So, it turns out we’ve missed picking a few games here. Guess it’s just those early-season kinks.
This week, we have a couple early-season conference games right off the bat (all in the state of Michigan) coupled with a few nice nonconference rivalries.
Enjoy the games this week!
Northern Michigan at Ferris State
Jack: The first of the two interstate conference rivalries this week. NMU and FSU are both 1-1 (and neither of them have had to leave the Great Lakes State yet early in the season). Although the Bulldogs gave up six goals in a loss to Western Michigan, I see no reason to pick against a split here as both teams have looked ok early in the season. Bulldogs 4-2, Wildcats 4-2
Michigan Tech at Lake Superior State
Jack: The other mitten state rivalry features the Huskies, fresh off their Ice Breaker Tournament win, and the Lakers, who split with NMU last weekend. Being that the Lakers are at home, I think they will take one of two from the Huskies. Huskies 3-2, Lakers 5-3
Minnesota State at Boston U
Jack: The Mavericks couldn’t find a goal last weekend against St. Cloud State. Their road doesn’t get much easier: A trip to Boston for their first-ever meeting against the Terriers. I think they’ll get a hard-earned split. Terriers 4-1, Mavericks 2-1
Sean: It’s hard to score goals against the Terriers. They have seven NHL drafted defensemen and a goalie that was a first-round pick. It’ll be a low-scoring weekend for both teams. Terriers 3-2, 1-0
Michigan State at/vs. Bowling Green
Jack: These old-school CCHA rivals haven’t met since 2013 — the last year of that conference’s existence. The teams split the series then — also a home-and-home — but this year I think the Falcons are a little stronger and will sweep both days. Falcons 3-2, 4-2
Sean: An old CCHA showdown and the Falcons have something to prove after falling to Western Michigan this past Tuesday. Falcons pick up a key win on the road, but won’t be able to complete the sweep. Falcons 4-2, Spartans 3-1
Minnesota Duluth at/vs. Bemidji State
Jack: Another edition of this Northern Minnesota rivalry should be a good one. The Beavers are 12-8-2 against UMD since 2005-06 and are 4-1-1 in their last six. The Bulldogs lost a lot from their national runner-up squad from a year ago, but are still a strong team. Still, I’m going to pick the upset and go for BSU sweep. Beavers 3-1, 3-2
Sean: Another good home and home series. Beavers are going to keep it close, but the Bulldogs are a top-tier team. Bulldogs 3-2, 5-2
Alaska at St. Cloud State
Jack: Tough trip for the Nanooks against another ranked team, but I think they’ll get it done with at least one win in St. Cloud. Nanooks 3-2, Huskies 5-2
Alaska Anchorage at Colorado College
Jack: Another old-school, pre-realignment rivalry features the Seawolves and Tigers for the first time since 2013, when CC was in the WCHA. Last week against a strong North Dakota squad, Olivier Mantha very nearly stole two wins. Instead, he got a loss and a tie. I think he’ll get at least one against a weaker CC team. Seawolves 2-1, Tigers 2-1
