Atlantic Hockey Picks 10/27-10/29

Last Week: 6-3-3
On the Season: 30-9-4 (.744)
This Week’s Picks:

Thursday, October 27
Holy Cross at Connecticut – A critical early game between the two stongest teams in the Eastern part of the conference.  the Crusaders took two of three from the Huskies last season, but UConn won its game at home. I think the same thing happens this season. UConn 3, Holy Cross 2.

Friday, October 28
Sacred Heart at  American International – Both teams are looking for their first wins of the season. I think AIC wins at home. AIC 3, Sacred Heart 2.

Rochester Institute of Technology at Mercyhurst – Another pair of teams that are struggling with one win between them so far. The Tigers have typically played well in Erie, so I’m picking them to continue that trend, despite the loss of goaltender Shane Madolora, who is serving the last of a three game suspension from the NCAA. RIT 5, Mercyhurst 4.

 

Saturday, October 30
Canisius at Air Force – Canisius is coming off a great win over RIT but the Falcons are also playing well, and seem to always do at home. Air Force 4, Canisius 2.

Army at Connecticut – The Black Knights played well in a tie against No. 16 Colgate, but I think the Huskies will prevail at home. UConn 4, Army 2.

Mercyhurst at Cornell – The Lakers will have five games under their belts while the Big Red is playing its first non-exhibition game. Still, I think Cornell has too many weapons. Cornell 4, Mercyhurst 2.

American Internation at Union – Union demolished RIT last weekend and will carry that momentum into this one. Union 5, AIC 2.

 

Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30
Clarkson at Bentley – The Falcons are playing their first home games of the season against a Clarkson team that defeated and tied them last year in the North Country. This will be Clarkson’s 5th and 6th consecutive games against AHA opposition. I think the teams will split, with the Falcons coming out on top on Friday. Bentelt 4, Clakson 3; Clarkson 5, Bentley 2.

Robert Morris at Michigan State – The Colonials have the best penalty kill in the nation (a perfect 23 for 23) while Michigan State is sixth (91.3%). At full strength I think the Spartans are stronger, and have the home ice advantage. I wouldn’t be shocked if RMU pulled one of these games out, but I’m picking against it. Michigan State 4, RMU 2; Michigan STate 3, RMU 2.

Colgate vs. Niagara – The teams play at Niagara in Friday and at Colgate on Saturday. The Purple Eagles are 2-1-1 against ranked teams (Colgate is No. 16) at home in their last four games. I’m picking the home team in each game. Niagara 3, Colgate 2; Colgate 4, Niagara 1.