Hockey East picks – Nov. 4-8

Because of some scheduling glitches with my travel, I ended up picking first last week. And Dave made only one pick differently from me and picked up a game. The season is early (or so I keep reminding myself).

Jim last week: 6-6-1
Jim to date: 31-31-10
Dave last week: 7-5-1
Dave to date: 34-28-10

Friday, November 4

Boston College at Maine (at Portland, Me.)
Jim’s pick: I love the way Maine is playing and the reality is they likely will split this series. I just don’t know which one they pick up first.
UM 4, BC 3
Dave’s pick: It’s hard to ignore what Maine has done so far, but I just can’t pick against BC just yet.
BC 3, UM 2

Boston University at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: Not sure where Northeastern will be injury-wise, but assuming the Stevens brothers may still be out, I’m going Terriers here.
BU 4, NU 3
Dave’s pick: BU’s talent may be young, but it’s considerable. Give me the Terriers.
BU 3, NU 2

Connecticut at Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: The battle of I-91 has been tough to call at times. And even though this one is in Amherst, I like the Huskies.
UConn 4, UMass 2
Dave’s pick: If UConn can split at Notre Dame, it can win at the Mullins Center.
UConn 4, UMass 1

Vermont at UMass-Lowell
Jim’s pick: This is another where I think it will be a split, but the odds of me calling this one backwards are pretty good.
UVM 4, UML 3
Dave’s pick: Sorry Catamount fans, but despite your teams recent successes, I still think the River Hawks are the better club, at least at home.
UML 3, UVM 2

Mercyhurst at Merrimack
Jim’s pick: I’ve always been a fan of Mercyhurst but this team hasn’t fared well in Hockey East land.
Merrimack 3, ‘Hurst 1
Dave’s pick: I might pick differently if the Warriors were instead on the road, but they’ll win in their barn.
Merrimack 3, ‘Hurst 2

Sacred Heart at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: Sacred Heart pulled off one upset in Hockey East this season. But I don’t see there being another, especially with Grasso red hot at UNH.
UNH 4, SHU 1
Dave’s pick: The Wildcats got off to a tough start this season, but this will be a third straight win.
UNH 4, SHU 2

Saturday, November 5

Northeastern at Boston University
Jim’s pick: As strong as I think Northeastern is, I just don’t see a win coming from this rivalry weekend.
BU 4, NU 2
Dave’s pick: I have to agree. BU is just too tough.
BU 3, NU 1

Boston College at Maine
Jim’s pick: Strange as it may be, I’m picking the split with Maine losing in Orono. Okay, maybe I’m not alright.
BC 3, Maine 2
Dave’s pick: The Eagles sweep, whether it’s at Portland or Orono. Sorry, Maine-iacs.
BC 4, Maine 2

Merrimack at Providence
Jim’s pick: Have to go with a rested Providence team at home.
PC 4, MC 2
Dave’s pick: Rested or not, I’d have to go with the Friars here.
PC 4, MC 1

Vermont at UMass-Lowell
Jim’s pick: For the second straight week, the River Hawks bounce back with a Saturday win.
UML 3, UVM 1
Dave’s pick: I also see a win here, but it’s to conclude a sweep.
UML 3, UVM 2

Mercyhurst at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: With a couple of non-conference wins, suddenly UNH is on a winning streak.
UNH 5, MC 3
Dave’s pick: Four straight for the first-place (based on percentage) Wildcats.
UNH 4, MC 2

Tuesday, November 8
Jim’s pick: On election night, I think you have to vote for the Eagles at home.
BC 5, UNH 3
Dave’s pick: My vote also goes to the Eagles to make them 8-0-1 over their last nine.
BC 4, UNH 1