College Hockey:

Hockey East picks: Feb. 10-13

Jim and I finally put together an excellent week. Let’s see if we can make it two in a row.

Dave last week: 10-1-0
Jim last week: 10-1-0
Dave’s record-to-date: 94-58-13
Jim’s record-to-date: 91-61-13

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, February 10

Maine at Providence
Dave’s pick: Two teams going in different directions. The Black Bears extend their winning streak to seven while administering  a fourth straight loss to the Friars.
Maine 4, PC 2
Jim’s pick: Have to agree. Things just aren’t going well for the Friars and that continues.
Maine 4, PC 3

Northeastern at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: The Huskies’ performance at the Garden is stuck in my brain like a Bee Gees song from the eighties.
UNH 4, NU2
Jim’s pick: Things have to dramatically change from Monday for NU. While I believe it will, I still think UNH wins.
UNH 3, NU 2

Massachusetts at Boston University
Dave’s pick: On paper, this shouldn’t even be close. The Minutemen will score first, then it will be all over.
BU 4, UMass 1
Jim’s pick: UMass, road, loss. That sums it up
BU 3, UMass 2

Merrimack at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: Merrimack has actually been better on the road this year than at home, but I’m still going with home ice as the deciding factor. The River Hawks go to 10-1 at the Tsongas.
UML 4, MC 3 (OT)
Jim’s pick: This is the one Merrimack Valley has been waiting for. I agree with Dave: this game will give fans what they hope.
UML 4, MC 3

Boston College at Vermont
Dave’s pick: Do the Eagles fall for the ultimate pre-Beanpot championship trap game?  I think not.
BC 5, UVM 2
Jim’s pick: Not sure this game is even as close as Dave has it.
BC 6, UVM 2

Saturday, February 11

Providence at Massachusetts 
Dave’s pick: I’m basing this strictly on home ice.  The struggling Minutemen remain winless on the road but are 8-2-3 at home; the struggling Friars are 2-6-0 away from Schneider Arena.
UMass 3, PC 2
Jim’s pick: As good as UMass has been at home, I think Providence can and will win.
PC 4, UMass 2

New Hampshire at Merrimack
Dave’s pick: The upset special really tempts me, but I’ll stick with Merrimack.
MC 3, UNH 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: This is the toughest game to pick this weekend. I should go against Dave just to try to gain a game, but I will go with my gut.
MC 2, UNH 1

Maine at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: Maine used to have Lowell’s number, but I’m sticking with the River Hawks and home ice. Barely.
UML 4, Maine 3 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Okay, so maybe THIS is the toughest game to pick. I really think Maine is out for blood and a difficult two-game weekend is a bit much for Lowell.
Maine 4, UML 2

Monday, February 13

Harvard vs Northeastern (Beanpot conso)
Dave’s pick: When the puck drops at 4:32, will the sound be audible high up in the press box? I wouldn’t bet against it.
NU 4, HU 3 (Real answer: who cares?)
Jim’s pick: If Harvard plays like it did last week, it wins.
HU 4, NU 2

Boston University vs Boston College
Dave’s pick: This game by itself should have more intensity and fan appeal than all the other three Beanpot contests put together.
BU 4, BC 3 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Is BC ready for a Beanpot three-peat? I think so.
BC 5, BU 3