Last time: 4-8
Overall: 37-46-8
As colleague Brian Sullivan noted in this week’s column, the final month of the season is rapidly approaching. Here’s a look at this weekend, which ends with Harvard taking on Boston University in the opening game of the Beanpot Monday. All games are 7 p.m. unless noted.
Quinnipiac at Brown
The Bobcats return to action after a break last weekend, due to travel partner Princeton taking time off for exams. The time off came at a good time for Quinnipiac, as Chip Malafronte of the New Haven Register reports starting goalie Michael Garteig should return this weekend after getting injured against Merrimack on Jan. 16. Brown looked decent two Fridays ago against Yale, but has been outscored 16-3 in three games since then. The Bears have given QU trouble in Providence, but there’s no way I’m picking against the Bobcats. Quinnipiac wins
Cornell at Colgate
The Raiders are 11-1 when scoring at least three goals this season, while the Big Red have only given up three or more goals six times this season. Two of those occurrences have come in Cornell’s last three games, including a season-high five goals allowed in a loss to Dartmouth last Saturday. I think the Raiders are good enough on both ends of the ice to get past the Big Red. Colgate wins
Rensselaer at Dartmouth
The Engineers looked to be picking it up, winning three straight entering last Saturday’s Mayor’s Cup against Union. And then the third period happened, as RPI surrendered six goals to turn a 3-2 lead into an 8-3 blowout. Dartmouth has been shaky in January; last Saturday’s win at Cornell was the Big Green’s first in over a month. Neither team scores goals in bunches, but I like Dartmouth’s top line and goaltending, and that should given them the edge. Dartmouth wins
Union at Harvard
I seem to have a hard time putting a finger on the pulse of the Dutchmen this year – they lose when I predict them to win, and win when I forecast a loss. Harvard has shown some signs of mortality the last few weeks – thanks in part to several key injuries. Crimson coach Ted Donato said he hopes to have some of his injured players back “soon.” Whether that’s this weekend or not remains to be seen, but Harvard has put in a stronger body of work overall compared to Union. Harvard wins
Princeton at Yale
Even with rival Quinnipiac coming in the next night, I don’t think this is a so-called “trap game,” as the Bulldogs should handle Princeton without much of a problem. Yale wins
Saturday, Jan. 31
Princeton at Brown, 4 p.m.
It’s a battle of last place teams, as the Bears and Tigers each enter the weekend with a 1-11 record in league play. There’s not a lot of positives to pull from either team to date, although Princeton sophomore Colton Phinney is averaging 32 saves a game. I’m throwing a dart and taking the Bears, if only because they’re at home. Brown wins
St. Lawrence at Clarkson
St. Lawrence hasn’t won a season series against Clarkson since the 2008-09 season, and has never won two games in Potsdam. If its going to accomplish both those feats, the Saints will have to beat a rock-solid Golden Knights defense and goalie Greg Lewis, who entered the weekend with a shutout streak of 147 minutes and 45 seconds. Clarkson wins
Colgate at Cornell
The Raiders have fought injuries and inconsistency, but I still think they can be in position to do some damage at the end of the season. But not against the Big Red and a tough crowd at Lynah Rink. Cornell wins
Union at Dartmouth
While Union has been inconsistent, the Big Green have downright struggled of late, as mentioned above. I’ll take a shot on the Dutchmen. Union wins
Quinnipiac at Yale
It’s the first meeting of the year between these in-state rivals. Both have put together solid years, but are far from locks for the NCAA tournament. Some of the big names from past games may be gone, but expect a packed Ingalls Rink to be boisterous on Saturday. Yale wins
Monday, Feb. 2
Harvard vs. Boston University, 5 p.m. (Beanpot opening game)
It might be unfair to the Crimson, but this game could help define the rest of the season. A win would put Harvard in the Beanpot final for the first time since 2008, while giving them a win on a big stage this year. Harvard has already beaten Boston University once (and likely championship game opponent Boston College). It will be tight, but I think the Crimson can squeak out the win. Harvard wins
