Hockey Game Pick D-III East – January 27, 2022 – College Hockey

It’s the last weekend of January, which means the sprint towards the end of the regular season is on! Conference standings are tight and minding their own business first is what teams need to do now on the ice. Many teams are now playing three games a week with burgeoning makeups as calendar days draw to a close. Personally, I need to improve the accuracy of my predictions if I want to be worthy of the post-season. Last week I finished at 6-3-0 (.667) which was a trend in the right direction, gradually moving my overall numbers from 58-34-6 (.622). Conference battles will bring great competition and some dark horses are emerging in the region. Here are this week’s picks:

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Massachusetts-Dartmouth v. Westfield State

The Corsairs are eager to return to action and it won’t take long for Dillon Radin and company to start scoring goals again. A quick start and good special teams make the difference against the Owls – UMD, 4-2

Friday, January 28, 2022

Salve Regina vs. Curry (10)

The Seahawks very quietly challenged for the top of the CCC standings, but now face a talented Curry side who are still undefeated at home. It’s a tough game that takes overtime to decide – Curry, 3-2

Babson (9) vs. Skidmore

The hottest team in the NEHC is Skidmore and playing on the big leaf plays to their advantage against a very talented Babson team looking to bounce back from their winning ways in conference play. Tate Brandon is the difference for thoroughbreds – Skidmore, 3-1

Trinity v. Amherst

The Mammoths have found their game in recent weeks while Trinity continues to be up and down week in and week out. Orr Rink’s friendly confines and Dan Dachille’s hot goalkeeper help secure big NESCAC points – Amherst, 2-1

Canton against Albertus Magnus

This battle of independents is going to be an attacking game that may take overtime to decide. Falcons score late to claim victory – Albertus Magnus, 5-4

Geneseo (2) vs. Plattsburgh

The Knights had a break last weekend where many SUNYAC teams returned to conference action. They’re up against a Plattsburgh team that wants to show they’re a contender. The visitors get away with a late goal – Genesis, 4-3

King’s vs. Wilkes (8)

The Colonels have plenty of firepower, and it’s all on display against King in this UCHC battle. Flynn, Barrow and company quickly begin to claim victory. – Wilkes, 7-3

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Utica (3) vs. Stevenson

The Mustangs welcome conference leaders looking to send a message as the playoffs approach. Pioneering depth and goalkeeper Chris Janzen help secure victory where empty-net goals count towards final margin – Utica, 5-2

Fredonia v. Oswego

The Lakers are rolling right now with a balanced score and excellent goaltender Steven Kozikoski. No goalkeeping goals for the Blue Devils this week – Oswego, 4-2

Colby v. Bowdoin

Rivalry games are always a challenge, and this rivalry allows both teams to play great hockey at the right time of year. Neither team is looking for the 1.5 point result – Colby, 3-2

Rivier v. Anna Maria

The AmCats have regained their offensive game in 2022 and are enjoying the resurgence of scoring against the Raiders. Special teams make the difference in an entertaining competition – CMA, 5-3

Hobart (6) v. Massachusetts-Boston

The Beacons have been playing hardball with everyone in their quest for a home playoff berth. Hobart likes to play playoff-style hockey and win this one with a late goal – Hobart, 2-1

Fitchburg State vs. Plymouth State

The Falcons eliminated the Panthers as MASCAC returned from COVID protocols last week. Return on investment is definitely on the home side’s mind as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the table – Power supply, 2-1

Saint-Michel against Saint-Anselme

The Hawks need to step up a gear if they want to qualify for the NE-10 tournament. Nothing like a great rival to get the competition’s juices flowing – Saint Anselm, 4-2

The conference action kicks into high gear for the rest of the program. Add in some makeover games and the leaderboard should be very dynamic over the next few weeks. – “Drop the puck!”