Jim and I picked pretty well last week, finishing with the same record after our one disagreement (the second game in New Hampshire’s series with St. Cloud) ended in a tie.
Dave last week: 7-2-2
Jim last week: 7-2-2
Dave’s record-to-date: 19-11-4
Jim’s record-to-date: 18-12-4
Here are this week’s picks:
Friday, October 28
Boston University at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: Is this going to be a Jekyll-and-Hyde season for the Terriers? It sure has started out that way. So rock solid against UNH to start the season but up and down since then. Either way, this game goes in the win column since Saturday’s lost to Holy Cross would have been Hyde.
BU 4 UMass 2
Jim’s pick: I liked UMass last week when I saw them play but still think that BU should be able to handle them (and will be fired up after losing to Holy Cross.
BU 5, UMass 3
Merrimack at Vermont
Dave’s pick: That was a nice bounce-back win for the Catamounts at Minnesota after getting blown out in the first game. But I’m a believer in the juggernaut from North Andover.
MC 3 UVM 2
Jim’s pick: I’m going to actually pick the Cats here on home ice. Last Sunday made me a believer this team can play.
UVM 4, MC 3
Providence at Maine
Dave’s pick: The Friars came back to Earth a bit last weekend, taking one-of-four points from Minnesota-Duluth after defeating BU and UMass to open the season. I see the Orono folk dropping PC a little further.
Maine 3 PC 2
Jim’s pick: Again, home ice is weighing my decision.
Maine 4, PC 2
Boston College at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: The River Hawks have taken two-of-three non-conference games, but their league schedule will open with a brick wall and a thud.
BC 4 UML 1
Jim’s pick: Lowell should have a nice crowd on Friday night that could be rockin’ and throw the Eagles off their game, but BC has been excellent in hostile atmospheres this year.
BC 5, UML 3
Union at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: I’m going with an upset special here. The 0-4-1 Wildcats will finally get into the win column, delivering the first loss to 2-0-3 Union. Why? They didn’t look that bad when I saw them lose to BU and they were 17-6-4 in Hockey East last year. They didn’t lose everyone.
UNH 4 Union 3
Jim’s pick: I actually agree with Dave here. UNH can’t remain the doormat for the entire season and a nice upset of Union could get them back on track.
UNH 3, Union 2
Saturday, October 29
Merrimack at Vermont
Dave’s pick: I’m sorely tempted to go with a Warrior sweep, but not in this barn. The Catamounts bounce back for the second straight week.
UVM 2 MC 1
Jim’s pick: I agree on the split but have it the opposite of Dave
MC 4, UVM 2
Northeastern at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: Four much-needed points on the weekend for the previously beleagured Wildcats. Key word: previously.
UNH 4 NU 2
Jim’s pick: I think it’s finally time for UNH to play the hockey most expect
UNH 5, NU 4
Providence at Maine
Dave’s pick: The Friars take this one to overtime, but the Black Bears come out of the weekend with four huge league points.
Maine 4 PC 3 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Maine prevails going away
Maine 5, PC 2
Massachusetts at Boston University
Dave’s pick: This weekend could set quite the tone for both clubs. A BU sweep removes the tag of inconsistency that threatens to become firmly attached; it also puts UMass at 0-4-1 in the league. A split or better for the Minutemen gives them a huge shot in the arm and tells Terrier fans to hop on the roller coaster.
BU 4 UMass 2
Jim’s pick: This is a big game for UMass, which pulls off the road upset
UMass 5, BU 4
Massachusetts-Lowell at Boston College
Dave’s pick: The River Hawks dip to below .500 while the top-ranked Eagles go to 7-1, taking an even firmer grip of first place in Hockey East and the nation.
BC 5 UML 2
Jim’s pick: Continues to be difficult to pick against the River Hawks
BC 4, UML 2
