Hockey East picks: Jan. 13-17

Dave ran through last week at a near-perfection level. But I’m still holding the overall lead.

Jim last week: 10-3-0
Dave last week: 12-1-0
Jim to date: 101-64-22
Dave to date: 100-65-22

Friday, January 13

Boston College at Boston University
Jim’s pick: Picking against BC last weekend at Fenway hurt me. But I still think that BU might be better on home ice.
BU 3, BC 2
Dave’s pick: Despite the gap in the standings where BC is a clear number one, I think these two teams are very closely matched. Since both have only a single home loss, I’m going with the Terriers at home.
BU 3, BC 2

Notre Dame at Merrimack
Jim’s pick: Even a loss against Michigan Tech isn’t enough to make me pick against the Irish this weekend.
ND 4, MC 2
Dave’s pick: Notre Dame’s one bump in the road doesn’t change the strngth of its recent play.
ND 2, MC 1

Vermont at Providence
Jim’s pick: I think that this series will ultimately be a split, but I see Vermont extending its win streak on night one.
UVM 4, PC 2
Dave’s pick: Here we go again with me and the Catamounts. They’ve won four in a row, but they’re on the road against a team that (except for a Frozen Fenway loss to BC) is undefeated in its last six. Give me the Friars.
PC 3, UVM 2 (OT)

Saturday, January 14

New Hampshire vs. Northeastern (at Fenway Park)
Jim’s pick: Tough call here and you don’t know how either team is impacted by the weather. So I’ll go with the team higher in the standings at this moment.
UNH 3, NU 2
Dave’s pick: The Wilcats came from behind at home on Thursday with three third-period goals to defeat the Huskies. I’d probably go with Northeastern if this “home” game were at Matthews Arena, but I’m thinking Frozen Fenway neutralizes that advantage.
UNH 4, NU 3 (OT)

Maine vs. Connecticut (at Fenway Park)
Jim’s pick: Again, I’m simply using current records to pick this one as playing outdoors can throw so many variables.
UC 3, Maine 1
Dave’s pick: In league games, UConn is 5-3-2 while Maine is 1-7-1. Huskies all the way.
UC 4, Maine 1

Notre Dame at Merrimack
Jim’s pick: Even though the Irish are on the road, I see this as the most likely series to be swept.
ND 5, MC 3
Dave’s pick: I agree with the sweep, but see a low-scoring game, perhaps even a return to shutouts for Notre Dame.
ND 2, MC 1

Vermont at Providence
Jim’s pick: I said it above this series will be a split, so I’ll keep my word when making the pick.
PC 4, UVM 3
Dave’s pick: I’m going with a Providence sweep, knowing full well this could be a double dip and another broadside delivered to my picks record by the Catamounts.
PC 3, UVM 2

UMass Lowell at UMass
Jim’s pick: This is a non-league game, but that should matter to the River Hawks, who look to extend their unbeaten streak to eight.
UML 4, UM 2
Dave’s pick: There’s a reason Lowell is sixth in the PairWise and UMass is… well… a lot lower.
UML 4, UM 1

Monday, January 17

Boston University at Boston College
Jim’s pick: Moving down Commonwealth Avenue will change my selection.
BC 3, BU 2
Dave’s pick: As I said above, home ice prevails between these two closely matched rivals.
BC 3, BU 2