Hockey East picks: Nov. 1-2

An ugly performance for me last weekend.

Dave last week: 8-7-2
Jim last week: 10-5-2
Dave’s record-to-date: 33-16-4
Jim’s record-to-date: 35-14-4

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, Nov. 1

Maine at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: The Black Bears took two from the Minutemen at Alfond last weekend, but I see UMass drawing first blood in the rematch.
UMass 4, Maine 3
Jim’s pick: I agree that UMass can’t lose to Maine three games in a row.
UMass 3, Maine 1

Notre Dame at Vermont
Dave’s pick: The Irish make their first road trip to New England as part of Hockey East and like the result.
UND 4, UVM 2
Jim’s pick: I think this will be a close game but also believe the Irish are the better team.
UND 3, UVM 2

New Hampshire at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: Are the River Hawks all the way back from their slow start? Far enough back to hold serve in this home-and-home.
UML 3, UNH 2
Jim’s pick: This game concerns me in that I know both teams are solid but Lowell is coming off two wins and UNH has posted back-to-back losses. The trend says pick Lowell. The “we’re pissed and ready to win” factor says pick UNH. I’m going with the trend, though.
UML 4, UNH 2

Providence at Boston University
Dave’s pick: The undefeated Friars venture out on the road for the first time and produce a win in their first league action.
PC 3, BU 2
Jim’s pick: This is a good test for BU. While I think being at home should be a factor, it’s not enough to sway me from picking the red-hot Friars.
PC 4, BU 2

Northeastern at Boston College
Dave’s pick: Northeastern has been scoring a ton and sports a 5-1 record; BC has been allowing goals at an uncharacteristic pace and stands at 2-2-1. Nevertheless, I’m going with the Eagles.
BC 4, NU 2
Jim’s pick: Northeastern will win one of these games. It just won’t be on the road.
BU 5, NU 3

Bentley at Merrimack
Dave’s pick: The Warriors move to .500 as they drop Bentley to a 1-6 mark.
MC 4, Bentley 1
Jim’s pick: Not sure this game will be very close.
MC 5, Bentley 2

Saturday, Nov. 2

Notre Dame at Vermont
Dave’s pick: The Irish head back to South Bend with their first four points in Hockey East.
UND 3, UVM 1
Jim’s pick: Vermont will respond with a great game. And while a tie is possible, I don’t see Notre Dame losing.
UND 2, UVM 1

Boston College at Northeastern
Dave’s pick: The Eagles sweep to slam the brakes on the Huskies’ strong  start.
BC 4, NU 3
Jim’s pick: Here is where Dave and I finally differ. I am confident Northeastern grabs a win in this series and its ability to beat BC at home in recent years says this will be the night.
NU 3, BC 1

Maine at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: The Black Bears salvage the road sweep for their first Hockey East points.
Maine 2, UMass 1
Jim’s pick: Going with the home sweep for UMass.
UMass 4, Maine 2

Massachusetts-Lowell at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see either team sweep, but I’m going with a UNH win at home to gain the split.
UNH 3, UML 2
Jim’s pick: I agree totally with Dave that either team could sweep here and I’m not shocked. But I’ll also pick a split.
UNH 2, UML 1

Boston University at Providence
Dave’s pick: The Friars remain unbeaten and extend BU’s losing streak to four games.
PC 4, BU 2
Jim’s pick: Agree. Picking the Friars to improve to 7-0-1.
PC 3, BU 2