Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18
No. 8 Amherst at No. 10 Connecticut College
This is an interesting matchup, as it sees two ranked teams that haven’t played yet. Nothing like a trial by fire, but I guess we’ll learn a lot about the top of the NESCAC based on this series. It’s early, and Connecticut College gets to be at home, so I’ll choose a split here. Amherst 3-1, Connecticut College 3-2
St. Scholastica at No. 4 Adrian
St. Scholastica has allowed just four goals thus far this season and sit atop the NCHA right now. Adrian will be their toughest test, and the Bulldogs have a lot to prove and some ground to make up. I’ll pick the national runner-ups at home, but think St. Scholastica could really push them. Adrian 4-2, 3-2.
No. 7 Gustavus Adolphus vs. Hamline
I expect Gustavus Adolphus to win this home-and-home series, but Hamline definitely isn’t going to be a pushover. Gustavus Adolphus 3-1, 3-2
Neumann at Utica
Neumann has been a surprise in the UCHC, and Utica will be their toughest test so far. If the Knights can earn a split here, they’ve got a bit of an easier schedule until the final weekend. I’m going to call for a split. Utica 2-1, Neumann 3-2
Saturday, Nov. 18
No. 10 Wisconsin-Eau Claire at No. 5 Wisconsin-River Falls
This is the big matchup of the week for me, because no matter what’s happening with either team, we usually get an amazing game from these two. They push each other and tend to split their meetings over the course of the season. I’ll take Wis.-River Falls at home. Wis.-River Falls 4-2.
