Competition tightens up The 28 teams that don’t belong to the Ivy League have played between two and six games apiece, and only two of them still have perfect records. One of those teams, No. 2 Wisconsin looks destined for the top spot in the poll after throttling Ohio State by a 9-0 composite in … Read more
Well, after one week, Arlan and I are tied. We both went 17-3 (.850), a pretty good start to the year, and no, we didn’t pick the games all the same. Let’s see how we can do this week. Friday, Oct. 10 New Hampshire at RIT Candace: I think RIT keeps up a good start … Read more
Contenders flex muscle The scoreboard operators at Conte Forum better be ready this season, because No. 3 Boston College will require that constant changes be made. The Eagles made sure there would be no repeat of last year’s mystifying loss to Syracuse. After the teams traded goals on power plays in the opening minutes, BC … Read more
Well, after winning the first two years of our friendly wager on the picks contest, Arlan finally beat me out last year, getting the six pack of beer that goes along with it. He beat me pretty handily in the end too, so this year, it’s up to me to be a better prognosticator. This … Read more
Pucks have been dropped A number of programs’ seasons are underway. Most teams are practicing, others have played exhibitions, and a few have started bona fide NCAA competition. Let’s look at the results of the latter. Scanlan makes history at Bemidji State Under new coach James Scanlan, Bemidji State opened its season with a road … Read more
Well, last weekend I could only go 2-2 (.500), putting me at 26-17 in the playoffs so far. Let’s see if I can do any better this time around. Friday, March 21 Wisconsin vs. Minnesota Another classic battle between these rivals. Minnesota won all four games this season, though three were close. I think the … Read more
Entering the NCAA tournament, most thought that Boston College was the road team with the best chance of earning a win. Instead, the Eagles were the only team not to come within a goal at any point of the third period as Clarkson reached its first Frozen Four. Leading into the game, the big questions … Read more
Last weekend, I went a dismal 6-6 (.500) thanks to all the upsets. For the playoffs, I am 24-15 (.615). Let’s see if I can do any better in the NCAA tournament. Saturday, March 15 Boston University at Minnesota A rematch of last year’s championship game, but I don’t see any different outcome. Minnesota 4-2 … Read more
Chaos returns in the second weekend of conference tournaments After the higher seed advanced in all 14 pairings of the conference quarterfinals, results reverted to the occasional randomness seen over the season in the semis and finals. Underdogs prevailed in half of the 12 games. Minnesota was the only top-seeded team able to back up … Read more
Well, I didn’t get off to that great a start in my postseason picks. The ECAC really messed with my percentages, but overall, I did well, and correctly picked all but two series. I went 18-9 (.666). Let’s see how I can do this weekend. If my semifinal picks are wrong, I will update this … Read more
Underdogs denied as conference playoffs commence There were a few tense moments along the way, but in the end, the higher-seeded, home teams advanced from all 14 quarterfinal pairings across the four conferences. Five games went to overtime, and three series required a deciding third game. Hockey East follows form The playoff structure used in … Read more
Congrats to Arlan for beating me in our regular season picks contest and winning a six pack of microbrew from me. Last weekend, both Arlan and I went 17-7-2 (.692). I finished the regular season 272-91-42 (.723), while Arlan finished the regular season 280-83-42 (.743). Arlan usually doesn’t pick the playoffs, so I’ll bid him … Read more
Clarkson emerges on top of roller-coaster finish in ECAC Hockey There are times when hockey may be more enjoyable for those who don’t have a team in the race but are interested observers. Sure, Clarkson fans are ecstatic now that the Golden Knights have earned their first league championship. But when a three-team, see-saw battle … Read more
Whelp, I concede. After winning the picks race the last two years, Arlan spanked me this year, and as such wins the six-pack wager we place at the start of every year. Last week, I went 16-7 (.695) to move to 255-84-40 (.725) on the year, while Arlan went 17-6 (.739) to move to 263-76-40 … Read more
Three of four regular-season titles decided Heading into the final week of play, the season championship has been mathematically clinched in three of the four leagues, and in each case the decisive win came on the road. By virtue of its victory at Wisconsin on Friday night, Minnesota claimed the WCHA crown. Mercyhurst captured another … Read more
Well, I gained back two more games on Arlan, so perhaps I’ll make my loss in the season picks race respectable after all. last week, I went 14-3-6 to move to 239-77-40 on the year, while Arlan went 12-5-6 to 246-70-40 on the year. Perhaps I can shoot for only a four-game deficit by the … Read more
Losing control A couple of ranked teams were unable to take care of business on home ice, and in the process, lost control of their conference races. No. 3 Clarkson surrendered third-period goals to Amanda Colin and Shiann Darkangelo of Quinnipiac and had to settle for a 3-3 tie. Carly Mercer had scored twice in … Read more
Every time I even try to pick games that might allow me to gain ground on Arlan, I blow it. Last week, I went 20-4 (.833), while Arlan went 21-3 (.875). On the year, I am 225-74-34 (.726), while Arlan is 234-65-34 (.753). Looks like I am dead to rights with only four weeks left. … Read more
It’s getting crowded in here January saw a number of games attract larger than typical crowds, and the month’s final day continued the trend. North Dakota drew 5,835 as it hosted Minnesota on Friday night with a $1 ticket promotion to attempt to set a new program attendance record, which it did, nearly doubling the … Read more
I gained one whole game on Arlan last week, going 18-5-3 while Arlan went 17-6-2. On the year, I am 205-70-34, while Arlan is 213-62-34. He’s still rocking it, and I’m still trying to come back. Friday, Jan. 31 Yale at Cornell Candace: Yes, I like Yale, and no, the Bulldogs can’t beat Cornell on … Read more