books and five of the conference’s six teams began their offseason this weekend. In case you live under a rock, here’s how the Big Ten Tournament finished: Ohio State defeated Penn State 3-1 Michigan took down Wisconsin 5-1 Minnesota defeated Ohio State 3-0 Michigan beat Michigan State … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten Tournament: March 19-21, 2015

After last weekend’s regular-season photo finish, this weekend’s tournament should prove to be just as exciting. I love both first-round matches and the idea that anyone can win this year’s autobid. First, how Drew Claussen and I finished the regular season in picks. Last week Drew Claussen: 3-2-1 (.500) Paula Weston: 3-2-1 (.500) Season Drew: … Read more

Pickin’ the last regular-season weekend of the Big Ten: March 13-14

The season comes down to this weekend of play. It shouldn’t surprise you that Drew Claussen and I are disagreeing about how it will end — and it won’t surprise you a bit come Sunday if he’s the one who had it right all along. First, our picks so far. Last week Drew Claussen: 3-3-0 … Read more

Three things from the weekend in the B1G

The second-to-last weekend of Big Ten play is in the books and the only thing we know for certain is that the last weekend is going to be drama-filled. Michigan State swept Wisconsin and now occupies the top spot in the conference standings. The distance between the first-place Spartans and fourth-place Penn State is three … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Feb. 26-28

Big Ten play begins tonight, but first a look at how Drew Claussen and I are doing with the picks. Last week Drew: 2-4-0 (.333) Paula: 4-2-0 (.666) Season Drew: 69-57-10 (.544) Paula: 61-64-11 (.489) This week There are three weekends left in regular-season Big Ten play, and there are three conference series each weekend. … Read more

Three things from the split-filled weekend in the B1G

Greetings from the frozen tundra of Southern Minnesota. It was a perfect weekend to stay inside and watch some college hockey. All six Big Ten teams were in action against each other and the weekend produced some competitive games. Here’s how things panned out: Minnesota and Penn Split a series in Happy Valley Michigan State … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Feb. 13-14

Happy Valentine’s Day! Last week Drew Claussen: 5-0-0 (1.000) Paula Weston: 5-0-0 (1.000) Season Drew: 62-52-10 (.540) Paula: 53-60-11 (.472) That’s what I call love. This week Everyone plays. Every series is two games, Friday-Saturday, and it’s all conference action. Michigan at Minnesota Drew: I stated that the “Gophers looked like the Gophers again” in … Read more

Three things from the weekend in the Big Ten

All six Big Ten teams were in action against each other this weekend. Both of the two-game series ended in sweeps and Michigan battled back for a split in its elongated two-weekend series with Michigan State. Here’s how things ended up: Penn State swept Wisconsin at home and picked up its first season sweep of … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Feb. 6-7

Everyone plays this week and it’s all conference play. First, our picks record. Last week Drew Claussen: 2-1-1 (.625) Paula Weston: 1-2-1 (.375) Season Drew: 57-52-10 (.521) Paula: 48-60-11 (.450) This week There are two Friday-Saturday series this week plus a single game between Michigan and Michigan State Saturday night at Chicago’s Soldier Field for … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Jan. 30-31

It’s a light schedule this weekend, with two games being played in NHL arenas. First, our picks records. Last week Drew Claussen: 4-5-1 (.450) Paula Weston: 5-4-1 (.550) Season Drew: 55-51-9 (.517) Paula: 47-58-10 (.452) I would’ve been fine … had I had any sense regarding the North Star College Cup. This week The three … Read more

Three things from the weekend in the B1G

All six teams in the Big Ten were in action this weekend. Both conference series yielded sweeps and two teams had games against nonconference opponents. Here’s how things played out: Minnesota lost to Minnesota State and Minnesota-Duluth at the North Star College Cup. Michigan swept Wisconsin. Michigan State swept Ohio State. Penn State picked up … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Jan. 23-24

There is interesting conference and nonconference play this week. First, our records. Last week Drew Claussen: 2-1-2 (.600) Paula Weston: 2-1-2 (.600) Season Drew: 51-46-8 (.524) Paula: 42-54-9 (.443) This Week Everyone plays this weekend. There are two conference series, there is one nonconference series and there is the North Star College Cup. Michigan at … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Jan. 16-17

Everyone plays this weekend and it’s all about the Big Ten, but first our numbers. Last week Drew Claussen: 2-3-1 (.188) Paula Weston: 5-0-1 (.438) Season Drew: 49-45-6 (.520) Paula: 40-53-7 (.435) I should have played the lottery. This week While everyone plays, not everyone plays two games. Michigan travels to Columbus for a single … Read more

Three things from the weekend in the Big Ten

Two conference series, one nonconference matchup and an exhibition game went down this weekend in the Big Ten. Here’s how things played out: Michigan defeated Minnesota 4-3 in overtime on Friday and completed the sweep by winning 7-5 on Saturday. Ohio State downed Penn State 5-4 in overtime on Friday but the Nittany Lions responded … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Jan. 9-10

Everyone plays this week, but Michigan State plays the Under-18 Team in exhibition Friday night at 7:00 p.m. First, Drew Claussen and I have some picks numbers for you. Last week Drew: 1-6-1 (.188) Paula: 3-4-1 (.438) Season Drew: 47-42-5 (.527) Paula: 35-53-6 (.404) This week There are two Big Ten tilts and Wisconsin hosts … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Jan. 2-3

The Mariucci Classic is played this weekend, as well as two nonconference series. First, another chance for you to see how much better Drew Claussen is at this picks thing than I am — at least overall. Dec. 28-30 Drew: 1-7 (.125) Paula: 3-5 (.375) Season Drew: 46-36-4 (.558) Paula: 32-49-5 (.401) The Mariucci Classic … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten, Dec. 28-30: GLI and Three Rivers Classic

Happy New Year, everyone! There are two holiday tournaments to pick this week, but first a look at how Drew Claussen and I finished the first half. Dec. 12-14 Drew: 2-0 (1.000) Paula: 1-1 (.500) Season Drew: 45-29-4 (.603) Paula: 29-44-5 (.404) Yes, there was coal in my stocking on Christmas morning. Drew got the … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: Dec. 13-14

There are three Big Ten teams in action this weekend, but one plays exhibition. First, some accountability for Drew Claussen and me. Last week Drew: 3-2-0 (.600) Paula: 2-2-1 (.500) Season Drew: 43-29-4 (.592) Paula: 28-43-5 (.401) Meh. For me, anyway. This week Michigan plays Boston College on the road Saturday and Michigan State hosts … Read more