It was a weekend that produced a sweep for Minnesota, a sort of sweep for Michigan State and a split for the Badgers and Buckeyes. Here are three things that I saw from this weekend’s action in the Big Ten.
1. The Gophers
I was really intrigued to see how Minnesota would respond after getting swept last weekend by the Badgers in Madison. To state the obvious, they responded well. Minnesota downed Michigan 5-3 on Friday night and 4-1 on Saturday night for its fourth conference sweep of the season.
Gophers head coach Don Lucia said he was impressed with how his team handled Michigan’s fast start in both games.
“I thought the important goal tonight was our first one,” Lucia said after Saturday’s game. “Michigan came out and the first one goes in. We kind of righted the ship.”
What I was most impressed with concerning the Gophers this weekend was this weekend was that they scored goals and didn’t rely on Adam Wilcox being Iron Man (forced mask reference, sorry) to win games. Friday was the first time Minnesota put five goals on the board since early January against RPI.
2. The Spartans
Michigan State isn’t going to win the Big Ten regular season title, I get that, but anytime you’re playing a conference cellar dweller like Penn State you need to come out of that series with the vast majority of points up for grabs. The Spartans did just that this weekend, tying a energetic Nittany Lions squad, that was coming off of their first Big Ten win, 2-2 on Friday night and picking up a 2-1 on Saturday. The Spartans won the shootout on Friday.
“We’ve been in games like today’s a few times where we thought we deserved a better fate,” Spartans’ head coach Tom Anastos said after Saturday’s contest. “We had a hard time matching their level of play and we were able to hang around and make the right plays at the right time to figure out a way to win the game.”
Though they are done with conference-leader Minnesota, the last couple weekends for the Spartans are going to be tough. Michigan State will play Wisconsin four times and Michigan twice in its final six conference games.
3. The standings
Here’s how the Big Ten Standings looks after this weekend.
1. Minnesota — 32 points
2. Wisconsin — 25 points
3. Michigan — 20 points
4. Ohio State — 20 points
5. Michigan State — 19 points
6. Penn State — 4 points
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State have six conference games remaining. Michigan and Penn State have eight. The first and second finishers will receive a bye in March’s Big Ten Tournament. That means that, even though it looks like Minnesota will finish first, the race for second will definitely be something to keep an eye on.
A look back at the weekend that was in Atlantic Hockey:
Best 3-24 Team in the Nation
Because of the overall struggles this year by the AHA, Army ranks as the 59th team in the nation according to statistical rankings. But anyone who’s watched the Black Knights over the course of their current 13-game losing streak would see a team that’s falling just short in a case of almost-not-quite on almost every night.
Army held a 1-0 lead on Friday through 20 minutes of play, outplaying the high-powered, second-place Bentley Falcons at Tate Rink. The steady, powerful forecheck by the Black Knights outhustled the faster, more agile and quick Falcons, and a team averaging over three goals per game mustered just six shots on goal. But the cadets surrendered five goals in the second period en route to a 6-1 defeat.
On Saturday, Army once again took a 1-0 lead on a great offensive move by forward CJ Reuschlein. Undressing goalie Branden Komm, he made a perfect deke to the backhand and went top shelf on a play that shocked many of the 700 fans in attendance. But again Army couldn’t hold, and Bentley tied the game late in the period, then scored three unanswered over the next 30 minutes or so to take a 4-1 lead. This time, though, Army rallied back to tie the game with an extra-attacker power play goal with under a minute to go. Bentley would ultimately win in overtime, but it was one of those games where the winning team left with a feeling of defeat.
“I thought our guys showed great resiliency and really battled back,” said Army head coach Brian Riley following Saturday’s game. “We played a great hockey game against a great hockey team, and we just couldn’t get over the top. I couldn’t be prouder of the way we played, especially when we were down 4-1 and never gave up. Our players deserved a better fate, but I think it showed we’re a lot better than our record would indicate.”
Once again, Army played Bentley tough in Bentley’s barn, a trend that’s occurred over the last few years to result in a great respect and admiration between the two sides. “I certainly give Army credit,” said Bentley head coach Ryan Soderquist. “They were phenomenal (on Saturday). They are a great team and played with a lot of energy. They should really be proud of their game.”
“What (Soderquist) and his staff have accomplished (at Bentley) have done to make this a championship type program is amazing,” said Riley. “That was a great hockey game, and I love playing against Bentley.”
Unfortunately for Army, the loss sealed their fate as the 12th place team in Atlantic Hockey this year. They’ll travel to the fifth seed in three weeks when the playoffs begin. Bentley, meanwhile, remains two points back of first place Mercyhurst.
Another Rough Showing at Ritter
I’ll talk about it more this week in the weekly column, but RIT’s really struggling to close the doors on Ritter Arena. This past weekend, they were blown out in their final home games before the season finale, losing 6-3 and 6-2 to first place Mercyhurst. Nardo Natzgaam had three goals on the weekend as the Lakers put up 12 goals despite being outshot on Saturday by a 42-29 margin.
Kyle Cook added a goal and two assists in the second game on the weekend as the Lakers scored three times on just eight shots. “We fired a lot of shots,” said RIT head coach Wayne Wilson after the game. “But we didn’t get enough good looks. The weekend came down to a lot of little things, which was the difference. We have to keep a good mental frame and continue to compete hard.”
RIT finished a six game homestand with an 0-4-2 record. More alarming is that they’ve tumbled to 10th place in the standings, one point ahead of Sacred Heart, with three of their last four games on the road. Failing to defend Ritter Arena, they may not get a chance to extend the arena’s lifeline after they close the doors on the season finale. They’ll head to Air Force this weekend before a home-and-home brings the curtain down on the Ritter in two weeks against Canisius.
Best Series You Probably Didn’t Watch
AIC and Sacred Heart split this past weekend with a pair of heart-stopping and clutch-pounding games. Sacred Heart traveled up to the Olympia Ice Center on Friday, blowing a 4-1 second period lead before wining in overtime over the host Yellow Jackets, 5-4. AIC returned the favor on Saturday, heading down to Milford, Connecticut and winning a wild 7-6 affair.
On Saturday, AIC held a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period but blew it to allow the Pioneers to tie the game at 4-4 after two. The Jackets then scored three times to Sacred Heart’s one, getting the final goal as an empty net strike with under 30 seconds left. But STILL that wasn’t enough, as the Pioneers scored nine seconds after the empty net goal to cut the lead to 7-6. It was too little too late, and AIC walked away with two points in one of the most exciting games of the year.
It was one of the most intense weekends of the year. But if the most intense weekend of the year happens and nobody was around to see it, did it really happen? A listed attendance of 76 went to the game on Friday with 144 reported for Saturday’s game.
AIC stands tied with Holy Cross for the last home slot in the standings. Before they have to play Bentley next week in the season finale, they’ll play this week in a home-and-home against those Crusaders. Saturday’s game is in Springfield. Consider this my open challenge to the student base to get out and support their Yellow Jackets, who have never hosted a playoff series in the history of Atlantic Hockey and are poised with a golden opportunity to seal that honor up with a good showing this weekend.
ECAC Hockey on Saturday handed Harvard defenseman Danny Fick a one-game suspension, meaning he will miss Saturday’s game against St. Lawrence.
Fick was given a major penalty and game misconduct for contact to the head late in the third period of Harvard’s 1-0 overtime win at Clarkson on Friday.
A senior, Fick has played in 12 of the Crimson’s 24 games this season.
Boston University has postponed Saturday’s home game against New Hampshire because of an incoming snowstorm.
The game will be played at 4 p.m. EST Monday, Feb. 17.
Saturday’s game had been scheduled to include the number retirement ceremony for former Terriers player and coach Jack Parker. That has been moved to the final home game of the regular season against Northeastern on Feb. 28.
St. Thomas senior captain Tyler Gubb has his Tommies in first place in the MIAC, just a point better than Gustavus Adolphus (photo: Mike Ekem).
It’s now or never.
Yes, every win means something this time of year, especially in Division III.
Our expert columnists pick this weekend’s matchups, as well as some midweek games next week, as some teams look to clinch playoff berths and others will be on the outside looking in.
ECAC East – Tim Costello
It is all about being in the moment and focusing on the task at hand.
A solid 4-1-0 (.800) pick week has things looking up, but there is just one week remaining in the regular season. That brought up the overall season to 36-19-5 (.642), which is still short of my 70 percent target.
I’m picking a couple of extra games with the hope a clean slate gets me to the goal for the season.
Here are this week’s picks: Friday, Feb. 14
Massachusetts-Boston @ St. Michael’s
The Beacons are in a flat-out dogfight to finish at or above the No. 3 seed, so there can’t be any looking past a game St. Mike’s team knowing Norwich awaits on Saturday. Coach Peter Belisle won’t let the team think about much other than the two points they need from a win in Winooski. Massachusetts-Boston 5-2.
