Olympic absences, overtimes, and other significant results We’ve reached that point of an Olympic year where players start to disappear off of their college rosters as they join their national teams for camps leading up to the Sochi Games. That can impact conference races or national positioning. Six of Friday’s games went beyond 60 minutes. … Read more
So much for making a comeback. Arlan put more distance between me and him last weekend. It could be all over but for the fat lady to sing. Last weekend, I went 15-6-5 to move to 187-65-31 on the year, while Arlan went 17-4-5 to move to 196-56-31 on the year. I’m still trying to … Read more
Terriers finally trip When No. 9 Boston University lost to Boston College on Jan. 8, that broke a streak of 23 straight conference wins for the Terriers. Because none of those 23 victories came over the Eagles, it was largely a case of BU beating those teams over which it was a favorite. That string … Read more
When Candace won our contest last week, why did I immediately have thoughts of the Colts’ comeback from 28 points down to defeat the Chiefs in the first round of the NFL playoffs? Last week, Candace went 17-5-5 to move to 172-59-26 on the year, while I went 15-7-5 to move to 179-52-26 on the … Read more
Ragged week for ranked teams A number of the teams ranked in the top 10 experienced struggles, including some disappointing results versus unranked teams. The only ranked team to sweep was No. 6 Clarkson. The Golden Knights handled St. Lawrence twice, 6-0 in Canton and 3-0 on home ice. Erica Howe needed to only make … Read more
For the last few years, I have won the picks race, usually edging Arlan out by a couple of games. The way things are shaping up right now, Arlan is winning in a walk. Last week, I went a respectable 17-4-1 (.795) to move to 155-54-21 (.719). Arlan however, went 19-2-1 (.886) to move to … Read more
Return to the rink After everyone took some time off for the Christmas break, competition resumed over the last six days. Of the 34 teams in D-I conferences, 25 have returned to action. No team was busier than Minnesota State over the last week. The Mavericks played four times in six days, and their defense … Read more
Well, I have a lot of ground to make up on Arlan after the first half. I’m going to try to chip away at his lead gradually. In our last weekend of picks, we both went 6-1 (.857). On the year, I am 138-50-20 (.711), while Arlan is 145-43-20 (.745). Thursday-Friday, Jan. 2-3 Connecticut at … Read more
I know that it is traditional to spy on coaches’ requests to Santa Claus at this point of the year, but recent events suggest that a few programs would not be too receptive to me pilfering correspondence that originated within the athletic department, so during the extra time between wrapping and opening packages I stuck … Read more
Clarkson delivers Neither cold nor snow could stop No. 6 Clarkson on Saturday; maybe RIT should have tried gloom of night. After falling by a 12-1 score at Clarkson to open the season, the Tigers hosted the Golden Knights in the first outdoor game for the program. The temperature was 13 degrees when the puck … Read more
Well, once again I couldn’t gain ground on Arlan, as New Hampshire doomed me to finishing with the same record as him, 12-4-1 (.735). Entering our last week, where we are both picking the same way, it looks like Arlan has the six pack wrapped up, although maybe if I shoot for gaining one game … Read more
McCloskey out at New Hampshire Brian McCloskey became the second coach in Hockey East to be removed during the current season. New Hampshire ended McCloskey’s employment on Dec. 5 in response to an incident with one of his players on the team’s bench during the team’s game versus Ohio State on Nov. 30. He was … Read more
Both Arlan and I went 10-5-1 last week, as New Hampshire ruined my promising two-game lead on Arlan after Friday. Oh well. On the year, I am now 120-45-19, while Arlan is 127-38-19. Perhaps I should aim to gain a game or two a week. Friday, Dec. 6 Union at Quinnipiac Candace: Union should play … Read more
Thanksgiving schedules With the holiday this week, many teams got started early, while others had the week off or played only exhibitions. St. Lawrence and Mercyhurst, in particular, paid with their legs for the privilege of having their games for the week completed by the time turkey dinner was served. Both played road series the … Read more
Well, Arlan continues to pull away. I think I should concede. Last week, Arlan and I went 15-7-4 (.653), so I moved to 110-40-18 (.708), while Arlan moved to 117-33-18 (.750) on the year. I have no idea how to catch him. Friday, Nov. 29 Northeastern at Dartmouth Candace: Dartmouth is home, but it has … Read more
Goals at a premium Some days, the defense wins. Consider Friday’s 10 games. Of the 20 teams in action, only two scored more than three goals: Clarkson seven, and Minnesota State four, the last into an empty net. In only one other game, Harvard’s 3-1 win over Boston University, did both teams combine for more … Read more
Well, we picked a lot of games last week, and Arlan moved even farther in front of me. Last week, I went 20-7-3 (.716) to move to 95-33-14 (.723) on the year, while Arlan went 21-6-3 (.750) to move to 102-26-14 (.773). I wonder how many games he’ll beat me by this year? Friday, Nov. … Read more
How are the slopes? Two teams from Hockey East traveled to Vail, Colo., to challenge a pair of WCHA schools. No. 2 Wisconsin had the best of the proceedings, winning twice. Friday, the Badgers needed a late third-period rally to down Northeastern, 3-2. Brittany Ammerman scored the tying goal and assisted on the game-winner, the … Read more
Since Hockey East teams continue to plague me, Arlan has now opened up a six-game lead in our season picks race. Last week, I went 13-4-3 (.725), while Arlan went 14-3-3 (.775). Overall on the year, I am 75-26-11 (.718), while Arlan is 81-20-11 (.773). Maybe I should concede the six pack now. Friday, Nov. … Read more
Breaking bad, CHA style No. 9 Mercyhurst versus Robert Morris is quickly developing into one of the best rivalries, fueled to a large extent by the success the Colonials have enjoyed against Paul Colontino’s old team since the former Mercyhurst assistant was named head coach at RMU. On Friday, the Lakers managed to restore order … Read more