It’s a busy schedule for ECAC Hockey this weekend, highlighted by Quinnipiac and Harvard meeting at Madison Square Garden Saturday. Here’s a look at Thursday’s games, with the rest of the picks coming late tonight. All games are 7 p.m. unless noted.
Thursday, Jan. 7
Boston University at Harvard
The Crimson have been red-hot for the better part of two months, as its only loss of the season came on Nov. 13. Harvard won the Mariucci Classic last weekend, while Boston University is playing for the first time since Dec. 12. It might be tough for Terriers to get up to speed following the lengthy break. Harvard wins
Rensselaer at Princeton
The Tigers have played Quinnipiac and Holy Cross tough the last two times out. Those are two quality opponents, but so are the Engineers, who split at Miami last weekend. Senior goalie Jason Kasdorf started both of those games, but freshman Cam Hackett has been impressive in net as well this season. With Tigers’ goalie Colton Phinney having an impressive year in his own right, I think this will be a low-scoring game that should go RPI’s way. Rensselaer wins
Union at Quinnipiac
Union is in the midst of seven-game unbeaten streak dating back to the end of November, but will face a tough test the Bobcats. If Quinnipiac plays like they did in the first period against Princeton last Wednesday, it could be a long night for the Bobcats. But I think Quinnipiac will avoid its first-period struggles and come out ready to play against the Dutchmen. Quinnipiac wins