New England College @ University of New England
The Pilgrims need to be careful and not underestimate the Nor’easters, who have been very tough to play on their home rink. A top-four playoff seed is within reach for the Pilgrims, but they will need to continue to take points. This one is very close and Sebastian Anderson outduels Colby Drost between the pipes. New England College 3-1.
Babson @ Norwich
The first matchup at Frozen Fenway went to the Cadets in a hard-fought and very spirited 1-0 win. Babson is in the unique position to capture the conference top seed and this game would solidify that position with a win where the Beavers have a solid track record of success. Babson 2-1.
St. Anselm @ Southern Maine
The game at St. A’s ended in a 3-3 overtime draw, so what to expect in this one in Maine? The difference-maker could be goalie Dylan Wells for the Huskies, who did not play in the first meeting between the two teams. Goal total is the same, but favors the home team by an added empty-netter. Southern Maine 4-2. Saturday, Feb. 15
Skidmore @ Castleton
Alright, before picking the score, understand this one is going to overtime. If Skidmore is one of the combatants, that outcome is almost guaranteed. Neither team has found that level of consistency that coaches aspire their teams reach entering the playoff season. Still, a couple of weeks to find the 60-minute magic and this one goes to the home team. Castleton 4-3.
Massachusetts-Boston @ Norwich
The Cadets may be in a battle to maintain their traditional top position, but have no interest in dropping down to third place against an opponent that beat them earlier after the emotional win over Babson. This one will be tight, playoff-style hockey, but expect the Cadets to find a way to get it done on home ice. Norwich 3-2.
New England College @ Southern Maine
The Pilgrims could still be in the hunt for the No. 3 seed and that should motivate them enough to eke this one out against a Huskies team that really wants to get something going before the conference tournament. It is a bigger incentive for the visitors who take two points.
New England College 4-3.
Lots of drama still left in the regular season in the final week – drop the puck!
ECAC Northeast – Nathan Fournier
Friday, Feb. 14
Nichols at Salve Regina
The lone game on Valentine’s Day in the ECAC Northeast. The last time these two teams met, Nichols doubled up Salve Regina 8-4. The two teams are going opposite directions in the second half of the year. Nichols has been dominant all year long, while Salve Regina has been in a tailspin in the second half. I will take the Bison in a 5-3 contest. Saturday, Feb. 15
Wentworth at Becker
Wentworth has been on a roll lately, winning five out of the last six games. They can’t take a day off against Becker as the Hawks have played the top teams in the conference tough the last few games. They beat Nichols 4-1 on Feb. 1 and tied Johnson and Wales 4-4 on Feb. 8. I expect them to make this game close, but Wentworth pulls it out in the end, 4-2.
Curry at Suffolk
This could be a battle for positioning for the final conference tournament spot. In the first meeting, Curry defeated Suffolk 4-1. I expect this to be a much tighter game as both teams try to get one step closer to the conference tournament. I will take Curry in a 4-3 contest.
Johnson and Wales at Western New England
Johnson and Wales has hit a bump in the road the last few weeks. This game could get them back on track heading to the conference tournament. They had no problem in the first meeting against the Golden Bears in the 6-1 victory on Jan. 25. Despite the tough times for Western New England, I expect them to play a tough game, but I see Johnson and Wales winning 5-4. Monday, Feb. 17
Worcester State at Becker
This a nonconference matchup that was postponed on Jan. 21. This should be a warmup game for both teams as they prepare for the final conference games. I will take Becker in this contest as they have been playing well. Wednesday, Feb. 19
Johnson and Wales at Nichols
This should be a very good contest between the two most consistent teams all year in the conference. It will be a showdown of the top two goaltenders in the conference in Joey Ballmer for Johnson and Wales and Alex Larson of Nichols. Both teams have potent offenses, but I believe it will be a low-scoring contest. I will take Nichols in a 3-2 game.
Western New England at Salve Regina
In a battle between two teams that showed so much promise to start the season, I think both teams will play with nothing to lose, so it should be a wide-open game offensively. Salve Regina won in the first meeting, but I will take Western New England in a 6-5 contest.
Becker at Suffolk
This a game where Becker can really play spoiler to Suffolk’s conference tournament chances. This should be a very good game. Suffolk suffered a loss in its last game this year to miss the conference tournament. While this isn’t their last game, it’s a must-win and I think their experience last year will help them. The Rams pull the victory out in a 4-2 contest. Thursday, Feb. 20
Wentworth at Curry
If you are fighting for a conference tournament berth, Wentworth isn’t the team you want to be playing at this moment. That’s what Curry faces and a win would do them wonders. I think this will be a perfect example of a game being close for the first two periods, but Wentworth pulls away in the third for a 6-3 victory.
ECAC West – Dan Hickling
Friday, Feb. 14
Hobart (11-6-4, 5-3-3) @ Neumann (7-10-4, 2-7-2) – Hobart 5, Neumann 2
Hobart has hopes of catching up to league leaders Utica and Elmira and with two games against last-place Neumann, they should be able to grab the points. For the Knights, it’s been a long, difficult season. Saturday, Feb. 15
Elmira (13-8-0, 8-3-0) @ Manhattanville (7-10-4, 2-7-2) – Elmira 4 Manhattanville 1
The question is which of Elmira’s “Super Sophs” will step up this time? The answer is probably at least one too many for the Valiants to handle.
MASCAC – Nathan Fournier
Saturday, Feb. 15
Worcester State at Framingham State
If Framingham State wants to be in the top four in the final MASCAC standings, they have an opportunity against Worcester State. They beat them the last time the two teams met, but the first game ended a draw. With a lot on the line for both teams, I expect and exciting game, but I see Framingham State coming out on top 5-3.
Massachusetts-Dartmouth at Salem State
This is a crucial two points for Salem State if they want to stay atop of the MASCAC standings. The Corsairs have been turning things around lately, but I think it’s too little, too late to defend their conference tournament crown. Salem State has been dominate at home and expect them to put another ‘W’ up in a 6-3 game.
Fitchburg State at Westfield State
Probably the game of the weekend in terms of two teams getting into the conference tournament. It’s the rubber game of the three-game series in the regular season. Both team have won a game on home ice and I expect more the same. I will take Westfield State in a 7-5 game Monday, Feb. 17
Worcester State at Becker
This a nonconference matchup that was postponed on Jan. 21. This should be a warmup game for both teams as they prepare for the final conference games. I will take Becker in this contest as they have been playing well. Thursday, Feb. 20
Framingham State at Fitchburg State
Fitchburg State has given Framingham State fits this season, defeating the Rams 5-2 and 8-2 this season. I see this one resembling the 5-2 game, but I think it will closer than that. Both teams have a lot on line in terms of the conference tournament. I will take Fitchburg State with the clean sweep of the season series in a 4-3 game.
Massachusetts-Dartmouth at Westfield State
This is no easy game for the Owls as UMass-Dartmouth has been a thorn in their sides this season. The Corsairs lost a heartbreaker of a game in the first half of the year 3-2, but came back on Jan. 25 with a 6-3 win. This should be another good matchup and I think UMass-Dartmouth will pull the upset 2-1.
Plymouth State at Worcester State
The Panthers of Plymouth State have been playing very well of late and have asserted themselves as one of the teams to beat when the postseason come around. Worcester State earned a 4-3 overtime win the last time these two teams met. Plymouth State had freshman Max Motew in net. I don’t believe that will be the case this time around. They will go with Gordon Ceasar or Tyler Ingerson. I will take Plymouth State in a 4-1 game.
MIAC/WIAC – Brian Lester
We are down to the final two weeks and several of the matchups become a little more important as teams battle for positioning in the conference tournament and chase down a league championship.
In the MIAC, St. Thomas and Gustavus Adolphus will play the biggest series of the weekend. The Tommies lead the Gusties by a point in the standings.
In the WIAC, Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Wisconsin-Stevens Point will duke it out in a pivotal weekend series between two nationally-ranked opponents.
So without further delay, here are my picks for the weekend: MIAC
St. Thomas vs. Gustavus Adolphus
This is the series that will all but determine the regular-season MIAC champion.
The teams met once at the beginning of the year, with St. Thomas earning a 5-3 win in the MIAC Showcase.
St. Thomas is on a roll, having won its last six games, and defense has been a key to its success, especially with Drew Fielding playing so well in goal. Fielding owns a 1.43 goals-against average and has allowed only 29 goals on the season.
Alex Altenbernd and Tyler Gubb lead the offense with nine and seven goals, respectively.
Gustavus has been just as tough on defense and is unbeaten in its last six games. Five of those games ended with a win.
John McClean has a 2.01 goals-against average and has racked up 452 saves. He has given up 39 goals on the year.
Corey Leivermann has fueled the offensive success of the Gusties, tallying 13 goals and 10 assists, and Adam Smyth has come through with 11 goals and eight assists.
But this series comes down to defense and it wouldn’t surprise me if one of the games ends in a tie. St. Thomas 3-1, Gustavus 3-2.
