Well, I had a bad week last week, in part because I got the days of a split wrong, and also because I bet on the underdog a couple of times. I went 9-5 (.642), to move to 76-26-9 (.725) on the year. Arlan got the splits correct, and also picked the favorites, so he went 12-2 (.857), to improve to 74-28-9 (.707). We’ve decided to spotlight some other teams this week, in addition to some of the big dogs, so let’s see how we do.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3
Minnesota at North Dakota
Candace: The marquee series of the weekend. I know this will be a split, but I’m not sure who wins which. I’ll go back to picking North Dakota to win on Saturday, like they normally do. Minnesota 4-2, North Dakota 3-1
Arlan: Can UND parlay TV timeouts into a sweep? North Dakota 3-2, Minnesota 4-3
Cornell at Mercyhurst
Candace: The Lakers couldn’t beat Cornell with Agosta and Bendus. I don’t see them doing it now. Cornell 3-2, 4-2
Arlan: I doubt that the Lakers’ schedule to date has them prepared for this series. Cornell 5-2, 4-3
Niagara-Ohio State
Candace: I’ve realized the folly in picking underdogs, and picking against Ohio State. Ohio State 4-2, 5-2
Arlan: With OSU positioned to contend like never before there’s no room for a slip versus Niagara. Ohio State 5-3, 3-2
Friday, Dec. 2
Quinnipiac at Brown
Candace: I can’t see the Bobcats losing this, even though I’d love to see Brown get back to its older, badder self. Quinnipiac 3-1
Arlan: Brown has been tough at home, but it’s a small sample size. Quinnipiac 2-1
Rensselaer at Clarkson
Candace: Can the Engineers parlay that excellent two periods against Wisconsin into something more? Maybe, but not in this game. Clarkson 2-1
Arlan: The Golden Knights’ offense is apparently buried in the deep freeze, but they did “explode” for two goals at RPI. Clarkson 2-0
Union at St. Lawrence
Candace: Union has shown signs of life, but I expect that even losing to Mercyhurst helps the Saints. St. Lawrence 3-1
Arlan: Both Union and SLU score less than twice a game in conference action; first one to two wins. St. Lawrence 2-1
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4
Boston College at Maine
Candace: Maine shocked BC back in October. Now they are at home. Can they pull it off again? My gut says BC goes for revenge. Boston College 3-2, 4-1
Arlan: Any game involving Maine is a trick question; the Bears go to OT a third of the time. BC 4-2, 3-3 tie
Providence vs. Boston University
Candace: While I can understand BU losing to Cornell, the loss to Northeastern was a shocker. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Terriers regain momentum, but I’ll call split, and probably get the days wrong again. Boston University 3-2, Providence 2-1
Arlan: Until the cavalry arrives, the Terriers will be hard-pressed to sweep anyone. Providence 3-2, BU 4-1
New Hampshire vs. Northeastern
Candace: The win against Boston University shows me the Huskies really want to make the playoffs. Northeastern 3-1, 2-1
Arlan: I want to pick the Wildcats, but they’ve been awful in conference and NU has largely handled the favorite’s role. Northeastern 2-1, 4-2
Saturday, Dec. 3
Quinnipiac at Yale
Candace: Yale is worse than Brown. Expect the Bobcats to win the battle of Connecticut. Quinnipiac 5-0
Arlan: Other than the OT win over Union, Yale has struggled pretty much everywhere. Quinnipiac 4-0
Rensselaer at St. Lawrence
Candace: I really want to pick the Engineers. I just can’t in this series. St. Lawrence 3-1
Arlan: The Saints are yielding over a goal more per game in ECAC play than the Engineers. Renssalaer 2-1
Union at Clarkson
Candace: Clarkson has quietly been doing very well in conference. Clarkson 2-1
Arlan: I’d imagine that the Knights remember their first meeting this season with the Dutchwomen. Clarkson 3-0
