Last week, I picked up even more ground on Matthew in our season race. I went 7-1-1 (.833) to move to 32-11-2 (.733) on the year, while Matthew went 5-3-1 (.611) to move to 25-18-2 (.577).
There are a few hard picks this week, so let’s see how we do.
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 7-8
Western Michigan at Denver
Candace: Denver swept this one last November, and the Pioneers also knocked the Broncos out of the NCHC tournament. This might end up a split, but I’ll go with the Pioneers to sweep. Denver 2-1, 2-1
Matthew: Western has struggled out of the gate this season, but I think their recent weekend off came at a good time before they make the long trip to Colorado. Denver’s the better team here, but I can see the Broncos stealing one. Denver 3-1, Western Michigan 2-1
Colorado College at Miami
Candace: If this was in Colorado Springs, I might pick a split. Miami 3-2, 4-1
Matthew: I have real concerns for CC this weekend. The Tigers took a pair of 6-2 poundings in their last two games at Boston College and New Hampshire, and although they’re coming off of a bye week and have had plenty of time to regroup, the RedHawks are still solid favorites to take care of business at home. Miami 3-0, 3-1
Minnesota-Duluth at St. Cloud State
Candace: Minnesota-Duluth seems to like Saturday nights, while the Huskies can win on either, but seemingly not both. St. Cloud 4-2, Minnesota-Duluth 3-2
Matthew: Neither of these teams have really blown me away thus far, but although UMD is on the road this weekend, I have a feeling the Bulldogs will pick up a split. St. Cloud State 3-1, Minnesota-Duluth 3-1
North Dakota at Wisconsin
Candace: North Dakota will miss Mark MacMillan, as shown last week against Air Force, but Wisconsin has been dreadful so far, and until the Badgers pick up a few wins, I can’t pick them. Wonder what I’ll do in two weeks when they come to Denver? North Dakota 3-2, 3-1
Matthew: Wisconsin has had a very poor start to the season, but the Kohl Center will be a tough place for UND to have to play this weekend. I can see the Badgers picking up one win, but nothing more. Even still, though, I’ll take the league homer pick. North Dakota 2-1, 3-1
Nebraska-Omaha at Ohio State
Candace: Something tells me this will be a split, but I expect both games to be very tight. Nebraska-Omaha 4-2, Ohio State 3-2
Matthew: Ohio State has had a tough schedule early on this season, and it won’t get much easier this weekend when UNO comes to Columbus. I think the Buckeyes will get something from this, but UNO has proven itself to be a good enough team to go on the road and pick up at least a split in what in Columbus isn’t the most hostile environment. Nebraska-Omaha 3-2, Ohio State 4-2
