Last Week: 11-4-1
On the Season: 80-40-20 (.643)
This Week’s Picks:
Friday, Jan. 11 and Saturday, Jan. 12
Holy Cross at Mercyhurst – This should be an entertaining series between evenly matched squads. The teams are tied for third place but the Lakers have a game in hand. I’m picking a split. Mercyhurst wins Friday; Holy Cross Saturday.
Canisius at Sacred Heart – The Pioneers are playing eight of their 14 home games at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, and this series will see Friday’s game at the Milford Ice Pavillion and Saturdays at the WBA. Regardless of the location, I like the Golden Griffins to prevail. Canisius sweeps.
Niagara at American International – It’s first place vs. 11th place so I have to go with the Purple Eagles, who are still undefeated (10-0-1) in conference play. I think one game will be close and the other won’t. Niagara sweeps.
Connecticut at Robert Morris – Both teams are playing well. RMU is 4-1 in its last five games; UConn is 3-1-1 over the same span. Both have excellent goaltending. But I have a gut feeling that Robert Morris is going to get it done on home ice. RMU sweeps.
Bentley at Rochester Institute of Technology – This is a rematch of last season’s quarterfinals that went to three games, including a double-overtime second game. Both defenses are near the bottom of Division I, so expect some goals. I’m thinking split. Bentley on Friday; RIT on Saturday.
Army at Air Force – These are the 56th and 57th meetings for the rivals, dating back to 1976. Air Force leads the series 31-20-4 but the eighth-place Falcons find themselves six points behind the second-place Black Knights in the standings. Air Force is tough at home, which should be good for at least a win. Air Force wins Friday; Army Saturday.
Feel free to chime in by posting your picks in the comments and follow me on Twitter @chrislerch for updates throughout the weekend.
