Choice of hockey games D-III East – November 18, 2021 – College hockey
It’s a long and comprehensive list of games for the weekend, with all teams now officially playing meaningful games. Lots of interesting clashes to choose from, including great ranked opponents going head-to-head. Fell a bit with last weekend’s picks that ended at 5-3-2 (.600) making the overall record 20-8-4 (.688), so I’m looking to break that threshold by 70% again this week. Here are the picks for this weekend that finds NESCAC added to the mix:
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Massachusetts- Dartmouth v. Fitchburg State
The Falcons got off to a quick start in the conference game, displaying both offensive firepower and strong goalies. At home it is difficult to face Brian McGrath who will make life difficult for Corsair forwards – FSU, 3-1
Friday, November 19, 2021
Massachusetts-Boston (15) vs. Hobart (6)
Interesting look at the momentum of two lenses – Beacons on a pitch after taking down Babson while Hobart unhappy with the loss to Cortland. This one is near, but the statesmen do not let go of two in a row – Hobart, 4-3
Williams vs. Colby
The first NESCAC game that counts in the new arena, and it will be a big game with bonus goals. Ephs come off with an overtime goal to open the season – Williams, 2-1
Saint-Anselme v. Southern New Hampshire
The backyard brawl in Manchester, NH is always a tough game, but Nick Howard made the difference in the Hawks’ goals and made one more save to take down the Penmen – Saint Anselm 4-3
Oswego v. Brockport
The current five-game winning streak to open the season equals the 1980 record, but to beat it the Golden Eagles are going to have to beat a tough Oswego side. There is a new record in the books – Brockport, 5-3
Manhattanville vs. Stevenson
The Mustangs need to bounce back from the loss to Utica and the Valiants are certainly not going to make it easy for them. The home team succeeds with a quick start and hang in at the end – Stevenson, 4-3
Saturday 20 November 2021
State of Plymouth v State of Worcester
This one is sharper than the Panthers would like, but a win is a win, and they’ll gladly take the two points that come with a tough win on the road – Power supply, 5-4
Wentworth v. Regina Salve
The Seahawks have started well, but should be wary of a talented Leopard team always looking for their best hockey. A goal in an empty net provides the final margin in a win – Salve Regina, 5-3
Rivier c. Morrisville
The Raiders’ first overnight road trip is very similar to their learning experiences during their first season to date. After Friday night’s loss, they bounce back to win a two-game series division – River, 4-3
Wesleyan v. Connecticut College
The Camels and Jim Ward would like nothing better to start the season with positive results. Definitely a bright spot to eliminate the Cardinals, reigning NESCAC champions – College of Connecticut, 3-1
Skidmore vs. Babson (8)
It should be a four-point weekend for the Beavers who win a tight one at home against a Skidmore side who are still in competition. Egan and Black lead the way for the home team – Babson, 3-2
Albertus Magnus c. Hamilton
Game 1 nervousness will be gone after facing Amherst on Friday night, but the newness of the season has not allowed the Continentals to escape the Falcons. It’s a victory but close – Hamilton, 4-2
It’s not enough to just show up and win against someone wearing a different colored jersey. There is a strong incentive for each team to steer their game in the right direction as the weeks of the first half start to dwindle – “Drop the puck! “
