Atlantic Hockey picks 11/12/10

Last Week: 3-5-1 (.389)

On the Season: 20-17-2 (.583)

This Week’s Picks:

Friday November 12 and Saturday, November 13

Army at Mercyhurst-  The Lakers are 23-9-2 all-time against the Black Knights and looking for their first home win, and I think they’ll sweep this weekend. Mercyhust 3, Army 1; Mercyhurst 4, Army 2.

Connecticut at RIT – If I could pick a tie I would since UConn may get one this weekend. But I”ll go with RIT, who has never lost to the Huskies at home. RIT 3, UConn 2; RIT 4, UConn 2.

Sacred Heart at Robert Morris – The Colonials play their first true home games. Robert Morris 4, Sacred Heart 1; Robert Morris 3, Sacred Heart 2.

Bentley at Niagara – These teams have never met. I think Niagara will be favored on home ice, but I’m picking the Falcons to earn a split. Niagara 3, Bentley 1; Bentley 3, Niagara 2.

Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14

Holy Cross at Canisius – Canisius has cooled off after a hot start and the Crusaders are 3-1 on the road so far. I think translates into at least a split for the Crusaders. Holy Cross 4, Canisius 3; Canisius 3, Holy Cross 2.

Friday, November 12:

Colorado College at Air Force – The Falcons ended a 25 game losing streak to the Tigers two years ago, winning their last meeting at Cadet Ice Arena. This is my upset special. Air Force 3, Colorado College 2.

Saturday, November 13:

Yale at Air Force – Air Force has knocked off a third-ranked team before (see above – CC was No. 3 when the Falcons beat them the season before last), but I think Yale comes out on top. Yale 4, Air Force 2.

Guest Analyst

This week’s guest picker is Morgan Munizza, a student at Robert Morris. Here are his picks, in his own words:

Army @ Mercyhurst (FRI & SAT)

The Spin – Army is much more experienced than the extremely young Lakers and is coming off a huge road win in Amherst.

The Verdict – With the home ice advantage I’m giving the benefit of the doubt to the Lakers with a weekend split.

Bentley @ Niagara (FRI & SAT)

The Spin – Both teams bring their two game winning streaks to the table for this weekend series at Dwyer Arena.  Bentley’s offense has struggled throughout this season, this might be an offsetting factor going up against a Niagara team that lets up 3.6 goals per game

The Verdict – With the exception of their last game against a hapless Sacred Heart defense (5.1 GA per game) Bentley can’t get the puck in the net.  I don’t see them taking any points from the Purple Eagles.  Niagara sweep.

UCONN @ RIT (FRI & SAT)

The Spin – After a slow start of 0-4-1 the Tigers has warmed up winning two of their last three.  UCONN knows how to stay in games, through six games, two have been one-goal games and three have been ties.

The Verdict – The youth of UCONN can attest to their inconsistency so far this season.  I’m going with the team that made the frozen four last year, I’m going with the team that plays in one of the toughest venues in the NCAA, I’m going with RIT.  RIT sweep.

Sacred Heart @ RMU (FRI & SAT)

The Spin – Sacred Heat’s offense has struggled this season scoring 4 once against AIC and has been shut out twice this season.  The polar opposite is the Colonial defense who have not let up more than three goals yet this season.

The Verdict – Robert Morris’ defense led by Senior Deny Urban and Junior tender Brooks Ostergard have the Colonials off to the best start in school history, look for more of the same from RMU.  RMU sweep.

Holy Cross @ Canisius (SAT & SUN)

The Spin – Canisius has hit tough times, after a fast 4-1-1 start, winless in their last four (0-3-1).  Holy Cross has won 4 of their last six, three of which were overtime wins.

The Verdict – Holy Cross comes in hot, Canisius is cold but coming home.  Records are almost identical and I see this weekend being similar.  Split.

Colorado College @ Air Force (FRI)

The Spin – CC’s record does not do justice to the Tigers. Split with the Alaskan schools, split with Minnesota State, and Denver, and two losses to the U.  Air Force, who didn’t get their first win until their fifth game in a 12 goal outburst against AIC, is lead by Senior forward Jacques Lamoureux (1.3 Pts/game).

The Verdict – As good of a non-conference win this would be for the Atlantic Hockey, I don’t see it happening.  CC win.

Yale @ Air Force (SUN)

The Spin – Undefeated Yale will more than likely not be by the time they face off with the Falcons, as they play Colorado College on Friday night.

The Verdict – Lamoureux and the Falcons benefit from a Saturday off and a Bulldogs team that could have some bumps and bruises after a Saturday night face-off in Colorado Springs.  Air Force win.

Check back on Monday and see how Morgan and I did. If you want to be a guest analyst, shoot me an email.