Well, I am now in the lead over Matthew in our season picks race, though it took longer than I thought it might. Last week, I went 5-2-1 (.687), while Matthew was 4-3-1 (.562). On the year, I am 34-25-12 (.563), while Matthew is 33-26-12 (.549). Watch me give it back this week. Hmmm …
Thursday-Friday, Nov. 28-29
North Dakota at Minnesota
Candace: North Dakota has been on fire. Minnesota, since losing to Minnesota Duluth on Oct. 25, has gone 2-4-3. Since every night is a new one, and I don’t subscribe to streaks quite so much, I’m going with the NCHC sweep. North Dakota 3-2, 4-2
Matthew: Crazy stuff has been known to happen when UND and Minnesota get together, but while there are no guarantees here, this is a series UND should get something out of. I’m feeling a split, though, simply because I don’t know how long UND’s winning streak is going to last. North Dakota 3-1, Minnesota 3-2
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 29-30
Miami at Connecticut
Candace: I think Miami is trending in the right direction. Connecticut has only won once in its last seven games, though it twice tied a 12th-ranked team, tying Lowell and Providence. Miami should probably have swept Omaha last weekend, and I think the RedHawks will have confidence from that. Miami 3-2, 4-2
Matthew: This series could go a lot of different ways, but I like a lot of what Miami has done lately, so I’m taking the homer pick. Miami 4-2, 4-2
No. 8 Minnesota Duluth vs No. 1 Minnesota State
Candace: The Mavericks have looked awfully good this season, though most of their wins have come against unranked teams. I think the Bulldogs are a little more tested, and somehow I don’t think they will come out flat like they did against Miami a couple of weeks ago. Besides, last time Duluth faced a no. 1 team they got a tie and win. Eh, I’ll go for the clean homer NCHC picks this week. Minnesota Duluth 3-2, 3-2
Matthew: This would be a fun home-and-home series, but the weather is supposed to be garbage later this week in this part of the country, so it’s just as well that Duluth gets both at home. I could take the homer pick again, but I can’t quite bring myself to, even though MSU’s on the road. Minnesota State 3-2, Minnesota Duluth 3-2
