Well, with all the upsets, last weekend I got hammered in my picks, and Arlan didn’t do much better. I went 4-8-1 (.346) while Arlan went 5-7-1 (.423). Ouch, if we continue that way, Vegas better not come calling. We’ll challenge ourselves with some interesting games this week.
Friday-Saturday, October 12-13
North Dakota at Ohio State
Candace: OSU caught us by surprise last week, sweeping Minnesota-Duluth. Will home ice help them to a win? Will the Sioux come out flat in the first game, as they did last weekend? Decisions, decisions. Last year, the Sioux split on the road in Ohio. Ohio State 3-2, North Dakota 3-2
Arlan: Last season, UND outscored the Buckeyes 25-10, but last weekend’s results could foreshadow a new pecking order. North Dakota 5-2, 2-1
Providence at Mercyhurst
Candace: Providence looked impressive in Saturday’s beat down of Bemidji, while Mercyhurst looked a little vulnerable in a tie with Quinnipiac. This is the type of game the Friars need to win to get to the NCAAs. Mercyhurst 4-2, Providence 3-2
Arlan: A lot of youth for both the Friars and Lakers. Mercyhurst 4-1, 4-3
Maine at Quinnipiac
Candace: Maine is a much better home team, but they should have enough to get a split. The question is, which night will they win? Quinnipiac 3-2, Maine 3-2
Arlan: In their series a year ago, also in Connecticut, the Bobcats found three-goal leads to be every bit as vulnerable as two-goal leads. Quinnipiac 2-1, 4-2
Minnesota at St. Lawrence
Candace: After getting swept by Clarkson, St. Lawrence needs this series, but early-season woes affect them again. Minnesota 4-2, 5-2
Arlan: Playing a similar style, Saints present toughest test of new season for Gophers. Minnesota 2-1, 3-2
Friday and Sunday, October 12 and 14
Wisconsin at Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: After getting swept last weekend by Ohio State, I am of the opinion that the first half of the season might be a rough one for the Bulldogs. Wisconsin 3-1, 4-2
Arlan: Traditionally, UMD would be very dangerous coming off a series like the sweep by OSU. Are the ‘Dogs healthy enough for that to be the case here? Wisconsin 3-2, 2-0
Saturday-Sunday, October 13-14
Syracuse-Penn State
Candace: Penn State split its opening series with Vermont. Syracuse should present a tougher test. Penn State 4-3, Syracuse 4-2
Arlan: Historic first home game figures to be emotional for Penn State. Syracuse 4-3, 5-2
Tuesday, October 16
Northeastern at Boston University
Candace: I think I might have underestimated the Terriers slightly, but we’ll see if they fall flat after a victory over Boston College in their opener. Boston University 4-2
Arlan: Northeastern takes a step up in caliber of opponent. Boston University 4-3
Vermont at New Hampshire
Candace: Admittedly, I thought the Wildcats would beat Syracuse by a more dominating score, but at least they won. New Hampshire 3-2
Arlan: Vermont took two of three meetings last season. New Hampshire 3-1
