To end our season picks race, I once again beat Matthew, going 5-3 last week wile Matthew was 4-4 (.500). I finished the regular season 96-57-24, while Matthew went 78-75-24. He’ll be sending me beer money, again! We don’t have a contest for the playoffs, but do keep track of it. Let’s see how we do with the first round.
Friday-Saturday, March 9-10
Colorado College at No. 1 Denver
Candace: Ironically, CC has played Denver better in Magness, where the NHL-sized rink allows CC’s trap to effectively counter Denver’s speed and creativity. I think both games will be close, but see Denver getting the sweep. Denver 2-1, 3-1
Matthew: The way this rivalry has gone recently, CC might do really well just to take this series to three games. I don’t think it happens, though. Denver 4-2, 3-1
Miami at No. 3 Minnesota Duluth
Candace: Duluth has struggled of late, but being at home and resetting should equal a sweep and moving on to Minneapolis. Minnesota Duluth 2-1, 3-1
Matthew: Enrico Blasi talked earlier this week about Miami’s opportunity to start over in the second season, but I don’t see the RedHawks moving on to Minneapolis. Minnesota Duluth 3-1, 3-1
No.20 St. Cloud State at No. 14 North Dakota
Candace: This will be a tough series, and OT might happen in at least one game. I like more of what I saw from North Dakota last week than St. Cloud, so I’ll go with the Hawks to sweep at home. North Dakota 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: Both teams are looking to solidify their cases to get into the NCAA tournament. I’m tempted to take SCSU here, but I think UND wins in three games. North Dakota 4-2, St. Cloud State 3-1, North Dakota 3-2
Omaha at No. 7 Western Michigan
Candace: The Broncos have been strong of late, and Omaha hasn’t played well defensively. I see the Broncos getting the sweep. Western Michigan 3-1, 4-2
Matthew: UNO’s offense and power play efficiency will make the Mavericks a tough out, but I like Western Michigan to move on with a couple of tight wins. Western Michigan 5-4, 4-2
