We are back to conference action this weekend, and, hopefully, my picks will improve as well. All teams are playing and looking to gain points in the MCHA standings.
With a slate of nonconference games last week, my pick percentage took a hit; I went 5-5-1 (.454). My overall pick record so far is 20-12-1 (.606), I’m hoping for a big comeback as we enter December.
Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1
Concordia at Adrian
Adrian (7-0-0, 6-0-0 MCHA) has been victorious in each game it has played this season. The Bulldogs beat nonconference opponent St. Mary’s, 7-3, over the weekend. The seven-goal outburst included a pair of goals from freshman forward Shaq Merasty (9-3-12), who is currently tied for the top goal scorer in the nation. Concordia (4-5-0, 4-2-0 MCHA) was swept by Wisconsin-Eau Claire this past weekend in a pair of road games. Concordia’s freshman goalie, Jake Hebda, made a career-best 47 saves in Saturday’s loss against Wis.-Eau Claire. Adrian 4-2, 3-2
Finlandia at Lawrence
Finlandia did not see action last weekend and currently sits fifth in the conference with a 3-3-0 MCHA record. Lawrence (2-6-0, 2-4-0 MCHA) dropped two games in the MCHA/NCHA Thanksgiving Tournament against St. Norbert and St. Scholastica. The Vikings have yet to find their defensive stride. I think this conference series will end up being a split. Lawrence 5-2, Finlandia 3-2
Northland at Marian
Northland (1-5-0) had a bye weekend over the weekend. Marian (4-2-0, 4-5-1 MCHA) lost games to St. Norbert and St. Scholastica in the MCHA/NCHA Thanksgiving Tournament. The Sabres were held to only scoring two goals on the weekend. Marian will want four points out of the weekend to hold on to the second spot in the conference. Marian 4-2, 3-2
Milwaukee School of Engineering vs. Lake Forest
MSOE (5-3-0, 3-3-0 MCHA) swept Bethel this weekend in a pair of nonconference games, snapping a three-game losing streak. Lake Forest (2-6-1, 1-5-0 MCHA) earned its first shutout in three years in Friday’s 4-0 win over Hamline. The Foresters ended Saturday’s game with a 3-3 tie. Both teams will come into the series with a lot of confidence. MSOE 4-1, Lake Forest 2-1
