Atlantic Hockey Picks, January 26-27

Last week:

Dan: 4-3-2
Chris: 4-3-2

On the season:

Dan: 73-60-21 (.542)
Chris: 82-51-21 (.601)

This Week’s Picks

Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27
Robert Morris at American International
Chris: RMU’s sweep of AIC back in December was one of the high points in an otherwise forgettable first half of the season for the Colonials. Now that Robert Morris is on a roll, can the Yellow Jackets stop the momentum? I’m thinking no. Robert Morris sweeps.
Dan: RMU has largely dominated the Yellow Jackets, including a 6-1-1 lifetime record at AIC and a sweep in Pittsburgh earlier this year. The win came in January of 2013, with the tie coming in November, 2014. On top of it all, RMU is 5-1-1 dating back to December 16. I think AIC takes a point, but I can’t pick ties. RMU sweeps.

Mercyhurst at Army West Point
Chris: Barring a postseason meeting, this will be the last Riley bowl for Mercyhurst’s Jack Riley, son of AWP coach Brian Riley (younger brother Brendan also wears Laker green). Jack usually plays well back in his home town, and he and the rest of the Lakers will need to in order to extend their five game unbeaten streak because Army West Point is making some noise as well, undefeated in 2018. That said, I like the Lakers to sweep.
Dan: This is the final series between Army head coach Brian Riley while the Lakers have his sons Jack and Brendan on the roster. Jack is a redshirt senior, meaning it’s also his last game in the rink where he essentially grew up. In his time at Mercyhurst, the Lakers are 11-3-1 against the Black Knights. Mercyhurst sweeps.

Canisius at Bentley
Chris: Canisius has owned Bentley (8-0-2) since a wild playoff series won by the Griffs in 2014. That said, I have a gut feeling Bentley is going to win one of these games. But since I’m not sure which one, I’m playing it safe and picking a Canisius sweep.
Dan: The Griffs are the penultimate series for the John A. Ryan Arena, bringing with them a series that started in 1981. It’s dead even in the JAR, with the teams tied 14-14-1 all-time. What’s most remarkable, though, Canisius’ 8-0-2 record in its last ten games against Bentley. With the Falcons really fighting against the current, I think this series is either going to be just what the doctor ordered or bad timing to face a first place team. Canisius sweeps.

Rochester Institute of Technology at Holy Cross
Chris: Holy Cross is looking to hold on first place, while RIT hopes it has turned the corner coming off last Saturday’s near-perfect effort against the other team tied for first, Canisius. I’m going with Holy Cross to win on Friday and RIT on Saturday.
Dan: The teams split earlier this year, with Holy Cross winning the first game, 4-2, and RIT winning, 5-3, in the second. The Crusaders split with Niagara last weekend, but I think that 6-0 loss on Saturday wakes them up in a big way and sets up a crucial, titan matchup with Canisius next week. Holy Cross sweeps.

Air Force at Niagara
Chris: This is a big series for both teams, with Air Force looking to continue to climb up the standings and Niagara trying to hold on to its place near the top. The Purple Eagles swept the Falcons in Colorado Springs earlier in the season, and I think Air Force will return the favor. Air Force sweeps.
Dan: I tried to think of several different shutdown jokes, but I couldn’t come up with anything. You can throw your rotten tomatoes whenever you’re ready. Niagara wins on Friday, Air Force wins on Saturday.