I picked up a game on the old man last week, but at this point that’s not going to help much. Let’s see if Dave plays prevent defense this week as I’m the one picking first.
Jim last week: 3-2-1
Dave last week: 2-3-1
Jim’s record to date: 84-64-17
Dave’s record to date: 90-58-17
Friday, Feb. 15
Boston College at Merrimack
Jim’s pick: I know a Beanpot win doesn’t make a season, but I feel like BC is back on track, even playing at Merrimack.
BC 3, MC 2
Dave’s pick: BC isn’t invincible right now, but I see them emerging as the winner in this Battle for First Place.
BC 3, MC 2
Boston University at Maine
Jim’s pick: Don’t know if there is more of a must-win set of games for any other team in Hockey East. BU needs to get back on track; Maine needs wins to make the playoffs. Going with the home team to start.
Maine 4, BU 2
Dave’s pick: If I were the prevent-defense type, I’d just mimic Jim’s pick here. But that ain’t me. I have to think that BU’s loss in the Beanpot consolation game will act as the ultimate wake-up call. If not now, when? To my mind, BU looked too good in the first half to continue playing as poorly as they have in the second.
BU 3, Maine 2
Vermont at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: I really liked the way Northeastern played in the Beanpot but worry that being back to league play could bring this team back to reality.
UVM 4, NU 2
Dave’s pick: I also liked Northeastern’s Beanpot play and haven’t been as optimistic as Jim about Vermont. I’ll take the Huskies in this series that could determine which of these teams is playing come March 15 and which is pulling out the golf clubs.
NU 3, UVM 1
Massachusetts-Lowell at Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: Last time these two teams played it was a lopsided game in favor of the River Hawks. I don’t expect that again but also think Lowell will win on the road.
UML 5, UMass 3
Dave’s pick: The River Hawks hit a couple potholes after flying along on their winning streak. I think they get back to flying again.
UML 4, UMass 2
Saturday, Feb. 16
Boston University at Maine
Jim’s pick: Think this series has split written all over it. Just hope I call it right.
BU 3, Maine 2
Dave’s pick: I’m going with a BU sweep even though it’s on the road. Home ice hasn’t been kind to either of these teams.
BU 3, Maine 2 (OT)
Vermont at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: The Cats get a road sweep and become serious playoff contenders.
UVM 3, NU 2 (OT)
Dave’s pick: I’m going with a Huskies sweep even though strategically I shouldn’t be giving Jim such an obvious path to catch up with me. Am I pulling the goalie with a lead?
NU 4, UVM 3
Massachusetts at Massachusetts-Lowell
Jim’s pick: River Hawks gets a much-needed sweep.
UML 4, UMass 1
Dave’s pick: Agreed. UMass has played well of late, but the River Hawks are simply the better team.
UML 4, UMass 2
Sunday, Feb. 17
New Hampshire at Boston College
Jim’s pick: Last time these teams locked horns it was a tale of two games. At home, BC dominated. Don’t think the Eagles will dominate again, but think they will win.
BC 4, UNH 2
Dave’s pick: BC has won three straight; in their last three, the Wildcats have disappointed to the surprising tune of 0-2-1. Give me the Eagles.
BC 3, UNH 1
Merrimack at Providence
Jim’s pick: I love the way these two teams are playing right now. But I feel Merrimack has been a tiny bit more consistent.
MC 3, PC 2
Dave’s pick: I have to agree even though the Friars taking 3-of-4 points from UNH has me waffling.
MC 3, PC 2
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Northeastern at Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: I picked both of these teams to get swept over the weekend. If they do, both should be hungry. So I’m going with home ice here.
UMass 4, NU 3
Dave’s pick: I picked the Huskies to sweep at home over Vermont, but that won’t carry over to this road match-up.
UMass 3, NU 2
