D-III East Hockey Game Picks – February 10, 2022 – College Hockey
More teams will make the playoffs in most conferences, which means the balance of the remaining schedule is more attractive to anyone looking to step up in the standings, whether just for position or for home position or a pass. Last week of the regular season for NEHC teams while other conferences are looking at two or more to complete the full schedule if possible. Last week I hit 8-5-0 (.615), which shows a downtrend from recent picks. Overall numbers of 74-42-7 (.630) are good but still not great. Lots of great action with plenty at stake for most of the games below. Here are this week’s picks:
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Worcester State vs. Framingham State
The Rams celebrated a great win over Massachusetts-Dartmouth last week, so teams can’t just show up and expect a win. The visitors certainly won’t take a win or the points for granted – Worcester State, 5-3
Friday, February 11, 2022
Suffolk v. University of New England (11)
Suffolk played hard against everyone in the second half and picked up points to finish fifth in the conference. The home side are fighting for the top seed and won’t be surprised by Cal Wilcox and company – A, 4-2
Elmira (7) v Norwich (13)
It’s the last weekend of the regular season, so these games will be important for the standings with six teams in a dogfight at the top. Cadets are better with Drennen Atherton in goal and it shows here – Norwich, 3-2
Colby (14) vs. Wesleyan
The Cardinals have been playing their best hockey lately with everyone. Wesleyan, 2-1
River c. Canton
I wouldn’t want to be a goalkeeper for either team in this one as it would have to be an on-track encounter with talented players looking for scoring goals. More video for the home team – Guangzhou, 6-5
Plattsburgh vs. Potsdam
It took a while, but the Bears have found their scoring touch and some success in recent games. Step up competition against Cardinals who need OT to claim victory – Plattsburgh, 4-3
Neumann vs. Manhattanville
The Black Knights have played four one-goal games in their last five games and expect this to be their fifth. Lost three of those four but finding a way to hold on for a big win here – Neuman, 5-4
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Utica (2) vs. Wilkes (9)
The Pioneers are on a 12-game winning streak and want to send a message to other UCHC competitors. Winning on the road against top flight colonels is a big message – Utica, 6-4
Brockport vs. Fredonia
The Golden Eagles have played great hockey this season, but want to build momentum heading into the playoffs. A great win on the road helps build confidence – Brockport, 4-3
Middlebury v. Williams
The Ephs struggled a bit in the second half, notably by scoring goals. The first fight with the Panthers went their way, 3-2. Look for another one-goal win and sweep of the season over the Panthers – Williams, 3-2
University of New England (11) vs. Curry
The Colonels need this one to get close to the UNE and Salve Regina above them in the CCC. Only lost once at home this season and Nor’easters come close but can’t stand Reid Cooper and company – Curry, 3-1
Massachusetts-Boston v. Skidmore
Sssssh – very quietly the Beacons played some good hockey and goaltender Sam Best has a lot to do with that streak of good play. Expect this one to be low scoring and with special teams taking charge. count the victory of the Beacons – UMB, 2-1
Anna Maria v. State of Fitchburg
The Falcons played very well in the second half and won’t pass up a serious AMC team in a non-conference game that can help sharpen their playoff readiness. Too much initial talent for the Falcons – USF, 5-2
Assumption vs. Southern New Hampshire
The Penmen don’t want to make the playoffs and showed a lot of character as they bounced back from a 9-1 loss to break a streak with St. Michael’s last week. This one should be for the weekend sweep – SNHU, 5-4
Lots of excitement and scoreboard to see which team can help your team’s cause in the standings. It won’t matter much if your team doesn’t mind its own business. Control what you can control – “Drop the puck!”
