I picked up right where I left off last year in terms of my picking (in)ability. Regardless, here’s a look at this weekend as everyone except for the Ivy schools are in action.
Last week: 1-2
Overall: 1-2
No. 11 Ferris State at RPI
The Engineers paid a visit to head coach Seth Appert’s alma mater last season, with the Bulldogs shutting out RPI in both games last October. Ferris State knocked Union out of the Frozen Four before losing to Boston College in the national championship, and presents a tough early season test for the Engineers. Friday-Saturday series with both games starting at 7 p.m. Ferris State 3, RPI 1; Ferris State 4, RPI 2.
No. 10 Union at Bowling Green
The Dutchmen are coming off a disappointing opening night loss to Merrimack last Saturday, their first loss in a home opener since the 2005-06 season. Bowling Green, who has really struggled in recent years, tied their opener 2-2 against Niagara last weekend. Games are Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Union 4, Bowling Green 0; Union 4, Bowling Green 1.
Colgate at No. 8 Miami
So, who thought the post-Austin Smith era would start out with the Raiders scoring their most goals in fourteen years? OK, hands down. While the 10-2 thumping of Niagara Tuesday was nice, it’s still early. (Remember after the NFL’s first week, when Mark Sanchez was the answer in New York? How’d that go?). For the record, I’m not comparing Colgate to the mess that is the Jets offense; just noting that it’s dangerous to overreact either way at this point. Like RPI, a young Raiders team gets a solid early-season test, as the Redhawks lost to UMass-Lowell in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. These teams split a series at Starr Rink last season. Friday’s game starts at 7:35, while Saturday’s finale is at 7:05. Miami 3, Colgate 1; Colgate 4, Miami 3.
St. Lawrence at No. 9 Western Michigan
First-year head coach Greg Carvel and the Saints hit the road for a pair at the Broncos, who lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to North Dakota last year. St. Lawrence brings a lot back, but will it be enough? Friday-Saturday at 7:05. Western Michigan 4, St. Lawrence 2; St. Lawrence 3, Western Michigan 2.
Clarkson at Colorado College
The post-Paul Karpowich era begins out west for the Golden Knights, who face Colorado College looking for their first win in twelve tries against the Tigers. The teams last met in 2008, skating to a pair of ties in Potsdam. This is the sixth straight season and thirteenth time in fourteen years Clarkson has opened the season on the road. Friday’s game is at 7:37 mountain time, while the series concludes Saturday at 7:07. Colorado College 3, Clarkson 2; Clarkson 2, Colorado College 1.
Robert Morris at No. 18 Quinnipiac
The Bobcats are just one of two ECAC teams at home this weekend, as they host the Colonials in a rare Saturday-Sunday series. Like Quinnipiac, Robert Morris returns plenty this season, as each of their top-five scorers are back. The Bobcats are coming off a solid 2-1 win at Maine last weekend, getting goals from newcomers Jordan Samuels-Thomas and Travis St. Denis. Saturday’s game is at 4:00., while the puck drops at noon on Sunday. Quinnipiac 4, Robert Morris 1; Quinnipiac 3, Robert Morris 2.