St. Mary’s vs. Concordia (Minn.)
Concordia could use a couple of wins this weekend as it looks to maintain its hold on fourth place.
Concordia has played some close games lately, with three of its last six ending in ties, but this is a weekend where it needs to find a way to steal both games.
Caleb Suderman continues his stellar season as he has racked up 15 goals and 11 assists, while Andrew Deters has come through with seven goals and 18 assists. The Cobbers have racked up 74 goals on the season and its offense will need to be clicking this weekend.
Chris Neamonitis has a 2.43 goals-against average and has made 532 saves.
St. Mary’s will come in looking for an upset as the Cardinals sit in seventh in the standings.
The Cardinals would need a heck of a finish to the year, and some help, to climb back into the playoff picture, but they are capable of playing spoiler.
St. Mary’s recently ended a six-game losing streak and only time will tell if that momentum sticks with it. The Cardinals have struggled to be productive offensively, scoring only 46 goals, and that will have to change to be successful against Concordia. My thinking is the Cobbers sweep the series. Concordia 5-3, 4-2. WIAC
Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs. Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Talk about a huge series. The Blugolds come in ranked third in the country and Stevens Point is fourth. It’s a game worthy of the NCAA tournament one month early.
Eau Claire lost earlier in the season to Stevens Point, falling 4-1, but the Blugolds have been rolling along lately, winning four consecutive games.
Eau Claire has scored 81 goals, but in a matchup like this, defense is vital to success. Tyler Green has been stellar in goal, making 418 saves. He has a 1.84 goals-against average. If Green continues his stellar play, the Blugolds are going to be in great shape.
But the Pointers are equally tough. They have won three of their last four and have been an offensive machine, scoring 107 goals on the year, including 17 by Garrett Ladd. Scott Henegar has tallied 12 goals, Kyle Sharkey has scored 10 and Nick D’Avolio has come through with 10 goals as well.
That offensive attack will be tough to slow down, and it doesn’t hurt that the Pointers have Brandon Jaeger in goal. Jaeger owns a 2.00 goals-against average. I expect this series to end in a split. Eau Claire 3-2, Stevens Point 4-3.
Wisconsin-Stout vs. Wisconsin-River Falls
Stout recently ended a four-game losing streak with a win over Stevens Point and now a series with another nationally-ranked opponent awaits as the Blue Devils battle the Falcons.
Chase Hollander has thrived in goal lately and will need to be ready to go if called upon. The Blue Devils also have Corey Koop between the pipes and he is capable of getting the job done as well.
Kevin O’Donnell leads the Blue Devils with 10 goals and nine assists and he and the rest of the offense will need to be effective be successful against the Falcons.
River Falls has been up and down, but is still in the mix for a league title. Tanner Milliron has a 2.16 goals-against average and has tallied 232 saves, while the Falcons have been led offensively by Willie Hess, who has come through with 10 goals and five assists. Four other players have scored at least five goals for the Falcons. River Falls 4-2, 3-2.
NCHA – Katie Carito
It’s the last weekend of play for the NCHA and a lot is on the line. I’ll pick some matchups conservatively, knowing full well that some dark horses may ruin it all.
Lake Forest at Adrian
Lake Forest (14-8-1) will travel to Adrian (18-1-4) for the final weekend of play. The Foresters are on a 10-game unbeaten streak, most recently sweeping Milwaukee School of Engineering with 3-2 and 4-1 scores. The Bulldogs battled to a 2-2 tie and a 5-3 win against Lawrence last weekend. Adrian has an outstanding home record, going 6-0-2 this season. Adrian 3-1, 3-2
Finlandia at Lawrence
Finlandia (2-19-1) is out of contention for the postseason and was swept by Marian last weekend. Lawrence (5-16-2) hasn’t won a game since Jan. 25 when the Vikings knocked down St. Scholastica 3-2. Lawrence 2-1, 3-2
Northland at St. Norbert
Northland (4-19-0) split a weekend series with Concordia-Wisconsin with a 4-2 on Friday before a 7-2 loss on Saturday. St. Norbert (19-3-1) is the top ranked team going into the weekend. They swept St. Scholastica last weekend, including a 3-0 shutout on Friday. St. Norbert 4-2, 3-1
Marian at St. Scholastica
Marian (10-11-2) has won the past six straight, most recently sweeping Finlandia with matching 5-2 scores each game. St. Scholastica (12-7-4) was swept for the first time last weekend against St. Norbert. St. Scholastica 2-1, Marian 3-1
MSOE vs Concordia (Wis.)
MSOE (6-16-1) dropped two games to Lake Forest over the weekend. Concordia (9-10-4) split a weekend series with Northland. The Falcons’ success this season has come in bunches and I think they are due for an upswing in luck. Concordia 3-1, 2-1
NESCAC – Tim Costello
It was another solid week of picks despite the competitiveness of the league.
A 4-1-0 (.800) week of picks brought the overall percentage back to my 70 percent success target. The overall season stands at 39-15-6 (.700), so now it is about finishing strong in the final two weeks of the regular season to stay at my targeted goal.
Here are the picks: Friday, Feb. 14
Trinity @ Bowdoin
The Polar Bears are in a very tight battle for the fourth and final home-ice playoff seed and the Bantams will be a stern challenge at the “Sid.” This one will see lots of offense and a playoff-like atmosphere. Bowdoin 5-4.
Middlebury @ Williams
The Rte. 7 home-and-home season finds both teams with all at stake in terms of position in the standings and earning a very valuable two points. This rivalry always brings out the best in the teams and for Williams that means Sean Dougherty is better than the guy in the Panthers’ crease. Williams 3-1.
Wesleyan @ Colby
The Mules finally scored on a power play against Amherst last weekend, but it wasn’t enough to garner any points. Back to basics with Sam Parker playing well and some more support for Ben Chwick and Nick Lanza offensively. Colby 3-2. Saturday, Feb. 15
Williams @ Middlebury
It is always difficult to beat a team on back-to-back nights, especially when the return matchup is on the road. I would like to pick a tie here but think the Ephs can “be in the moment” as their coach likes to say and steal a needed extra point. Williams 3-2.
Tufts @ Hamilton
These two teams need to take care of their own business and then scoreboard watch to see if anyone helps them out in their drive to reach the top eight in the standings. The Continentals are closer to that goal and playing at home and these two points help a lot in keeping hopes alive for the final week of the regular season. Hamilton 4-2.
Connecticut College @ Amherst
The home team is an all-out battle for the top seed and the visitors are trying to confirm their place in the postseason dance. Hard to argue with how well the Lord Jeffs played at home last week against two very tough teams from Maine. Win and scoreboard watching may now commence. Amherst 4-2.
There are opportunities abounding for teams to change position and in some cases assure qualification for the post-season – drop the puck!
SUNYAC – Dan Hickling
Friday, Feb. 14
Brockport (6-12-3, 3-8-1) @ Cortland (4-13-3, 3-7-2) – Brockport 4, Cortland 3
Both teams desperately need the points as they scrap over the league’s final playoff spot. The feeling here is that Brockport finds a way, this time. Saturday, Feb. 15
Morrisville (5-15-2, 2-11-1) @ Potsdam (7-12-2, 2-8-2) – Potsdam 5, Morrisville 3
This will be the back half of a two-game set. The loser is as good as dead, while the winner will still be barely breathing. The Bears come in with the hotter hand.
Well, I gained back two more games on Arlan, so perhaps I’ll make my loss in the season picks race respectable after all. last week, I went 14-3-6 to move to 239-77-40 on the year, while Arlan went 12-5-6 to 246-70-40 on the year.
Perhaps I can shoot for only a four-game deficit by the end of the year. We’re picking most of the games this week too, so who knows.
