Last week: 9-3-3
Overall: 32-31-13
I finally showed some signs of knowing what I’m talking about last week, posting my best picks record of the season. Here’s a look at this upcoming weekend, with a couple bonus midweek games thrown in. All games are 7 p.m. unless noted.
Friday, Nov. 29
Clarkson at Cornell
Cornell returns to Lynah Rink after a solid showing at Madison Square Garden last Saturday. The Big Red are on a 5-0-3 streak against the Golden Knights, and that should continue here. Cornell 4-1
Princeton at Rensselaer
The Tigers are in the midst of a seven-game road trip, but are facing an Engineers team that might be shorthanded this weekend. Ed Weaver of The Troy Record reports that a number of players are questionable, including captain C.J. Lee. It’s early, but a win would help RPI immensely – they’re the only team without a point in league play. RPI 4-3 (OT)
Quinnipiac at Union
I touched on the unheralded consistency of each of these teams in this week’s column. Both are in the top-ten nationally in team defense, and each have gotten excellent special-teams play, with the Bobcats really clicking on the power play after a slow start. I’ll take the home team here- Union is an impressive 25-4-6 over their last 35 games at Messa Rink. Union 3-2
St. Lawrence at Colgate
Freshman Spencer Finney has been red-hot in net for the Raiders, going 2-0-1 with a 0.42 goals-against-average and .981 save percentage over the last three games. The Saints have gotten plenty from Kyle Flanagan and Greg Carey, but only two other Saint Lawrence skaters have more than two goals on the year. Colgate 4-2
Saturday, Dec. 1
Princeton at Union, 4 p.m.
Both the Tigers’ and Dutchmen have gotten good production from their respective power plays, but I think Union should extend its six-game unbeaten streak against the Tigers. It’s also Coaches vs. Cancer night at Messa Rink to benefit the American Cancer Society. Union 5-2
Bentley at Dartmouth
Lost in the production of Kyle Flanagan and Greg Carey is the scorching start by Big Green senior Eric Robinson, who’s tied for the national lead with nine goals. Bentley’s Brett Gensler is tied with Flanagan for the national lead in points, while the Falcons boast the country’s best power play. Dartmouth’s been strong on the penalty kill though, and I think the Big Green take this one with ease. Dartmouth 5-1
Brown at Yale
Which Bears teams will show up – the one that lost to Providence 7-0 Saturday or the one that rallied for a 3-2 win against Holy Cross Sunday? Brown better hope its the latter, as Yale is looking good following wins at Denver and Colorado College. Yale 5-3
Clarkson at Colgate
Clarkson has managed just two points on the road against Cornell and Colgate over the last four seasons. The Golden Knights have had five of their last eight games end in a draw, while the Raider-Golden Knights series has ended in a tie in six of the last 13 meetings. Sense a trend here? It’s also the annual toy drive at Starr Rink this weekend, as anyone who donates an unwrapped toy gets a ticket to the game. 2-2 tie.
Quinnipiac at Rensselaer
The Bobcats have been rolling along nicely lately. Not sure if a gritty, but shorthanded, Engineers’ squad will be up to the task. Quinnipiac 4-1
St. Lawrence at Cornell
Cornell has taken the last three meeting in the series, all by one goal, including two overtime games. Not sure if this one will make it to the extra period, but it should be a tight one. It’s also marks the annual Teddy Bear Toss at Lynah Rink, while donations of either books or funds will be accepted Friday and Saturday for the Family Reading Partnership. Cornell 3-2
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Vermont at Dartmouth
These former travel partners meet in a rare midweek game. The Catamounts have lost three in a row entering the weekend, while the Big Green haven’t lost at home this season. That should continue in this nationally – televised matchup on NBC Sports Network. Dartmouth 4-1
Clarkson at St. Lawrence
Neither team is exactly on any sort of hot streak right now, but I’ll take the Saints in this matchup of current travel partners. St. Lawrence 3-1
