Men’s Hockey: Hockey East Battles This Week

UConn at Notre Dame (2): A loss and a tie against Penn State last week was disappointing for the Irish. UConn could only tie against AIC, but the Huskies have shown some promise. While the Huskies are a much improved team, they still aren’t a top contender in the conference like the Irish are. Prediction: Notre Dame sweep.

Providence at Boston College: The Eagles had a good week with two establishing wins and then a tie against Merrimack to open conference play. Providence tied with Clarkson before picking up a nice win over a top 15 team in St Lawrence. The Eagles have turned some heads this year despite losing a lot of talent, and while Providence is also an excellent team, it would be tough to top Boston College at home. Prediction: Boston College

UNH at UMass: UMass topped Army before barely falling to Quinnipiac on the road. UNH has struggled mightily this season as well, and this is essentially a battle for the bottom of the conference. However, the Minutemen’s effort against the Bobcats wasn’t bad. Prediction: UMass.

Maine at Colgate (2): Colgate has been underwhelming against Hockey East thus far this season. Yet, Maine had a wildly disappointing weekend against Miami. The Black Bears have been a surprisingly solid team for most of the season, defeating Quinnpiac at one point, and the fact is, Colgate has just been awful. Prediction: Maine sweep.

Cornell at Merrimack: After starting on the wrong foot this season, the Warriors came out with two wins over Colgate before tying Boston College. Colgate has struggled all season, but its a good sign for Merrimack to take those two games. Cornell won both its exhibitions last week, and finally kick off its regular season this weekend. Prediction: Cornell

Lowell at Omaha (2): Lowell was surprised by Clarkson after handling St Lawrence. Omaha lost and played to a tie with Vermont last week. While Vermont was impressive, it was a disappointing effort for Omaha. The River Hawks continue to play well, but Omaha is continuing its four game homestand. Omaha has surprisingly struggled this year, and Lowell has a chance to pounce. Prediction: Lowell sweep.

Michigan at Vermont: Vermont was able to come out of Omaha with a win and a tie last week. Michigan won and tied against Michigan Tech last week. The Catamounts earned a surprising three out of four points against Omaha, but still, it shouldn’t be much of a match for the Wolverines. Prediction: Michigan

Boston College at UMass: Boston College heads to the road after a home contest against Providence. UMass might get a much easier contest against UNH before this game, but it shouldn’t be a match for the Eagles. Prediction: Boston College.

Merrimack at UNH: New Hampshire fell 4-3 to Colorado College last week, and faces UMass before taking on the Warriors. Both teams have struggled at times this season, but it’s been Merrimack that has shown more promise. Prediction: Merrimack

Vermont at Northeastern: Northeastern crushed Arizona State, and certainly Vermont will prove to be a tougher test. Vermont might be a better team than it was given credit for. Still, the Huskies are the defending conference champions and Vermont won’t be a tournament contender. Prediction: Northeastern

Providence at Brown: After facing Boston College, Providence remains on the road, albeit much closer, to face the Brown Bears. This will be Brown’s first test as Ivy League play starts up, but the Friars are already in mid season form. Prediction: Providence