Friday, Feb. 14
St. Lawrence at Dartmouth Candace: St. Lawrence is looking to gain some ground in the ECAC race, and keep momentum after the win over Quinnipiac. Dartmouth has improved, but not enough. St. Lawrence 3-2 Arlan: Dartmouth is getting better; SLU is getting better. Guess that means the Saints are a slight favorite. St. Lawrence 3-2
Clarkson at Harvard Candace: I think I could flip a coin and pick this game with more accuracy. The Crimson held Clarkson’s high-flying offense in check back in November; can they do it again? I need to gain ground, however, so since Arlan picked Harvard, Clarkson it is. Clarkson 3-2 Arlan: The favorite in this game changes just about every week. Harvard 2-1
Yale at Quinnipiac Candace: Quinnipiac blew it last week after tying Clarkson. They’ll be at home, and need the win. Quinnipiac 3-1 Arlan: Vital points for both the Bulldogs and the Bobcats, but the latter are at home. Quinnipiac 2-0
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-15
Robert Morris at RIT Candace: Robert Morris swept the Tigers in two close games back in December. However, RMU hasn’t won in February, so I’ll give the Tigers the benefit of the doubt in the Friday game. RIT 3-2, Robert Morris 3-2 Arlan: RMU is only one game better than RIT in 2014. Probably a split, so I’ll let Candace guess at the order. Robert Morris 2-1, 4-3
Ohio State at Bemidji State Candace: Bemidji got a win and a tie in Ohio back in the first half, but hasn’t won since Jan. 11. Coincidentally, that date was when OSU turned around its season by tying and winning a shootout against Minnesota. Ohio State 3-1, 3-2 Arlan: I predict there will be zero bench-clearing brawls. Ohio State 4-2, 2-1
Minnesota at Wisconsin Candace: It doesn’t pay to pick against Minnesota, but I’ll give Wisconsin the win in the Fill the Bowl game Saturday. Minnesota 3-2, Wisconsin 2-1 Arlan: The Badgers likely take something, but the last two seasons have shown there is no percentage in predicting a Gophers’ loss. Minnesota 2-1, 1-0
Saturday, Feb. 14
Clarkson at Dartmouth Candace: Dartmouth isn’t a gimme, but the Golden Knights should come through. Clarkson 4-2 Arlan: No matter the result of their Friday game at Harvard, the Golden Knights will have to refocus quickly. Clarkson 4-1
St. Lawrence at Harvard Candace: I see no road to an upset in this one. Harvard 2-1 Arlan: The Crimson are 14-2-1 versus the Saints over the last seven seasons. Harvard 3-1
Yale at Princeton Candace: Princeton looked awfully good last weekend. Princeton 3-1 Arlan: Yale is battling, but this will be a tough road game. Princeton 3-2
Cornell at Rensselaer Candace: The Big Red will keep pace in the ECAC. Cornell 4-2 Arlan: If the Big Red get help from Clarkson or SLU, they could claim a fifth straight ECAC title despite losing to both Harvard and Clarkson last month. Cornell 3-1
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 14-15
Providence home-and-home with Boston University Candace: Boston University looked good against Harvard, but made a big mistake that cost them in OT. I think the Terriers, playing at home, should come through. Boston University 4-2, 4-1 Arlan: For much of the season, Providence had defensive issues. Now the Friars are struggling to score. Boston University 5-1, 3-2
Boston College at Maine Candace: The Eagles had a Beanpot hangover last weekend against Connecticut, so I think they’ll be extra on guard against that this weekend. Boston College 3-1, 4-1 Arlan: The Eagles should survive both the bus trip and the Black Bears. Boston College 2-1, 6-2
Connecticut at Northeastern Candace: Northeastern has been one of the hotter teams in the country of late. Northeastern 3-2, 3-1 Arlan: A Beanpot hangover is possible, and Connecticut is .500 over its last 10 games, but I’ll stick with the percentages. Northeastern 3-2, 2-1
Vermont at New Hampshire Candace: I’ve done dreadfully in picking New Hampshire games, so I’ll agree with Arlan’s picks so I don’t lose any more ground. Vermont 3-1, 3-2 Arlan: After a three-game winning streak at home, UNH has now lost six straight overall. Vermont 2-1, 4-2
Minnesota State at North Dakota Candace: North Dakota is really missing some of its players who are in Sochi, but should come through. North Dakota 3-1, 2-1 Arlan: This series is not the slam dunk it might seem. North Dakota 1-0, 3-1
The schedule for this season has allowed for few conference-only weekends, all on a Friday-Saturday schedule, but that’s what we have this week in the Big Ten. First, let’s see how Drew Claussen and I are doing with picks this season.
Last week
Drew: 1-3-2 (.333)
Paula: 2-2-2 (.500)
Season
Drew: 70-35-11 (.651)
Paula: 71-33-13 (.662)
This week
All times are local and five of the six games are televised.
Michigan at Minnesota
Drew: This all-time series has been played fairly evenly with the Gophers holding the 128-117-14 advantage. In a way both teams have something to prove this weekend. Minnesota needs to prove that last weekend’s sweep at Wisconsin was a mirage and avoid going on an extended losing streak. You know Michigan is going to be fired up and wanting to put its shutout at the hands of Penn State in the rearview mirror. These two teams haven’t played each other this year. Three players on Minnesota have played Michigan in their careers and two Wolverines have played the Gophers. Minnesota needs to pounce early on Friday as the majority of the Michigan squad adjusts to playing in an unfamiliar arena and on a larger ice sheet.
Paula: Yes, both teams will be motivated. The Golden Gophers are six points ahead of the Wolverines in Big Ten standings and Michigan has two games in hand on Minnesota, so in a way these points are doubly important. I’m not picking a sweep, but I think that any combination of wins, losses and ties is possible. Friday’s game is the late game on the Big Ten Network’s Frozen Friday, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Central; Saturday’s game starts at 7:00 p.m. and is carried by Fox Sports Detroit, Fox Sports North and Sports Time Ohio.
Drew: I have to hand it to the Penn State fans. Even when the team didn’t get off to the best of starts, the Nittany Lions are still drawing 6,000 plus at Pegula Ice Arena. Those fans who showed up last Saturday got to see their team’s first Big Ten win and shutout. Those who come out this weekend get a chance to see if the Nittany Lions can turn that into a winning streak. Tom Anastos wasn’t pleased with the way Michigan State played Michigan earlier this season and I can’t imagine that he was pleased with its two ties against Ohio State last weekend. At this point in the season, playing a last-place team, this is a must sweep for the Spartans.
Paula: I must respectfully disagree with my partner-in-writing. I don’t see this as must-sweep for either team, as Penn State is likely to finish last in the standings and Michigan State may remain where it is as well. I don’t think that Anastos was disappointed in his team’s play against Ohio State, either; the Buckeyes are a far better team than most people give them credit for, and the Spartans were pleased to keep OSU’s top scorers from finding the net in Saturday’s game, without question. I do think that the Nittany Lions have a chance to put together back-to-back wins if they play a savvy game, and it is dangerous to underestimate either of these teams. Much depends on how disciplined and consistently the Nittany Lions play, because few teams play as consistently as the Spartans. These teams met in East Lansing Jan. 17-18, with the Spartans sweeping, 3-0 and 3-2. Friday’s game is the early game on the Big Ten Network’s Frozen Friday, with a 6:30 p.m. start time; Saturday’s game is carried by ESPNews and is even earlier, with a 3:30 p.m. face off.
Drew’s pick: Penn State 4-2, Michigan State 3-1. Paula’s picks: Michigan State 3-2, 3-2.
Wisconsin at Ohio State
Drew: The Badgers are coming off of a sweep of the No. 1 team in the land. Ohio State is coming off of two pretty entertaining ties and shootout wins. Ohio State has shown it can play the top three in the Big Ten closely, but its only win was the Saturday night game at Wisconsin. I expect the games this weekend to be about the same as the ones played at Kohl Center in January. It should be two closely-contested games. Maybe one will end in a tie.
Paula: The Badgers know they are just four points out of first place and so these road games are big for Wisconsin. The key here, though, is that they are road games; the Badgers are 1-6-1 on the road this season and the Buckeyes are 12-3-1 at home. I think this series will be very close. Friday’s game begins at 7:05 p.m. and is not televised; Saturday’s game starts at 8:00 p.m. and is carried by NBC Sports.
Drew’s picks: I want to pick OSU to steal one, but I’m going to go Wisconsin 3-2, 4-2. Paula’s picks: Ohio State 2-1, Wisconsin 3-2.
Concordia (Wis.) can finish sixth in the NCHA just by getting a single point this weekend against MSOE (photo: Jordan Vredeveld).
Going into the last weekend of play, much has been left undecided in the NCHA.
The regular-season title is on the line as the top-ranked team in the country, St. Norbert, is one point in front of number two-ranked Adrian.
Teams in the middle of the pack are fighting for a home-ice spot in the quarterfinals, while teams towards the bottom of the standings are fighting for just a spot.
What we do know is that St. Norbert and Adrian have clinched home ice for the quarterfinals. St. Norbert has won the NCHA regular-season title for the last four consecutive seasons.
The Bulldogs will look to earn its seventh consecutive conference championship. The Bulldogs captured the MCHA title each season from its induction to Division III hockey in the 2007-08 season.
St. Norbert is taking on Northland this weekend, a team that is sitting ninth in the standings. Northland needs to get two points from this weekend and losses from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Lawrence to jump as high as seventh to end the regular season.
Adrian will take on Lake Forest, sitting in third with 22 points. The Foresters are guaranteed home ice for the quarterfinals.
St. Scholastica’s fate is uncertain going into the last weekend of action. The Saints can finish as high as the three seed going into playoffs, but also slip as slow as fifth. They can secure home ice with two points this weekend.
Now getting to the middle of the pack, where situations get more complex.
Right now, Marian is in the fifth spot with 19 points and the Sabres can finish as high as third and as low as sixth. A third seed going into playoffs can happen contingent on Lake Forest being swept.
