Six series, five in conference and one non-league set are on tap for this weekend. And I’m thinking sweeps across the board.
Friday, January 14 and Saturday, January 15
Army at Air Force – Always a marquee matchup. The Falcons have won the last four meetings and seven of the last eight at Cadet Arena. I think they’ll keep that streak going in a pair of close games. Air Force 4, Army 3; Air Force 2, Army 1.
Niagara at American International – This is the first ever meeting between the two programs. I like the Purple Eagles to take four points this weekend and stay within striking distance of RIT. Niagara 5, AIC 3; Niagara 3, AIC 1.
Holy Cross at Mercyhurst – I could make a case for either team sweeping the other but I’ll go with the home team. Mercyhurst 3, Holy Cross 2; Mercyhurst 4, Holy Cross 3.
Connecticut at Robert Morris – I haven’t been successful picking against the Huskies this season, but I have to go with the Colonials who are coming off a wild weekend in North Dakota. Robert Morris 4, UConn 2; Robert Morris 3, UConn 2.
Bentley at RIT – The Falcons were the last AHA team to win at Ritter Arena, a year ago this month. These are the first home games for the Tigers with school in session since Nov. 13 and I think home ice will be the difference. RIT 4, Bentley 2; RIT 5, Bentley 4.
Sunday January 16 and Monday, January 17
Quinnipiac at Canisius – The teams are meeting for the first time since the Bobcats left the AHA in 2005. Quinnipiac is undefeated in its last 58 games when leading after two periods. I think that streak will continue. Quinnipiac 5, Canisius 4; Quinnipiac 3, Canisius 1.
Guest Analyst
This week’s guest is Nate Lull, play-by-play broadcaster for Canisius. Here are his picks:
Army @ Air Force – Two hard working teams battling it out in this one. Air Force on Friday 4-3 and Army on Saturday 3-2.
Niagara @ AIC – Niagara has been strong this year and normally I would predict a sweep here – but I believe AIC has turned the corner after this past weekend. Niagara 5-2 on Friday and a hard-fought win for AIC on Saturday 3-2.
Holy Cross @ Mercyhurst – These two teams need the conference points pretty bad right now. But I see Mercyhurst getting the sweep. Friday 4-1 and Saturday 6-2.
Bentley @ RIT – Bentley has made improvements this year but it won’t be enough against the streaking Tigers. RIT sweeps. Friday: 5-2 and Saturday: 4-2.
Connecticut @ Robert Morris – Robert Morris needs to keep pace with the big boys in the conference and they know it. RM wins 5-1 on Friday and 4-3 on Saturday.
As for my Griffs – it has been a rollercoaster ride so far this season – but this team has the talent if they can put it together – the OT loss last Saturday against Wisconsin showed me just what this team can do. Another tough non-conference weekend ahead hosting Quinnipiac – I predict a win on Sunday and a classic Canisius OT game on Monday: Canisius wins 4-3 on Sunday; The Bobcats take Monday 4-3.
