Well, aside from incorrectly picking the Clarkson series, and incorrectly picking the St. Lawrence-Dartmouth, OSU-Minnesota-Duluth, and North Dakota-Bemidji series to go three games (though I did get the winners right), I did pretty well in picking the first week of playoff action. I even got the scores right in both Minnesota-St. Cloud games. I went 16-6 last week to start the playoffs (.727). Let’s see how I can do this week. If I am off with any of my first picks, I’ll update them on before the next game.
Friday, March 2
Syracuse vs. Mercyhurst
While I think the Lakers will be challenged in this tournament, I don’t think the Orange are the team to do it. Mercyhurst 4-1
Niagara at Robert Morris
These two were, for the most part, very evenly-matched this year. Robert Morris won the season series 2-1-1, but one win and the loss were one-goal games. OT would not be a surprise, but the Colonials advance. Robert Morris 2-1 (OT)
Quinnipiac at Cornell
Quinnipiac surprised Clarkson on the road last week in three games. Can they surprise another New York team? Probably not. Cornell 4-1
St. Lawrence vs. Harvard
St. Lawrence swept Dartmouth last week, and has been exceptionally hot, going 16-2-1 since November. Before that streak, the Saints played Harvard twice and got crushed, which is the only thing making me hesitate, but I think I’ll call St. Lawrence to pull off the minor upset. St. Lawrence 3-2
Wisconsin vs. Minnesota-Duluth
Is home ice enough to get the Bulldogs over the Badgers’ hump? Or will Brooke Ammerman continue her no-Kazmaier-nomination tear. Bet on the latter. Wisconsin 4-2
North Dakota vs. Minnesota
This one should be an excellent game. Overtime is not a bad bet. The question is if the North Dakota defense can slow down Amanda Kessel and Jen Schoullis enough to negate Noora Räty’s superiority in goal and give Jocelyne Lamoureux and Monique Lamoureux-Kolls time to work their magic? The two split their season series. I’m calling Minnesota in a squeaker. Minnesota 3-2 (OT)
Saturday, March 3
Boston University vs. Boston College
Another big game in a big rivalry. The Terriers crushed the suddenly-vulnerable Eagles a few weeks ago, but something tells me that Boston College comes out on top. Boston College 4-3
Providence vs. Northeastern
Two of the best goalies in the game square off for their final confrontation. This looks like another OT game to me, with Northeastern having a slight edge. Northeastern 2-1 (OT)
St. Lawrence vs. Cornell
The Big Red express claims the ECAC crown. Cornell 3-1
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
The bottom line is the Badgers have had the Gophers’ number the last few years. Wisconsin 3-2
Robert Morris vs. Mercyhurst
Can the Colonials wrest the crown from the Lakers. I’m sure they’ll give it their all, and it will be a close game, but I don’t think they are quite ready to take that step. Mercyhurst 3-1
Sunday, March 4
Boston College vs. Northeastern
Northeastern was unable to beat Boston College during the regular season. If the Eagles get by the red-hot Terriers, it will show they are back playing to peak ability. Boston College 3-1