Concordia (Wis.) can secure a sixth seed by taking one point from this weekend’s series against MSOE. The Falcons will make a postseason appearance for the first time since the 2008-09 season and it will be a road game. It has been a historic season for the Falcons as their 80 goals thus far this season mark a program record.
MSOE has not yet clinched a spot in the postseason. It will be the first time since coach Mark Ostapina took the job behind the bench in 2001-02 that the Raiders will finish below a fourth-place spot.
Lawrence has also not secured a spot in the playoffs, but can with one point out of their series with Lawrence and a Northland loss.
Finlandia is not a contender for the conference playoffs this season.
Salem State sits in first place in the MASCAC standings and much of the credit can be traced to senior forward Eric Defelice (photo: Spartan SportShots).
Salem State is sitting in first place in the MASCAC standings and a reason for that is that the Vikings take care of business at home at the Richard H. Rockett Arena.
In their first 10 home games of the season, the Vikings have recorded points in nine of those games with an 8-1-1 record. They have scored 34 of their 69 goals on home ice.
Things are looking bright for the Vikings with their four remaining games, with three of them being played at the Richard H. Rockett Arena – against Massachusetts-Dartmouth on Saturday, Fitchburg State on Feb. 22 and Worcester State on Feb. 25.
With MASCAC teams playing each other three times in the regular season, teams will have have two homes games against some conference opponents. Salem State played both UMass-Dartmouth and Worcester State twice at home this season.
The lone away game against Framingham State, which was scheduled for Thursday night, was postponed due to the snow storm that hammered the East Coast. No makeup date has been announced yet.
In the first meeting against the Corsairs, Salem State won in overtime 4-3 on Nov. 21. The first contest against the Lancers, they rolled to a 6-1 victory.
The leading scorers on the team have done their damage home also. Senior forward Eric Defelice has five goals and eight assists at the Rockett and overall, he leads the team with 21 points, including 10 goals.
Freshman Alex Minter has 60 percent of his goals at home. On the season, he has 10 goals and nine assists in 20 contests. Minter did get off a blistering pace to his rookie campaign with his first five markers coming in the first half of the season. He opened the first four games in the second half before finding the twine last Saturday against Westfield State.
McGilvrey leading Plymouth State’s second-half charge
Plymouth State has been MASCAC’s most consistent team in the second half the year after the Panthers found their goaltender in Gordon Ceasar who transferred from Utica.
And while he has been stopping the pucks for the Panthers, who has been putting them in the net?
It has been freshman Ian McGilvrey, who has three goals and seven assists of his 24 points in 2014.
February has been particularly good to McGilvrey, who had three-point games on Feb. 1 and Feb. 6. He has been peaking at the right time if Plymouth State wants to catch Salem State for the regular-season title.
Salem State has a 8-4-2 record in conference (18 points) and Plymouth State is 7-5-2 (16 points) inside the MASCAC.
Goal-scoring is nothing new for McGilvrey, who had a prolific junior career in the North American Hockey League and the Eastern Junior Hockey League.
In the NAHL, he had 13 goals and 17 assists in 70 games with the New Mexico Mustangs, Janesville Jets and the Corpus Christi IceRays.
In the EJHL, he lit the lamp 38 times and dished out 33 assists in two stints with the Middlesex Islanders organization (his first stint, they were known as the New England Huskies).
The WCHA might get only one Hobey Baker Award finalist, and it could be Ferris State’s goaltender CJ Motte (photo: Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com).
Hello, and welcome back to the USCHO Hobey Watch. I hope everyone is staying as warm and dry as possible, and for those of you who are snowed in, I hope you’re enjoying the opportunity to watch some Olympic hockey.
This week, we’re about five weeks out from the naming of the 10 finalists for the 2014 Hobey Baker Award, so I thought it would be a good idea to assess the field and see just who’s in contention for those 10 spots.
It’s fairly rare to have real drama when it comes to guessing the eventual winner out of the Hobey Hat Trick, but picking all 10 finalists is a real challenge (and one I’ve never been successful at). More importantly, especially in a year where we have a good sense of who’s actually going to win, it’s good to remember that for some of these players, being a finalist or a member of the Hobey Hat Trick is a victory in its own right.
Now, in sizing up the field, I think it makes sense to organize the candidates by their conference affiliations. It’s worth remembering here that the vote to pick the 10 finalists occurs among the 59 Division I head coaches, with the results of the online fan voting serving as the 60th vote. This is why it’s rarely a good idea to count on any conference being shut out of the top 10 entirely.
It’s not that coaches in a given conference get together and ensure that their candidates get in. Rather, coaches spend so much time scouting and breaking down tape on opponents, and the players they see the most — the ones in their own conference — make a deeper impression. At least, that’s how I see it. So, with that in mind, let’s go through the conferences and see who makes up the Hobey field.
I’ll do this over two weeks. Next week, we’ll look at the candidates from the East, but this week, we’ll start out with the candidates in the West.
Big Ten
One of two new conferences is also the smallest in the country, which could be something of a factor because it leaves the Big Ten with the smallest “voting block,” if there is indeed such a thing.
That having been said, given the amount of time that Minnesota has spent this year as the No. 1 team in the country, it’s fair to expect that sophomore goaltender Adam Wilcox (18-4-5, 1.97 GAA, .930 save percentage) will be among the contenders. There could also be some support for the Golden Gophers’ leading scorer, junior forward Sam Warning (10g, 17a in 28 games, 0.96 PPG), but I think that Wilcox is going to be the lone finalist from that team.
Meanwhile, Ohio State junior forward Ryan Dzingel (17g, 20a in 26 games, 1.42 PPG) is the conference’s leading scorer, and worth keeping an eye on as another potential finalist.
Finally, Wisconsin senior forward Michael Mersch (15g, 10a in 26 games, 0.96 PPG) — he of the highlight-reel goal against Michigan — has gotten some solid support in the online fan voting, and while that might not mean much, he is a senior and the leading scorer on a team that’s in the mix for an NCAA tournament berth. I wouldn’t write him off entirely, but I’d say he has an outside chance at best.
NCHC
The nation’s newest conference (since it was formed after the Big Ten) has a couple of candidates with great numbers on a struggling team in Miami’s dynamic duo of sophomore forward Riley Barber (17g, 19a in 26 games, 1.38 PPG) and junior forward (and returning finalist) Austin Czarnik (10g, 24a in 25 games, 1.36 PPG).
The conference leader, St. Cloud State, doesn’t exactly have an obvious candidate, with senior forward Nic Dowd (15g, 12a in 26 games, 1.04 PPG) and sophomore forward Jonny Brodzinski (14g, 13a in 26 games, 1.04 PPG) leading the team in scoring and tying for 38th nationally. Junior goaltender Ryan Faragher (13-5-4, 2.64 GAA, .906 save percentage) has a lot of support in fan balloting, but the numbers really aren’t there.
There are players in the conference with a better mix of individual and team success, most notably Denver senior goaltender Sam Brittain (13-8-6, 1.99 GAA, .934 save percentage) and Nebraska-Omaha junior forward Josh Archibald (21g, 11a in 26 games, 1.23 PPG), although both of those teams would probably have to win the NCHC tournament to advance to the NCAAs.
So, what to do here? It’s hard to write off the Miami players, who are two of the top 10 scorers in the country, while Archibald, as the country’s No. 3 goal-scorer, is also intriguing, and Brittain is a top-10 goalie in both GAA and save percentage. The one thing I will say is that St. Cloud State is highly unlikely to have a Hobey finalist.
WCHA
It’s not terribly surprising that the reconstituted WCHA appears to be a one-bid conference at tournament time, and the sense I get is that it will be a one-finalist conference when the Hobey top 10 is announced.
And, with Ferris State as the top team in the conference and a contender for a top regional seed in the NCAA tournament, Big Rapids seems like a great place to look for that finalist, namely junior goaltender CJ Motte (19-4-3, 2.25 GAA, .927 save percentage).
As the most notable player on the conference’s most formidable team, I think there’s a pretty good chance Motte winds up in the top 10. If it’s not Motte, it would be because Minnesota State makes a push over the remainder of the regular season and supplants the Bulldogs atop the conference standings, in which case I’d look to Mavericks junior forwards Jean-Paul LaFontaine (18g, 18a in 30 games, 1.20 PPG) and Matt Leitner (9g, 24a in 28 games, 1.18 PPG) as possible finalists.
So, with half the country’s conferences accounted for, we have 11 candidates to watch. Come back next week, when we size up Atlantic Hockey, ECAC Hockey and Hockey East.
