NCHC picks: Jan. 31

Well, Matthew and I both went 4-1-1 (.750) last weekend, and we are now both at 71-46-19 (.584) on the year. However, this weekend we have some differing opinions, so let’s get to it shall we?

Friday-Saturday, Jan. 31, Feb. 1

No. 5 St. Cloud State at Nebraska-Omaha
Candace: See, I think the Huskies will come out and play well on Friday; they might end up with a split, but I’m going with the rested team for the sweep. St. Cloud 4-3, 3-1
Matthew: The point gap between these two teams (two) is definitely closer right now than I would’ve guessed it would be at this point back when we were just starting out in preseason. Neither team has really been a world-beater the last few weeks though, so I’m going to take the safe option on this one and predict a split. Nebraska-Omaha 4-3, St. Cloud State 3-1

Minnesota-Duluth at No. 20 Western Michigan
Candace: The Broncos have been on a tear, but Minnesota-Duluth had a great two games last weekend in the North Star College Cup, and has been playing well. I think this is a split. Western Michigan 3-2, Minnesota-Duluth 3-2
Matthew: Western has done so well since even before the Great Lakes Invitational near the end of December, and the Broncos are at home this weekend, but I wonder how much damage UMD might be able to do. I’m going to guess it won’t be much, though, considering the Bulldogs are on the road this weekend against a team that was idle last week but has been red-hot for a while now. Western Michigan 4-3, 3-2