Hockey East picks – Jan. 6-12

I was up five games on Jim not that long ago, but had dropped back to even going into the holidays. This past weekend knocked me down another game, and then Tuesday cost me two more.

Is Jim suddenly a genius or am I suddenly a moron? I’m afraid I know the answer to that question.

Dave last week: 11-10-2
Jim last week: 14-7-2
Dave’s record-to-date: 88-64-22
Jim’s record-to-date: 91-61-22

Here are this week’s picks:

Friday, Jan. 6

Massachusetts-Lowell at New Hampshire 
Dave’s pick:  With five straight wins, and only one of them close, the River Hawks look like a slam dunk.
UML 4, UNH 2
Jim’s pick: Lowell’s offense is finally clicking. And if it continues, the River Hawks streak continues as well.
UML 4, UNH 2

Michigan Tech at Notre Dame
Dave’s pick: Both teams are playing really well, but the Irish are playing better and will be at home. Put me down for a third straight Notre Dame shutout.
ND 2, MTU 0
Jim’s pick: I endorse a Notre Dame win. Another shutout, though, that’s a stretch.
ND 3, MTU 2

Saturday, Jan. 7

Frozen Fenway: Boston University vs Massachusetts
Dave’s pick: UMass has now lost seven of its last eight and is coming off a shutout at the hands of AIC. It’s hard to imagine this one even being close.
BU 5, UMass 1
Jim’s pick: The reunited Terriers will have to avoid a gold medal hangover. But the gravity of the venue should help.
BU 4, UMass 2

Frozen Fenway: Boston College vs Providence
Dave’s pick: Providence is the hot team, and BC is 0-2-1 over its last three, but I think the Eagles get back on track.
BC 3, PC 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: This is a tough pick. I don’t love the way BC has been playing and Providence is red hot. I think I’ll go with the hot hand.
PC 3, BC 2

Northeastern at Vermont 
Dave’s pick: My record of picking Vermont games feels like it’s oh-for-the-season. Sorry, Catamount fans.
UVM 3, NU 2
Jim’s pick: Dave’s lack of faith is Vermont is part of the reason I’ve taken the lead.
UVM 4, NU 2

Yale at Connecticut 
Dave’s pick: The Huskies keep the good times rolling, extending their unbeaten streak to six games.
UConn 3, YU 2
Jim’s pick: This isn’t the in-state rivalry it should be. But being at home, I like the Huskies
UConn 3, YU 1

New Hampshire at Brown
Dave’s pick: The Wildcats bounce back on the road after their home loss to Lowell.
UNH 4, BU 1
Jim’s pick: Even on the road, I like UNH here.
UNH 3, BU 2

Cornell at Merrimack
Dave’s pick: Home ice almost pulls this one out for the Warriors.
CU 3, MC 2 (OT)
Jim’s pick: Nothing convincing about Merrimack these days, even if Cornell isn’t lighting the world on fire.
CU 4, MC 2

Michigan Tech at Notre Dame
Dave’s pick: The Irish won’t add yet another shutout, but they will complete the sweep.
ND 3, MTU 1
Jim’s pick: This one will be a tight game, but Notre Dame’s home ice is the difference.
ND 4, MTU 3

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Providence at Yale 
Dave’s pick: The Friars continue their impressive nonconference performances, bumping up their Pairwise while doing nothing for their position in the standings.
PC 4, YU 2
Jim’s pick: We all knew Providence wouldn’t stay down too long. Time for that rebound to continue.
PC 5, YU 3

Thursday, Jan. 12

Northeastern at New Hampshire
Dave’s pick: The Huskies haven’t played well on the road, so I’m going with the Wildcats here, thanks mostly to home cookin’.
UNH 4, NU 3
Jim’s pick: I think the three-in-five might take its toll on New Hampshire.
NU 3, UNH 2

Maine at Connecticut
Dave’s pick: The Huskies extend their unbeaten streak to seven, while Maine remains winless on the road.
UConn 4, UM 2
Jim’s pick: At some point we’ll understand why Maine struggles away from Alfond.
UConn 5, UM 2