Shane here. Matt’s closing the gap on me in the overall standings. We’ve both been picking splits correctly; I’ve just been picking the wrong teams on the wrong days lately. With all 10 teams in action against each other (finally!), this weekend figures to have some a few intriguing matchups, as well as plenty of scoreboard watching. Here are the picks …
Alaska at Michigan Tech
Shane: Tech made the big move last week, leapfrogging its way to third place. The Huskies have won four in a row and five of six. That’s a trend, but the Nanooks seem to find ways to get points on the road. Nanooks 3-2, Huskies 5-2
Matt: You’re right, the Nanooks have been decent on the road this year (4-6-2), most recently salvaging what could be a very important split at Northern Michigan back in January. However, the Huskies have found their offensive touch and know they could potentially lock up home ice with a sweep. Huskies 4-2, 4-3
Lake Superior at Northern Michigan
Shane: I like this new WCHA format and the race to make the playoffs. A sweep by either one of these teams would be huge in trying to get out of the ninth-place spot (currently held by the Lakers), but I think they’ll come out looking quite the same. Lakers 5-3, Wildcats 3-1
Matt: LSSU senior goaltender Kevin Murdock has struggled since taking over for injured senior goalie Kevin Kapalka in mid-January, with the Lakers winning just two games. Murdock had a big weekend a year ago in Marquette, making 35 saves to shutout NMU and win the Father Cappo Cup for the Lakers. LSSU will need another night like that to get points in Marquette, but so far, Murdock has shown that ability. Wildcats 3-2, 4-3
Ferris State at Bemidji State
Shane: The Bulldogs got back on track last weekend. More importantly, C.J. Motte got back on track. The Beavers have proven they can hang with anybody, but it will be hard to hold down Ferris State, especially with that disturbing stat in which BSU is 1-15-7 when allowing more than one goal. Bulldogs 4-2, 3-2
Matt: I made a mistake last weekend thinking the Bulldogs and Motte would drop a game against NMU at home. I’m back on the pick-a-Bulldogs-sweep-until-someone-beats-them bandwagon. Bulldogs 3-1, 4-1
Alabama Huntsville at Minnesota State
Shane: The Mavericks are rolling at home and have motivation to try to catch first-place Ferris. Huntsville has had quite the travel week, going back and forth to Houghton last week and getting a late start to Mankato this week due to the South’s winter storm. Enjoy the warm breezes of Minnesota, Chargers! Mavericks 5-1, 8-2
Matt: It’s too bad the Chargers couldn’t have just stayed in the North and driven from Houghton to Mankato this week. Having to play two of the hottest teams offensively right now is a tough enough draw, but to have travel delays on top of it just adds insult to injury. Mavericks 5-1, 6-2
Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage
Shane: Here’s another matchup with big playoff implications. These two teams are tied for fourth place in the WCHA, which is the last home-ice spot. This is the Seawolves’ final home series of the regular season, so they’d better make hay if they want to host a playoff series. The Falcons have lost three of four. Seawolves 3-2, 3-2
Matt: The Falcons have been a streaky team this season. They started the year 5-2-2, then went 2-6-1 over a nine game stretch. BGSU then won five of eight games with a pair of ties, but recently have lost three of four. To secure a home ice playoff spot, the Falcons will need to shake out of their funk or risk making a return trip to Anchorage in March. Seawolves 4-3, 3-2
Last week: Shane 5-3-0, 7-1-0. Overall: Shane 110-54-20, Matt 107-57-20.
So last week Dave, in his words, pulled the goalie. While his effort gained him some ground on me, it was only one game. Thus, with no more picking left for his this season (he had successful season-ending open-heart surgery on Tuesday, for those who haven’t been following along), I take the title for game picked against one another.
To keep things interesting, though, I will spend the remainder of the season trying to finish with a better winning percentage than Dave. His is .637, which means I have to get about two out of every thing games right to cruise to victory. Last week, I was a whopping 4-6-1, which means this isn’t going to be as easy as it seems.
Dave last week: 5-5-1
Jim last week: 4-6-1
Dave to date: 123-65-24 (.637)
Jim to date: 127-61-24 (.656)
Friday, February 14
Merrimack at Maine
Jim’s pick: No way I am picking against Maine at Alfond. Maine 4, MC 1
Notre Dame at Providence
Jim’s pick: Neither team has played great hockey of late, but I can’t see Providence losing at home after Tuesday’s home loss vs. UConn. PC 3, ND 2
Massachusetts at Massachusetts-Lowell
Jim’s pick: No reason to bet against the River Hawks seeing as they’ve beaten the Minutemen twice this season. UML 5, UMass 2
Boston University at New Hampshire
Jim’s pick: Both teams are smarting after losses, so I’m going with home ice. UNH 4, BU 3
Boston College at Vermont
Jim’s pick: There is something I love about Vermont right now, but I learned my lesson picking against BC on Monday. BC 4, UVM 2
Saturday, February 15
New Hampshire at Boston University
Jim’s pick: UNH is the better team on paper, but BU better be inspired to play great hockey on Jack Parker night. BU 3, UNH 2
Merrimack at Maine
Jim’s pick: Maine finished off the sweep easily. Maine 5, MC 2
Notre Dame at Providence
Jim’s pick: I think the Irish can earn the split again this weekend. ND 4, PC 2
Northeastern at Massachusetts
Jim’s pick: Though UMass handed NU and ugly loss last weekend, having Friday night off will make a difference for the Huskies. NU 3, UMass 1
Boston College at Vermont
Jim’s pick: Again, just not picking against the red-hot Eagles team. BC 3, UVM 2
As expected at this juncture in the season, jousting for conference seeding leaps to the forefront. For a number of teams on the periphery, this is not the time to falter.
Friday, Feb. 14
ECAC East
Manhattanville at Salve Regina
Living under the radar in the first half of the season, the surprising Seahawks ran off a string of nine unbeaten games since mid-January before falling to St. Anselm on the road last weekend in a 2-1 final. With two games remaining, Salve Regina (8-5-1) currently ranks third among the D-III schools in conference play with 17 points. Castleton, whuch faces off against Norwich in its final outing of the season, is a point ahead with an 8-4-2 slate. A win over the Valiants and a subsequent victory over Nichols the following night is a must for the Seahawks in order to gain a loftier seed. Salve took a 3-2 road win in the lone meeting between the clubs, last January. Salve Regina 4-2
Saturday, Feb. 15
NCHA
Adrian at Lake Forest
Embroiled in a four-team jam in the conference, the result, barring a tie, would slide the winning team into second place behind current top seed St. Scholastica. This will be the third meeting between the two teams at the Alumni Memorial Rink. The season-opening series for both teams resulted in a split. The Foresters enjoy the largest goal differential in the NCHA, while Adrian forward Kelsey Kusch is the leading scorer in the nation. A friendly rink takes it in tight battle. Lake Forest 4-3
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-15
MIAC
No. 8 St. Thomas at No. 9 Gustavus Adolphus (home-and-home)
Deadlocked at the top of the conference standings with 24 points apiece; this series is poised to be the tipping point in deciding the regular season champion. The Tommies watched a 10-game unbeaten string come to a halt last weekend in a 5-3 road loss to Bethel. The Gusties recovered nicely from a pair of upset wins by St. Benedict in sweeping St. Catherine in a home-and-home last weekend. St. Thomas goalie Alise Riedel and counterpart Lindsey Hibbard of Gustavus Adolphus are both ranked among the top eight goaltenders in the nation. Gustavus Adolphus 4-2, St. Thomas 3-2
NESCAC
No. 2, Middlebury at Williams (home-and-home)
Middlebury has a relatively comfortable advantage at the head of the NESCAC standings, while the Ephs hold a skinny, one-point edge over No. 10 Amherst. Williams, 0-2-1 against ranked teams, will need a big weekend from leading scorer Cristina Bravi and her linemates this time out to overcome the Panthers. Middlebury 5-3, 2-1
The snow’s stopped and the roads seems to be mostly clear, so don’t look for a repeat of this over the weekend. All games are 7 p.m., unless noted.
Friday, Feb. 14
Princeton at Brown
Both teams have been pretty beat up at times this season. The Bears’ trio of Matt Lorito, Nick Lappin, and Mark Naclerio have been excellent, but Brown could use some more secondary scoring as the postseason nears. As for the Tigers, they’re just looking for whatever offense they can get. Princeton averages under two goals per game and only has one player with more than five. Brown wins
Harvard at Clarkson
Clarkson has been in limbo for the last few weeks. The Golden Knights haven’t really done anything to move closer to a first-round bye or take themselves out of the running for one. As per usual, Harvard won the Beanpot consolation game, and could put together a better run down the stretch. However, if Clarkson wants a top-four spot, this is a win they have to get. Golden Knights captain and top center Ben Sexton is out this weekend, according to Cap Carey of the Watertown Daily Times, while sophomore forward T.J. Moor left the team for personal reasons. Clarkson wins
Rensselaer at Colgate
The Raiders rebounded from a pair of tough games two weeks ago with a 6-1 drubbing of Cornell in their only game last weekend. RPI has improved over the last month, but Colgate looks to be back on track. Colgate wins
Union at Cornell
The Big Red have gotten better scoring depth as the season has progressed, while that’s been a strength of Union for much of the season. The Dutchmen have two players with double digits goals, and five more who could potentially pass that mark over the next few weeks. Union wins
Dartmouth at St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence has gone 3-1 since snapping a two-month winless skid last month, a stretch that will likely define much of the Saints’ regular season, for better or worse. The Big Green haven’t shown any signs of getting back on track following a rough start, winning just one of their last seven games. St. Lawrence wins
Quinnipiac at Yale
These rivals tied 3-3 back in November. The Bulldogs need to get something going if they want a chance at making the NCAA tournament and defending their national title, while the Bobcats are trying to catch first-place Union and capture their second straight Cleary Cup. Quinnipiac wins
Saturday, Feb. 15
Quinnipiac at Brown, 4 p.m.
