Atlantic Hockey picks Feb. 17-18

Last Week: 9-2-1
On the Season: 141-58-25 (.685)

 

This Week’s Picks:

Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18

Mercyhurst at Air Force – All series are big this time of the season, but this one is probably the most critical, with the first-place Falcons holding a two point edge over the Lakers. Mercyhurst won the earlier meeting between the two teams but it’s tough to pick against the first-place team at home. Air Force 5, Mercyhurst 3; Air Force 3, Mercyhurst 2.

Army vs American International – These teams are out of contention for a bye or even a first-round home series. American International will host on Friday with Saturday’s game at West Point. The teams tied in their prior meeting and I’m picking a split here. AIC 3, Army 2; Army 2, AIC 1.

Bentley vs. Connecticut – The Falcons are hot while the Huskies have struggled lately. Bentley can go a long way into locking up a first round bye with a sweep, while UConn’s margin of error for one of the top four spots is nearly zero. Connecticut won the first meeting between the teams this season, but I’m going with the team that’s hot right now. Bentely 4, UConn 3; Bentley 5, UConn 3.

Sacred Heart vs. Holy Cross – The Crusaders are three points out of a bye position, while the Pioneers are assured of a low seed. Sacred Heart is playing its best hockey of the season right now, but I think Holy Cross wants it more right now will win both games. Round one is at Holy Cross with the Pioneers hosting at Webster Bank Arena on Saturday. Holy Cross 4, Sacred Heart 2; Holy Cross 5, Sacred Heart 2.

Robert Morris at RIT – The Colonials soundly defeated the Tigers 4-0 just before Christmas, but since then RIT has been the better team. It’s tough to pick against the Tigers at home, where they are 32-2-7 in league play since 2009. RIT 2, RMU 1; RIT 3, RMU 2.

 

Take Me On

Feel free to chime in by posting your picks in the comments.