Hockey Game Pick D-III East – February 3, 2022 – College Hockey
Welcome to February and the start of the final regular season push for position and seeding in upcoming conference tournaments. There isn’t a lot of room in any of the leagues, especially at the top where home ice is in play. It’s time for everyone’s best brand of hockey, as many games are already played, like the playoffs. Last week I finished 8-3-1 (.708), which was the first week over the 70% mark since the first half of the season. The overall numbers of 66-37-7 (.632) are starting to edge closer to playoff prep. Key matchups abound and points count pretty much everywhere. Here are this week’s picks:
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Westfield State vs. Plymouth State
The Panthers are healthy and starting to play great hockey at the right time of year. A fierce race for the top spot keeps them motivated against the Owls – Power supply, 5-2
Friday, February 4, 2022
Endicott v. University of New England (10)
The CCC is a real dogfight with four teams separated by only two points. It’s a critical game, and the home team does it in overtime – A, 3-2
Norwich v Babson (7)
After a brief hiccup, the Beavers turned their game around and showed real courage to find ways to win late in games. Cadets seek to maintain positive momentum, but fail on the road – Babson, 3-1
Wesleyan vs. Williams
The Cardinals are looking for a playoff spot at home, but Williams is also motivated to stay near the top of the NESCAC standings. Ephs scores late to win a tight game – Williams, 2-1
Anna Maria versus Albertus Magnus
This battle of independents should be a lot of fun as both teams have been prolific in the goalscoring area of late. Falcons use home ice to their advantage – Albertus Magnus, 6-5
Geneseo (2) vs. Cortland
The Knights continue to roll while Cortland is down a bit in conference play. The Red Dragons aren’t going to make it easy but the visitors remain focused on Friday’s opponent for the win – Genesis, 4-3
Chatham vs. Manhattanville
The Valiants could really use a buffer as they try to stay in the top four in the standings while the Cougars look to move up. Seesaw game that ultimately goes to the home team and possibly overtime – Manhattanville, 4-3
Saturday, February 5, 2022
Nazareth against Utica (3)
The Pioneers are rolling and that’s not good for the Golden Flyers. Too much depth and attack keep the winning streak going – Utica, 6-2
Oswego (13) vs Geneseo (2)
Maybe it’s the GOTW as the Lakers have been scorching as Geneseo continues to rack up wins. This will be a playoff caliber game with an OT winner for the home team – Genesis, 4-3
Hamilton vs. Colby
The Mules have been very consistent and goalkeeper Andy Beran continues to score hard to reach goals for Colby’s opponents. Another close goes to the home team – Colby, 3-2
Curry (14) vs. Endicott
The Gulls will need Conor O’Brien to play like it’s already the playoffs, but Curry will also be looking for a big game from Reid Cooper. Goalkeepers will be great and special teams will make the difference – Endicott, 3-1
Skidmore vs. Hobart (6)
The Statesmen are in control of the top seed, but face a thoroughbred team that is in the thick of the battle for home ice. This one will be a one-goal game anyway, but the home team manages it – Hobart, 2-1
State of Plymouth v. Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Both teams played an overtime game in New Hampshire last week and don’t be surprised if a similar result occurs in this key game. Abbate and Barone hard to stop – Power supply, 5-4
Assumption c. Saint Anselm
The Hawks played very well last week against St. Michael’s and forward Andrew Andary was a one-man show offensively. Others contribute for the Hawks who benefit from being healthy on the scoreboard – Saint Anselm, 4-3
Racing is great from conference to conference and with some conferences changing the playoff criteria for all teams in attendance, there is an added incentive for teams to try and improve their position or even play spoiler – “Drop the puck!”
