Well with the holiday coming up this week, the College Hockey second half is upon us. I rode a perfect 4-0 mark last week and do I dare say I haven’t hit double digits for losses yet. Ok I probably just jinxed myself. This week we highlight two Hockey East schools taking part in two different tournaments starting on Monday and the hometown Black Bears return to action next week as well.
Last week’s record 4-0 Season Record 27-9-8
Last week’s results:
Saturday, December 19th
Northeastern 2, Michigan State 1 correct pick
Nebraska-Omaha 3, Arizona State 1 correct pick
Sunday, December 20th
Union 3, Vermont 2 overtime correct pick
Merrimack 4, Canisius 1 correct pick
This week’s games:
Monday, December 28th
#1 Providence (12-0-3) vs #9 Cornell (8-1-2)
At the Florida College Classic in Estero, Florida it will be a great matchup of two teams having great success so far this year. The Friars have been tied three times but have been dominant. Providence comes off a 4-1 win over Brown back on 12/10 and Cornell is also coming off a victory beating Clarkson 5-2 back on 12/5.
The pick- Not picking against a team that hasn’t lost. My Dad taught me this at a very young age, go with the favorite. Ok you got it Dad. Providence 5, Cornell 3
Clarkson (7-6-2) vs UMass-Lowell (12-3-4)
In the Three Rivers Classic in Pittsburgh it will be an ECAC-Hockey East matchup in this one. Clarkson comes in off a loss to Cornell and Lowell also lost last time at home against Connecticut 2-1 on 12/6.
The pick- Neutral ice, have to go with the Riverhawks. Look for them to bounce back after their letdown against UConn a few weeks back. UMass-Lowell 4, Clarkson 2
Tuesday, December 29th
UNH (6-6-4) at Maine (4-9-4)
In the first game of a pair of non conference matchups these two teams will be very familiar with each other as they just played a home and home conference series 3 weeks ago. This one will be in Portland at the Cross Insurance Arena and may give Maine a lift with the home crowd. UNH comes in with a victory over Dartmouth 6-3 on 12/11 while Maine had their 5 game unbeaten streak ended by the Wildcats in Durham by a score of 5-2 on 12/5.
The pick- Maine is 4-1-1 in their last six games and definitely trending up a bit. I will stick with the Bears to beat the Cats in night one. Maine 3, UNH 2
Wednesday, December 30th
Maine at UNH
In the second night at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire expect a bigger New Hampshire crowd to try and help the Cats to a split. Also expect the Maine diehards to make a trip down 95 to try and help turn Manchester into Orono.
The pick- The Cats pick up the split as the Black Bear goal scoring can’t hold up two nights in a row. UNH 4, Maine 1
