Nicole correctly picked the Bemidji State-Mercyhurst split, so she gained a game back on me, going 5-2-1 (.687), while I went 4-3-1 (.562). On the year, I am 199-68-40 (.713), while Nicole is 191-75-40 (.687).
Friday, Jan. 5
No. 5 Cornell at Princeton
Candace: Cornell has been the more consistent team, even if the Tigers looked good last weekend. Cornell 3-2
Nicole: The Big Red has a win over Princeton already this season and I don’t expect this to go any differently. Cornell 4-2
No. 4 Colgate at Quinnipiac
Candace: The Bobcats are still too inconsistent. Colgate 3-1
Nicole: The Bobcats have only gotten better and they took the first in this season’s pair of matches. Colgate 3-1
Harvard at Rensselaer
Candace: Harvard has been a better team this season, with some minor blips. Harvard 3-1
Nicole: Harvard’s been quietly sneaking up the conference standings and they need these points. Harvard 2-0
Dartmouth at Union
Candace: Dartmouth is really struggling this year, and Union has shown more progress. Union 3-2
Nicole: This should be a win for Union, especially at home. Union 3-1
Connecticut at Merrimack
Candace: Two teams that are battling for the playoffs. I’ll go with the visitors. Connecticut 2-1
Nicole: Connecticut hasn’t managed a Hockey East win yet, though they have four ties. I’ll pick them to get their first conference win here. Connecticut 3-2
Friday/Saturday, Jan. 5-6
Syracuse at No. 9 Robert Morris
Candace: This is likely a split, but it’s really hard to pick against the Colonials right now. Robert Morris 3-2, 3-1
Nicole: The Colonials have to create some distance from Mercyhurst. It’s a bit early for must-win comments, but they can’t afford to drop conference points. I’ll take the Colonials. Robert Morris 2-0, 4-2
Minnesota State at St. Cloud State
Candace: The two bottom teams in the WCHA. I’ll go with an unlikely home ice sweep. St. Cloud State 2-1, 2-1
Nicole: These two split their series earlier this season and that’s what I’m expecting here, as well. I’ll take St. Cloud in game one and Minnesota State in game two. St. Cloud State 3-2, Minnesota State 1-0
Penn State at No. 7 Ohio State
Candace: The Buckeyes really needed the break when they got it. The Nittany Lions just don’t score enough. Ohio State 3-1, 3-1
Nicole: This is a bit of a rivalry matchup with a lot of bragging rights on the line. Based on OSU’s meetings with over CHA squads, I’ll pick them to sweep. Ohio State 4-2, 3-1
Lindenwood at No. 10 St. Lawrence
Candace: Lindenwood is a better team than last year, but I like the Saints to sweep. St. Lawrence 3-1, 3-1
Nicole: This should be a sweep for St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence 4-1, 3-0
Saturday, Jan. 6
No. 4 Colgate at Princeton
Candace: The Raiders are one of the better teams in the conference. Colgate 3-1
Nicole: Colgate should take this one. Colgate 3-0
No. 5 Cornell at Quinnipiac
Candace: Again, Quinnipiac is just not consistent enough. Cornell 3-1
Nicole: Cornell was able to put five in the net against the Bobcats earlier this year. Quinnipiac has improved, but I expect Cornell still wins. Cornell 4-2
Dartmouth at Rensselaer
Candace: I like home ice and the more consistent team. Rensselaer 2-1
Nicole: Rensselaer should be able to win this one. Rensselaer 2-0
Harvard at Union
Candace: I like the Crimson to get important conference points. Harvard 2-1
Nicole: I’m going to pick an upset here and say Union wins at home. Union 2-1
Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 6-7
No. 2 Boston College vs New Hampshire (home-and-home)
Candace: The Wildcats are one of the better teams in Hockey East, but aren’t strong enough to stay with the Eagles. Boston College 4-2, 4-1
Nicole: Boston College should sweep this home and home series. Boston College 4-1, 5-2
Maine at Boston University
Candace: I thought the Terriers looked better going into the break, but they were unimpressive last weekend. I’m really not sure on this series, especially since the Black Bears are not as good on the road. Boston University 3-2, 3-2
Nicole: It’s been a bit impossible to predict Maine this season. They’re doing well in Hockey East, but BU needs the conference points. I’ll pick Maine in game one and BU in game two. Maine 3-2, Boston University 4-2
No. 8 Providence at Vermont
Candace: The Friars have looked very good overall. I’ll pick a close sweep. Providence 3-2, 3-2
Nicole: These should be two wins for Providence. I’ll pick them to sweep. Providence 3-1, 4-2
