Hockey East picks – Nov. 13-17

Jim and I differed on only two games last week, and in both cases he chose the right team, tripling his lead.

Since this is Friday the 13th, perhaps all that bad luck will go his way and I’ll get back to even.

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, Nov. 13

Northeastern at Notre Dame 
Dave’s pick:  This contest marks the rare occasion when a Friday night game closes out a two-game, back-to-back series. Unfortunately for the Huskies, it won’t include what has become all too rare for them, a win.
ND 4, NU 1
Jim’s pick: This will easily be my craziest pick of the weekend, but I’m going with Northeastern. The Huskies played well in Thursday’s loss and, was it not for an awful start, would have won.
NU 3, ND 2

Boston University at Providence
Dave’s pick: The Friars hold serve in this juicy home-and-home series, remaining undefeated for at least on more day.
PC 3, BU 2
Jim’s pick: In a weekend filled with great matchups throughout the nation, this one takes the cake. And Providence takes game one.
PC 3, BU 1

Merrimack at Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: In this clash of the league’s two most pleasant surprises, I almost, almost, almost went with the Warriors. They are 2-0-1 on the road, after all, so they’re not a home-ice-only team. Nonetheless, the Olympic sheet at the Mullins Center provides such a stark contrast from the tight confines of Lawler Rink, I’ve got to go with the Minutemen.
UMass 4, MC 3
Jim’s pick: I like the way UMass has played at home this year but I simply think Merrimack is the better team here.
MC 4, UMass 2

Maine at Massachusetts-Lowell
Dave’s pick: In past years, Maine had Lowell’s number. These days, however, no one has the River Hawks’ number.
UML 4, UM 1
Jim’s pick: I think the game will be close than Dave does, but I agree on result.
UML 2, UM 1

Connecticut at Vermont 
Dave’s pick: The Huskies have lost five in a row. Vermont better grab that first home win while the getting’s good.
UVM 4, UConn 2
Jim’s pick: This borders on a must-win for UVM. Home game in a year where the Cats have struggled at home.
UVM 4, UConn 2

Michigan State at Boston College 
Dave’s pick: Last week, I correctly predicted two BC shutouts. Give me one reason to change. I can’t hear you.
BC 3, MSU 0
Jim’s pick: MSU will score but BC will win.
BC 4, MSU 2

Saturday, Nov. 14

Providence at Boston University 
Dave’s pick: I’m sorely tempted to pick a Friars sweep, and I believe on neutral ice they’d pull it off. But these two teams are closely matched, so give me a home-ice split.
BU 3, PC 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: I am with Dave here. I think this has to be a split weekend and will go the home ice route.
BU 2, PC 1

New Hampshire at Merrimack
Dave’s pick: Two weekends ago, the Wildcats prevailed in this match-up, 4-2, but I’m concerned about their defensive struggles.  Last weekend they gave up 12 goals. Two weeks before that, they couldn’t hold a 6-1 lead over UMass. Give me the Warriors.
MC 3, UNH 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Agreed. I am going with Merrimack yet again on home ice. UNH proved me wrong last time. Can it again?
MC 3, UNH 1

Sunday, Nov. 15

Massachusetts-Lowell at Maine
Dave’s pick: The long bus ride to Orono and back proves worth it as the River Hawks sweep their old nemesis.
UML 3,UM 2
Jim’s pick: Tempted to give Maine their first win because I can’t believe that this club is still winless. But I can’t just give Dave some random win as this will be a neck-and-neck race all season.
UML 4, UM 2

Massachusetts at Vermont
Dave’s pick: Based on the two teams’ records, I should be going with the Minutemen. But I can’t help thinking that they aren’t quite as good as their record and the  Catamounts are considerably better than theirs.
UVM 4, UMass 3
Jim’s pick: I have to agree with Dave yet again. I think Vermont has a lot of the tools and a 60-minute effort will earn a victory.
UVM 3, UMass 1

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Quinnipiac at Connecticut 
Dave’s pick: The Huskies’ struggles continue as they fall in this interstate rivalry.
QU 4, UConn 2
Jim’s pick: Tough opponent when your team isn’t playing well. And even though this is a game in Hartford, I see UConn falling.
QU 3, UConn 1