Hockey East picks – Nov. 17-21

Another week, another tie for Dave and me. This time our records were half decent, well at least we were above .500.

Jim last week: 6-3-1
Jim to date: 49-29-7
Dave last week: 6-3-1
Dave to date: 47-31-7

Friday, November 17

Boston University at Maine
Jim’s pick: There is a possibility of a Maine upset at home in this series, but I think BU is the better team and showed they can play last Saturday night.
BU 3, Maine 1
Dave’s pick: Both teams are .500 in Hockey East play, and Maine’s last game (before a week off) was a stunning 6-2 road win at Lowell. Even so, I think BU is better than a .500 team and Maine is worse.
BU 4, Maine 2

Vermont at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: Another game where I feel like there could be an upset, but I’m not picking it, especially with Northeastern at home.
NU 4, UVM 2
Dave’s pick: I don’t see an upset here at all. The Huskies may have lost last weekend to Lowell, but before that they swept BU and the River Hawks. They are decisively the better team.
NU 5, UVM 2

Merrimack at Providence
Jim’s pick: The Friars, at home, should be able to take care of business.
PC 5, MC 2
Dave’s pick: Despite some yo-yo-like performances, Providence is the better team, and clearly so at home.
PC 5, MC 2

Connecticut at UMass Lowell
Jim’s pick: This has historically been a tough matchup for the River Hawks. But I like them at home on Friday.
UML 4, UConn 3
Dave’s pick: Just when I thought it was safe to pick against Lowell, the River Hawks beat UNH and Northeastern.
UML 4, UConn 2

Boston College at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: Probably the most difficult game to pick this weekend. I’ll go with the Wildcats to get back on track at home.
UNH 3, BC 2
Dave’s pick: Jim and I disagree on this one. The Eagles will extend their win streak to six, even on the road.
BC 2, UNH 1 (OT)

Saturday, November 18

Providence at Merrimack
Jim’s pick: Even away from home, I believe that Providence can complete this weekend sweep.
PC 3, MC 2
Dave’s pick: Agreed, although the Friars’ lack of consistency could prove us both wrong.
PC 3, MC 2

Boston University at Maine
Jim’s pick: The Terriers make it three in a row with a sweep at Maine.
BU 4, Maine 3
Dave’s pick: Maine loses at its home-away-from-home in Portland in near identical fashion to the way it did in Orono the night before.
BU 4, Maine 2

Boston College at Northeastern
Jim’s pick: Northeastern picks up its second home win of the season to get the train rolling again.
NU 4, BC 2
Dave’s pick: This was a really, really tough choice. Northeastern’s offense vs. BC’s defense. Change the venues, and I change my pick.
NU 3, BC 2 (OT)

UMass Lowell at Connecticut
Jim’s pick: I really should pick UConn here as they have been the better of these two teams at the XL Center. But I think I need to go with stats and pick the River Hawks.
UML 2, UConn 1
Dave’s pick: At least for the moment, I’m back on the River Hawks bandwagon, although a pothole could certainly send me flying to the curb.
UML 3, UConn 2

Tuesday, November 21

Connecticut at Vermont
Jim’s pick: Going with the Catamounts because of home ice.
UVM 3, UConn 2
Dave’s pick: By the time these two teams face off, I’m projecting it’ll be (in recent games) 1-9-1 UConn against 1-6-1 Vermont. That has “home ice winner” written all over it.
UVM 3, UConn 2