Well, both Arlan and I kicked off our picks season in great style. I went 8-1-1 (.850), as did Arlan 8-1-1 (.850). We have some tougher games to pick this week, so hopefully our prognostication abilities are up to the task.
Friday-Saturday, October 7-8
Bemidji State at Ohio State
Candace: Bemidji did well to take three of four points from a Friars squad that many expect to challenge the Boston hegemony in Hockey East. Ohio State is the type of team that the Beavers need to beat if they want to take the next step in the WCHA. I’m calling a Bemidji sweep. Bemidji 3-1, 2-1
Arlan: Providence provided the Beavers with a helpful prep last weekend. BSU 2-0, OSU 3-1
Quinnipiac at Maine
Candace: I expect the Q to be one of the few teams to challenge Cornell for dominance in the ECAC this season. They looked good last week in a split with perennial power Mercyhurst. Quinnipiac 4-2, 3-1
Arlan: Bobcats ride momentum of Lakers win to sweep of Black Bears. Quinnipiac 3-1, 2-1
Friday, October 7
Syracuse at Northeastern
Candace: A tough one to call. The Orange are looking to challenge the better teams in the country, but last week’s blowout loss to the Gophers showed they aren’t quite there yet. Northeastern has been up and down over the last few seasons. I think home ice will be key. Northeastern 1-0
Arlan: Home ice and Schelling are a tough combination to overcome. NU 2-0
Saturday-Sunday, October 8-9
North Dakota at Wisconsin
Candace: The Sioux rebounded Saturday against Boston University, but Wisconsin is an order of magnitude above the Terriers. Plus, it’s in Madison, so despite the high-flying Lamoureux sisters, I think the Badgers will sweep two close games. Wisconsin 3-2, 4-2
Arlan: Sioux playing at high level coming of BU, but it’s been a long time since anyone swept a Mark Johnson team. UND 3-2, Wisconsin 5-1
Boston College at Minnesota-Duluth
Candace: The Eagles had a great season last year, but lost their two best players to graduation. Minnesota-Duluth is looking to move back up on the WCHA and national rankings after a somewhat disappointing season. I think the Eagles have enough though for a split. Minnesota-Duluth 4-2, Boston College 2-1
Arlan: Hard one to pick, because neither team has played a game yet. If either gets swept, it gets their season off to a rocky start. UMD 3-1, BC 2-1
Saturday, October 8
Syracuse at New Hampshire
Candace: The Orange shocked the Wildcats last season when UNH was still in the top 10. I expect that loss will be extra motivation for New Hampshire. UNH 2-1
Arlan: Young Orange team not yet ready for the big ice of the Whit. UNH 3-2
Sunday October 9
Providence at St. Lawrence
Candace: Providence didn’t look too good against Bemidji last weekend, and St. Lawrence often hovers near the top 10 nationally. The Saints lost their starting goalie from last year though, so they may struggle early. Look for Providence to get the win. Providence 3-2
Arlan: Goals are tough to find in this game, and the Friars get the deciding one. Providence 2-1
