Denver got me another game on Matthew in our picks contest, though neither of us did that well. I went 4-3-2, while Matthew went 3-4-2. On the year, I am 47-29-14, while Matthew is 39-37-14. We have another big no. 1 vs. no. 2 series on the docket, and two other series that could have huge implications for NCHC positioning.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10
No. 1 Minnesota-Duluth at No. 2 Denver
Candace: I get to go to this series and cover both games, so I am very excited to see some great hockey. It’s hard to see anything other than a split. Denver 2-1, Minnesota-Duluth 3-2
Matthew: Denver’s unbeaten streak isn’t going to last forever. I’m not even sure it lasts through this weekend. Split. Denver 3-1, Minnesota-Duluth 3-2
Colorado College at Miami
Candace: Neither team has shown much consistency. Both squads have an issue where if they open up the offense, the defense suffers, but they don’t seem to be able to score much if they focus on defense. CC has lost seven in a row since winning two straight, while Miami is winless in its last nine. I think a split is likely. Miami 2-1, Colorado College 4-2
Matthew: A Miami team that hasn’t been great at home hosts a CC squad that’s only ever won this season on the road. I’ve got the Tigers taking one game here. Miami 3-1, Colorado College 3-2
No. 20 Omaha at No. 17 St. Cloud State
Candace: The key for St. Cloud will be to stay out of the box or keep improving on the penalty kill. Both of these teams have been up and down a lot, so I like a split. St. Cloud State 3-2, Omaha 4-2
Matthew: Omaha’s been very good so far on the road, but they’re running into their biggest road-game road block in a while here. Split. St. Cloud State 3-2, Omaha 3-2
No. 18 Western Michigan at No. 8 North Dakota
Candace: Which North Dakota team do we get this weekend? The Hawks have been up and down. Nevertheless, I am picking them to sweep and close the first half strong. North Dakota 3-2, 2-1
Matthew: UND has been better at home so far than it’s been on the road, but I like Western to steal a game here. I just don’t know which night it would happen. Western Michigan 3-2, North Dakota 4-2
