ECAC West picks: Feb. 1

The record is now 39-8-4 (.804) after a 3-1 showing last time out. It’s now getting down to the final few weeks of the regular season, and some schools are within striking distance of better spots in the standings.
Friday, Feb. 1
No. 15 Neumann (12-5-2 overall, 4-5-0 ECAC West) at No. 13 Manhattanville (11-7-1, 4-4-1)
The host Valiants are reeling a bit after losing three straight contests, while the visiting Knights have won eight of their last nine games, including a 5-1 win over Manhattanville on Jan. 18. Neumann is also just a point behind the Valiants for third place. Neumann 4-3
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 1-2
Elmira (8-12-0, 3-7-0) vs. Nazareth (6-12-0, 1-8-0)
Look for each team to win on its home ice this weekend as they battle in a home-and-home series, with the Golden Flyers trailing the Soaring Eagles by four points for fifth place in the conference. Elmira won, 9-5, at Nazareth on Jan. 17 in their first-ever meeting. Nazareth 4-3, Elmira 5-3
Friday and Sunday, Feb. 1 and 3
No. 5 Hobart (16-2-2, 8-1-1) at No. 8 Utica (16-3-0, 7-2-0)
The host Pioneers handed the visiting Statesmen one of their only two losses so far this season, by a 5-3 count on Jan. 19, and trail Hobart by just three points for the top spot in the conference. Both teams are playing well, with Utica winning five straight contests, and 11 of its last 12 outings, while Hobart has won five of its last six games. Looks like this weekend could be a split. Utica 6-4, Hobart 3-2