Hockey East Picks: Feb 18-19

Jim and I both had a tough time with last week’s picks, allowing him to maintain his gargantuan lead.  I would have narrowed the gap by a game if not for a desperation pick, but that would have just been a snowflake off the top of a glacier.

Dave last week: 5-4-1
Jim last week: 5-4-1
Dave’s record-to-date: 82-33-23
Jim’s record-to-date: 94-27-21

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, February 18

Merrimack at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: You think I’m going to pick against the Warriors now? 
Merrimack 4 UMass 2
Jim’s pick: Picking against the league’s hottest team? Yeah right.
Merrimack 5, UMass 1

Maine at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: It’s almost certainly too late for Lowell to make the playoffs and for Maine to get home ice.  
Maine 4 Lowell 2
Jim’s pick: It all depends on who Maine plays in net. For some reason I think Lowell will get points this weekend, so I’ll pick them on in the first game.
Lowell 5, Maine 4

Northeastern at Boston College
Dave’s pick: Those at Kelley Rink can only hope this game matches Monday night’s Beanpot championship in excitement. 
BC 7 NU 6 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Another series I think will be a split. Though the games will hardly be as exciting as Monday.
BC 5, NU 2

Providence at Boston University
Dave’s pick: BU’s loss in the Beanpot consolation game could mean the difference between making the NCAA tournament and not.  A sweep this weekend is almost mandatory. 
BU 4 PC 2
Jim’s pick: Likely that the Terriers will have a fire lit under their butts, courtesy of Jack Parker.
BU 4, PC 1

New Hampshire at Vermont
Dave’s pick: The wounded Wildcats lash out.
UNH 4 UVM 1
Jim’s pick: Vermont has been scoring lately but still not enough against the Wildcats.
UNH 5, UVM 3

Saturday, February 19

Boston University at Providence
Dave’s pick: The Terriers sweep, leaving the Friars still two points out of the last playoff berth. 
BU 3 PC 2
Jim’s pick: I’m with Dave. This has BU sweep all over it.
BU 4, PC 2

Massachusetts at Merrimack
Dave’s pick: It won’t be another 11-2 shellacking, but it won’t be an overtime game either. 
Merrimack 4 UMass 2
Jim’s pick: Remember the rule about picking against Merrimack at home.
Merrimack 6, UMass 3

New Hampshire at Vermont
Dave’s pick: The Wildcats sweep but likely will only remain in a tie with BC for first place. 
UNH 5 UVM 2
Jim’s pick: It’s sweep time for UNH. And much needed at that.
UNH 6, UVM 2

Boston College at Northeastern
Dave’s pick: Normally I’d pick BC to win here.  Heck, I’ll probably pick the Eagles to win every game from here on out through to the national championship.  But I’ve got to go with some upsets to narrow the gap with my buddy. 
NU 7 BC 6 (OT)*
Jim’s pick: Dave has a chance to gain some ground. Even though it is three games in one week, I see BC victories in all three.
BC 5, NU 3

Maine at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: The Black Bears sweep but remain five points out of home ice.
Maine 5 Lowell 4
Jim’s pick: Maine grabs the win in the rematch.
Maine 5, Lowell 1