The Bears have given Quinnipiac problems over the years, but the Bobcats offense have been on a roll for the most part lately, as QU has a staggering seven players with double-digit goals. Quinnipiac wins
Dartmouth at Clarkson
I don’t like pegging games as “must win,” but the Golden Knights want a top-four spot, these are two points they can’t afford to let pass by. Clarkson wins
Union at Colgate
Colgate rolled over Union 5-3 back in November, and the Dutchmen followed that loss by stringing together a ten-game unbeaten streak. There should be plenty of goals this one, but I think Union will come away with the win. Union wins
Rensselaerat Cornell
I’ve got a feeling the Engineers could pull off the upset. Ryan Haggerty and Mike Zalewski have both been red-hot for RPI, and that might be enough to get by Cornell team that gave up six goals to Colgate last time out. Rensselaerwins
Harvard at St. Lawrence
Both teams are fighting for home ice in the first round of the playoffs. It’s an interesting special teams matchup, as the Crimson penalty kill is fifth in the country, while the Saints have the nation’s best power play. On the flip side, St. Lawrence’s penalty kill and Harvard’s power play have struggled for most of the season. St. Lawrence wins
Princeton at Yale
As mentioned above, the Tigers have struggled to score regardless of who they face, and Yale’s Alex Lyon is having an excellent freshman year in goal. Yale wins
Sophomore forward Billy Pascalli has been an offensive catalyst for Potsdam all season long and the Bears hope that continues into the postseason (photo: Dan Hickling).
Two weeks ago, one wouldn’t have liked Potsdam’s playoff chances very much.
Or not at all.
At that point, the Bears were hibernating in the SUNYAC cellar, with just two standings points to their name, and with three conference foes to jump over just to land in the sixth and final playoff spot.
It’s funny what a little challenge like that can do for a club.
In the blink of an eye (well, a long wink, perhaps), Potsdam is back in the thick of things, having garnered four more points in their last four games to creep to within two points of sixth-place Cortland, with two weekends remaining.
Talk about rising to the occasion. The Bears, as it turns out, haven’t lost their snarl just yet.
“Every year, the SUNYAC proves extraordinarily competitive throughout the balance of a long season,” said Potsdam coach Chris Bernard. “The difficulty to garner points is a testament to the parity and effort of the opposing teams. It just always seems to be more magnified down the stretch. We have a lot of work ahead of us to meet the challenge of being a playoff team.”
Last weekend, the Bears hosted two playoff-bound squads – Buffalo State and Fredonia – and found a way to earn ties (and the point that goes with it) in both games, with clutch, come-from-behind efforts.
Getting the deadlocker in both games was sophomore winger Billy Pascalli.
Pascalli, who is second among the Bears in scoring (with 15 points in conference play) now has seven goals, with a game-winner to go along with his two game-tiers.
Understandably, Bernard appreciates the way Pascalli is grasping the college game.
“Billy is a very hard-working player who is adept at creating offense with his tenacity and hockey sense,” Bernard said.
As many know by now, the Friday tilt with Buff State – which ended in a 1-1 draw – devolved into a penalty-filled affair, totaling 210 PIMs (the Bengals racked up 118), and saw five game misconducts handed out in the final moments of overtime.
“It was an intense hockey game and overtime logistics played a role in the postgame altercation between our teams,” said Bernard. “Obviously, it is something both teams will take caution in avoiding in the future.”
Both teams had to dip into their depth on Saturday to replace players serving one-game suspensions.
“That said, we are all moving ahead, with all penalties having been served,” noted Bernard.
Commitments rolling in
The latest commitments to SUNYAC schools to be announced are a trio of skaters who will head to Brockport next fall.
Among them are defenseman Brian Hurlimann, who hails from nearby Hilton, N.Y., but who is currently playing for Trenton in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Hurlimann will join two other newbies, forwards Matt Meredith (New Jersey, EHL) and Ryan Kangas (Hartford, EHL).
Meredith, by the way, is the son of Jeff Meredith, who happens to be the coach at SUNYAC rival Fredonia, now the former boss of Brockport coach Brian Dickinson.
On the season:
Dan: 125-63-21 (.648)
Chris: 126-62-21 (.653)
This Week’s Picks
Thursday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 15:
Niagara vs. Robert Morris Dan: RMU hasn’t lost since January 9th, going 7-0-2 since losing to UConn. Over the second half of the season, the Colonials are 9-1-2. Hard to pick against that. RMU sweeps. Chris: Robert Morris is the hottest team in the league so it’s tough to pick against the Colonials. RMU is just 3-6-3 against their former CHA rivals since joining Atlantic Hockey, but I think the Colonials will take at least three points this weekend. Since I can’t pick ties, I’m going with an RMU sweep.
Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15: Sacred Heart vs. American International Dan: AIC hasn’t lost to Sacred Heart since January 27, 2012, and they haven’t lost a season series to the Pioneers since getting swept in 2009-2010. I think this is as hard as ever to pick a sweep, but I pride myself on making bold statements like this. AIC sweeps. Chris: All of the Eastern Pod teams are playing home and home again this weekend, which increases the probability of some splits. I think that’s what will happen with the Pioneers and Yellow Jackets this weekend. I’m going with the home team each night. AIC wins Friday; Sacred Heart on Saturday.
Bentley vs. Army Dan: Army hasn’t been swept by Bentley since 2008-2009, a testament to how hard they typically play the Falcons. And there’s something about the JAR’s smaller sheet that’s built for West Point to take a point. Over the span of the 11-game season losing streak they’re currently on, Army has rarely been blown out. Still, Bentley’s two points out of first with the western pod picking up, and now’s not the time for them to take their foot off the accelerator. Bentley sweeps. Chris:Army is certainly capable of getting a split here, especially at home on Friday, but I think Bentley, just two points out of first place, will be sufficiently motivated not to leave points on the table against the last place Black Knights. Bentley sweeps.
Holy Cross vs. Connecticut Dan: UConn’s goaltending riches were partially bankrupted last week when Robby Nichols tasted his first bite of struggle. I think he gets a chance to rally back, but I doubt we see him in both games. That said, the Nichols/Grogan platoon is going to head into the playoffs as best in the league. UConn sweeps. Chris: The Huskies lead the Crusaders by 10 points in the standing but I expect these games to be close. Again, I’d pick a tie on Saturday if I could, but I’m going with a UConn sweep.
Air Force at Canisius Dan: Since the AHA went to 12 teams, the Falcons are 20-5-4 in February, including last weekend’s sweep of Mercyhurst. Would you bet against that? I wouldn’t either. Air Force sweeps. Chris: The Falcons are coming off a sweep of first-place Mercyhurst, and I suspect that was the start of the typical Air Force end-of-the-season run. I’m picking the Falcons to sweep.
Mercyhurst at Rochester Institute of Technology Dan: Mercyhurst got swept by Air Force last week, so let’s take that with a grain of salt since this is really the first taste of adversity they’ve faced all season. On the flip side, RIT was supposed to make a comeback to the top of the standings by heading home. Instead, the roof’s caved in. They can salvage the beginning of the end of Ritter Arena by upsetting the Lakers. I just think the Lakers will send a message this weekend. Mercyhurst sweeps. Chris: The Lakers are smarting from last weekend, as are the Tigers, who are just 0-3-2 going into the final two games of a seven game home stand. I think Mercyhurst will rebound, so I’m going with a Lakers sweep.
Last week, I gained another game on Matthew in our picks race, as I went 4-2-2 (.625) while Matthew went 3-3-2 (.500). On the year, I am now 77-50-21 (.591), while Matthew is 74-53-21 (.570).
