Here’s a look at the sixth weekend of play in the ECAC. Note that I’m coming off my first winning picks record this season, so take that for what it’s worth. All games are 7 p.m. unless noted.
Last week: 8-3-3
Overall: 16-16-6
Friday, Nov. 9
Colgate at Quinnipiac
These teams met two weeks ago, with the Raiders winning 5-1 in a non-conference matchup on Cape Cod. It’s the duel of contrasting power-plays, as Colgate has six goals with the man advantage over their last four games after starting 1-for-24. The Bobcats have yet to score a power-play goal, but have killed all 27 penalties they’ve taken thus far. That’s a solid mark, but the QU power play, and offense in general, needs to get going fast, especially following Tuesday’s disappointing loss to AIC. Colgate 3-2
Clarkson at Yale
These teams have flipped the script so far this year. Yale, which was held back by its goaltending at times last year, has gotten solid performances from Jeff Malcolm in each of their wins to date. Clarkson nearly rode Paul Karpowich to a first-round bye last season, but has struggled in net so far, as none of the Golden Knights’ keepers have a save percentage about .900. Yale 5-3
Cornell at Princeton
Cornell and Ivy League companion Dartmouth are one of two D-1 teams without a loss so far. Andy Iles and a rock-solid defense featuring five NHL draft picks should be up to the task here. Cornell 4-1
Rensselaer at Dartmouth
Things unraveled a bit for RPI in last weekend’s sweep by rival Union. The Engineers will be without leading scorer Jacob Laliberte for both games thing weekend, and possibly longer, according to Ed Weaver of The Troy Record. RPI will also be without defenseman Luke Curadi, who sits out after receiving a game disqualification in Saturday’s game. Dartmouth has ridden solid goaltending from freshman Charles Grant and junior Cab Morris, along with timely scoring from Eric Robinson (three game-winning goals) to a 3-0-1 overall mark and first-place tie with Union. Dartmouth 5-2
St. Lawrence at Brown
It’s early, but Brown is already dealing with its fair share of injuries, as Brian touched on Wednesday. Marco De Filippo and the Bears penalty kill have been up to par to this point, but they’ll face a tough task in No. 13 St. Lawrence, who ranks second nationally in team defense and sixth in scoring. St. Lawrence 5-1
Union at Harvard
There have been bumps, namely a 2-2 tie at Connecticut two weeks ago, but the Dutchmen have quietly gone undefeated since their season-opening loss to Merrimack. These are arguably two of the more skilled teams in the league, although Union did a solid job shutting down the Crimson last season, holding them to an average of 20 shots in three games, including just 17 in the ECAC Championship. Both have some fresh blood (Sebastien Gingras and Jimmy Vesey) on the power play, and I think the special teams matchup determines the winner here. Union 3-1
Saturday, Nov. 10
Colgate at Princeton, 4 p.m.
This is the 99th meeting all-time between these programs, with Colgate holding a 48-44-6 series lead. The two split last year, with each team winning on their home ice. I think Princeton breaks through for their first win of the young season here. Princeton 4-2
Clarkson at Brown, 4 p.m.
The Golden Knights have flat-out dominated Brown, leading the all-time series 58-15-7, but De Filippo might be enough to steal one here for the Bears. Brown 4-3
Cornell at Quinnipiac
Both Cornell’s Andy Iles and Quinnipiac’s Eric Hartzell have been solid in net this year, but I’ll give the edge to Iles and take the Big Red’s more well-rounded game over a Bobcats’ team that’s struggled to score lately. Cornell 3-1
Rensselaer at Harvard
This marks the third straight road game for the Engineers, who as I mentioned before, will be shorthanded this weekend. RPI let last weekend slip away thanks to some penalties that gave Union’s power play increased ice time. They can’t do the same here. Harvard 4-1
St. Lawrence at Yale
Yale’s Kenny Agostino, Andrew Miller, and St. Lawrence’s Kyle Flanagan and Greg Carey are some of the best of the ECAC’s top forwards. In net, I think the Saints’ Matt Weninger has been better than either Jeff Malcolm or Nick Maricic thus far. St. Lawrence 3-2
Union at Dartmouth
It’s still early, but who would have thought this could be a game that determines possession of first place? The Big Green’s skill level took a jump up thanks to the return of Dustin Walsh, while Union will be without captain and top defender Mat Bodie for some time following an arm injury last weekend. The Dutchmen still should have enough to avoid their first loss in over month. Union 3-2
