After a few disappointing weeks, I finally rebounded, going 9-0-2 (.909), to bring my season record to 26-11-6 (.674). Arlan almost matched me, going 7-2-2 (.727), to bring his season record to 25-12-6 (.651). Some more big series this weekend, as North Dakota visits Minnesota-Duluth and Wisconsin hosts Boston University for a pair in a rematch of last year’s NCAA championship game.
Friday-Saturday, October 28-29
Boston University at Wisconsin
Candace: I’m sure Wisconsin will lose a few more this season, but I don’t think it will happen this weekend. The Terriers have struggled a bit, while Wisconsin looks almost invincible. Wisconsin 4-1, 4-2
Arlan: I’ve found that predicting Wisconsin will lose is a little like saying the sky is falling — it could happen, but you look like an idiot when it doesn’t. Wisconsin 4-1, 5-3
Minnesota at Bemidji State
Candace: This is a pretty tough series to call. I know the Gophers will take at least one; the question is if home ice is enough to lift Bemidji to one upset. I’m going to say it will. Minnesota 4-1, Bemidji State 3-2
Arlan: BSU has been scoring surprisingly well, but this is its first series versus a scoring defense ranked in the top half. Minnesota 3-1, 3-0
Harvard at St, Lawrence/Clarkson
Candace: The Crimson are coming off a disappointing year, by their standards. I expect they will get better as the season goes on, but I think they may struggle early. I’m calling split. Harvard 3-2, Clarkson 2-1
Arlan: Harvard never loses to St. Lawrence; guess that means the Saints are due. The ECAC version of a split. Of course, if I get the order wrong, I go 0-4. Groan. St. Lawrence 2-1, Harvard 3-2
Dartmouth at Clarkson/St. Lawrence
Candace: The other half of the North Country trip. Dartmouth is a team that should be in the hunt for the ECAC title this season. This is a pair they have to win to establish that possibility. I’ll call a Big Green sweep. Dartmouth 2-1, 3-1
Arlan: Jamie Lee Rattray (five goals, nine assists) has been in on more goals than the entire Clarkson team scored in 10 October games last season. The Big Green are too good to start 0-3 though. Clarkson 3-2, Dartmouth 4-2
Friday, October 29
Northeastern at Maine
Candace: The Huskies had looked good to start, then faltered against Princeton last weekend. Maine, having upset a Quinnipiac team that looks a little less strong than thought, got crushed by Bemidji State and split with Connecticut. I’m calling for a Northeastern win in a nail-biter. Northeastern 2-1
Arlan: The letters “OT tie” keep flashing in my brain, but I can’t make myself pull the trigger. Northeastern 2-1
Boston College at Providence
Candace: The Friars have struggled, and BC has ridden the momentum of a come-from-behind win against Minnesota-Duluth to a great start. Boston College 3-1
Arlan: Young Eagles will display some inconsistency and lose some of these games; the hard part is guessing when. Boston College 2-0
Saturday Sunday, October 29-30
North Dakota at Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: North Dakota looked impressive in dismantling Ohio State last weekend, while Minnesota-Duluth challenged the mighty Badgers, but fell short in both contests. I think Minnesota-Duluth is too young to pull a sweep on the Sioux. Minnesota-Duluth 3-2, North Dakota 4-1
Arlan: UMD has already lost three games at home; the ‘Dogs can’t afford another in October. Minnesota-Duluth 5-4, 4-3
Sunday, October 30
Maine at Boston College
Candace: Eagles raced out over Hockey East competition. Boston College 3-1
Arlan: Maine’s inconsistency is greater than BC’s inconsistency. Boston College 3-2