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-15
Western Michigan at Colorado College Candace: CC has been playing better, and has gotten points in its last two series, and the Tigers played the Broncos tough in the Friday game last November, but I’m not completely convinced they can pull over the hump. Western Michigan 2-1, 4-2 Matthew: Western’s been so good since the holiday break, apart from its two losses at home to Minnesota-Duluth a couple weeks back, and I think the Broncos will continue to roll this weekend. CC’s been better at home than it has away, but I’d be surprised if the Tigers got more than a point or two out of this series. Western Michigan 4-2, 3-2
No. 16 Minnesota-Duluth at No. 6 St. Cloud State Candace: St. Cloud has really tapered off from its early-season form, and Minnesota-Duluth has been playing extremely well in the second half, but I can’t see this being anything but a split. St. Cloud State 3-2, Minnesota-Duluth 3-2 Matthew: Depending on what goes on elsewhere, this series could either see SCSU go even further clear at the top of the NCHC standings or could see Duluth leapfrog the Huskies into first place. I feel St. Cloud’s a better team on paper, but Duluth’s been hot lately. This one’s almost too close to call for me, so I’m going to take the safe option and go with a split. Minnesota-Duluth 3-1, St. Cloud State 4-2
Miami at No. 17 North Dakota Candace: I’ve given up on thinking the RedHawks will turn it around this season, which is a surprise given some of the players Miami has. North Dakota needs a weekend sweep to move up in the standings. North Dakota 3-2, 4-1 Matthew: UND going to Miami early this season was a series we were all really looking forward to watching, but it’s fair to say it isn’t nearly as mouthwatering this time around. UND’s form has tapered off a bit after only picking up splits in its last two series, but Miami has only picked up five points in 2014 and I can’t see the RedHawks getting any more this weekend in Grand Forks. North Dakota 4-2, 3-1
No. 18 Denver at Nebraska-Omaha Candace: When these two faced off in Denver back in November, UNO came away with two overtime wins by identical 3-2 scores. Those losses helped turn around Denver’s season, but not enough to sweep UNO in Omaha. Denver 3-2, Nebraska-Omaha 4-2 Matthew: Denver’s scoring issues could come to a halt this weekend as UNO’s defense and goaltending haven’t been amazing, and the Pioneers have been almost automatic in Friday road games. The Mavericks’ offense has been good this year, though, and forwards like Josh Archibald and Dominic Zombo will give DU goaltender Sam Brittain as good a test as any he’s faced this season. Denver 4-2, Nebraska-Omaha 4-2
With assistants Kyle Wallack (left) and Kevin Patrick (right), Vermont coach Kevin Sneddon has the Catamounts climbing back (photo: Bradley K. Olson).
Sometimes you have to hit the bottom before you climb to the top.
Such has been a fact of life for two Hockey East teams in recent years: Massachusetts-Lowell and Providence.
There is a chance you might add a third team to that list this year: Vermont.
The Catamounts, who reached the Frozen Four in 2009 and qualified for the NCAA tournament again in 2010, went from the top to bottom pretty quick. Just three years after the school’s second Frozen Four bid, Vermont finished dead last in Hockey East.
Injuries, locker room problems and early departures made things challenging for coach Kevin Sneddon. Add that a major part of his staff — associate head coach John Micheletto, assistant head coach Joey Gasparini and director of hockey operations John Gobeil — all headed to Massachusetts last season after longtime head coach Don “Toot” Cahoon stepped down.
And if you want to kick a guy when he’s down, so was the case when blue chip recruit Zemgus Girgensons never arrived on campus last season, heading instead to Buffalo after the Sabres drafted him in the first round. (If you don’t know who he is, just watch Latvia in the Olympics, where he was his team’s best player in a 1-0 loss on Wednesday.)
It’s hard to imagine that anything more could have gone wrong for the Catamounts and Sneddon.
“We had some tough things happen within the program, not necessarily within our control,” said Sneddon. “Every program goes through [early departures]. It just seemed like a tough time for us [to lose Girgensons and Sebastian Stalberg].
“Then we had a staff turnover. I wanted to see when my new staff came in — and they’re tremendous coaches and recruiters [in Kevin Patrick and Kyle Wallack] — where we are as a team.”
The end result for the Catamounts was what Sneddon calls a “culture change.” Off the ice, that translates to leadership provided by redshirt senior Chris McCarthy and classmate H.T. Lenz.
But on the ice is where you’ll see the most improvement. Vermont has continuously played the top teams in Hockey East and across Division I hockey tough this season. Posting an 8-3-2 record outside of the conference, Vermont’s 7-7 mark in league play has positioned the team well not just within Hockey East but also in the PairWise Rankings as the Cats look to return to the NCAA tournament.
Last weekend certainly didn’t hurt as Vermont went to New Hampshire for two games and came away with four points. Though the Catamounts still sit in seventh place, they are just three points behind third-place Northeastern and hold at least one game in hand on the majority of the teams in front of them.
The good news for the Catamounts is that four of their final six games are at home, where Vermont has posted a 7-4-2 mark. The only bad news is that this weekend the Catamounts will have to welcome the nation’s top (and hottest) team, Boston College. That, though, is a challenge that Sneddon welcomes.
“Our team has approached [recent games] that every one of our league games is a playoff game,” said Sneddon. “We’ve got a huge challenge in front of us with the red-hot Boston College Eagles coming to town. But it’s a great opportunity for us.
“I don’t think people would have thought our team was capable of going down to New Hampshire and winning two games. This team continues to impress me. I love the team. It’s a great group that is just having fun playing the game right now.”
Sneddon certainly isn’t the one who is impressed by this Catamounts team. And as legendary radio host Paul Harvey might have said, “And now you know the rest of the story.”
Boston College’s Patrick Brown scores the go-ahead goal in Monday’s Beanpot championship game against Northeastern (photo: Melissa Wade).
What can Brown do for you?
If you’re Boston College, Brown can deliver a Beanpot. And do so in dramatic fashion.
BC’s Patrick Brown, the team’s captain, was a standout in Monday’s Beanpot final, scoring the game-winning goal late in the third before netting a second goal late on a breakaway.
It wasn’t that Brown delivered in the clutch, something that one might not have expected when he saw limited action his freshman year. It was that he scored the Beanpot-winning goal while being hauled to the ground, keeping his focus on the puck just enough to deflect it past Northeastern goaltender Clay Witt.
For BC coach Jerry York, the goal and the pomp and circumstance for Brown that comes with it are a much-deserved reward.
“Here’s a player who was kind of lightly recruited by us,” said York. “He played maybe 10 games his freshman year, but he just had something about him. He kept working and was getting stronger.”
While Brown doesn’t have the numbers of some of BC’s high-profile players, he does have the respect of his teammates and, as their captain, is leading them on a pretty impressive campaign this season.
“Most teams, their captain is their best player,” said York. “Patrick has such leadership skills that he didn’t have to be our best player or an All-American or Hobey Baker candidate for the team to recognize him. It was unanimous that he would be our captain.
“It shows how well respected he is because of his work ethic and being a terrific young guy.”
Quick hits
• After Maine’s 2-1 victory at Notre Dame last Friday, Boston University remains the only Hockey East team without a road win. While that may not be surprising for the struggling Terriers, the fact that the Black Bears remained a nationally ranked team this long in the season despite having not won a game in an opponent’s barn is befuddling. I guess that’s what a 10-1 home record can do for you.
• Wonder which teams have the toughest road to the finish? Massachusetts-Lowell takes that cake, facing opponents with an average winning percentage of .629. Vermont is second with an average percentage of .594. Not surprisingly, both of these teams will face Boston College twice in the next two weeks (beginning with Vermont this weekend). Needless to say, the Eagles’ mark of 22-4-3 and 13-1-1 in Hockey East skews this statistic significantly.
• I’ve mentioned the PairWise in recent columns and pointed out Hockey East’s success to date. Want to know how volatile the PairWise can be? Providence’s 3-2 loss to Connecticut on Tuesday dropped the Friars from 11th to the top of the bubble, 15th. In fact, the PairWise has become downright scary for the Friars, who have dropped from fifth with losses in their last three games.
An update on a friend and colleague
Anyone who reads this column regularly knows that my counterpart, Dave Hendrickson, underwent open-heart surgery this week to repair a birth defect in his heart.
I am very happy to report that the surgery, performed at Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday, was extremely successful. Dave was through surgery in about five hours and, as I write this on Tuesday evening, has already been moved out of intensive care.
It will be a long recovery for Dave — the minimum estimate he gave me was about six weeks (and for anyone who knows Dave, keeping him relaxed for six weeks is a gargantuan challenge). But he expects to be back by the Frozen Four and having him back next to me in the press box will be a welcome sight.
With the risk of sounding sappy, I want to express how incredibly great the news of his successful surgery was to me. We’ve now worked together at USCHO.com for about 16 seasons and have worked together on this column for the last few years. But to know Dave is to know a very genuine individual. He’s hardly just a colleague. He’s a great friend.
When Dave called me with the news he would have to undergo such a serious surgery, I sensed some uneasiness in his voice for really the first time since I’ve known him. If you read his column before Christmas, you know that while ready for surgery, he had some concern.
Making it through as positively as I have been told by his family, you have to believe that Dave will be with us to share his wisdom and prose for a very long time. And for that, all of us who know him, are around him and have the pleasure to read him are impacted for the better.
Due to the impending winter storm that is scheduled to arrive in New England on Thursday and Friday, the Bowdoin women’s team has adjusted its travel plans and will play its two-game NESCAC set at Hamilton on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16, at noon at Sage Rink in Clinton, N.Y. The games were originally slated for Friday and Saturday.
