There’s only one conference matchup this weekend, but all of the teams are in action so there’s plenty of hockey to be watched. The headliner is Michigan State traveling to Minnesota, but some of the non-conference games are very intriguing, especially Michigan going on the road to St. Cloud State.

Last weekend was another pedestrian week for me as I went .500 again. I did well with the non-conference games earlier in the season so hopefully that trend continues and I can get back on track. As always, let me know what picks you agree or don’t agree with in the comments.

Last week’s results: 3-3 Season Total: 48-19

Boston College at Notre Dame

After having the pleasure to watch Notre Dame in person last weekend, it’s clear that they are a very tenacious team, but they lack the scoring finishes. If they can figure out how to put the puck in the net to reward their hard work, they will be a dangerous team. With that being said, Boston College has already figured it out and their defense will make it tough for the Irish to finish offensive plays. Look for a close game with the Irish controlling pace and play, but the Eagles ultimately prevailing. Prediction: Boston College 1-0

Lindenwood at Penn State

With Lindenwood only winning three games in regulation this year, Penn State has to be licking their chops anticipating this matchup. The Nittany Lions have the better offense, defense, and goaltending, so as long as they remain focused, they’ll come out as top Lion this weekend. Prediction: PSU 2-0

Princeton at Ohio State

Princeton is stepping out of the Ivy League for the first time this season and has a favorable matchup with Ohio State. The Tigers come into the meeting with three wins in six games, but none of those were in regulation. The Buckeyes have also been struggling as of late so they’re likely ready to get a break from the gauntlet of the Big Ten. Pretty evenly matched teams typically leads to a split series so that’s what I’ll take, but don’t expect compelling or exciting hockey to take place. Prediction: Split 1-1

Alaska-Anchorage at Wisconsin

The Badgers had a bye week and then ran into a buzz saw last week in East Lansing. The Seawolves, making a trans-Canada trip to Madison, are the perfect opponent for Wisconsin to settle back into their winning groove. Look for Bucky and Co. to control the play and make Alaska-Anchorage look overpowered, proving that their early season hot streak was not an anomaly. Prediction: Wisconsin 2-0

Michigan at St. Cloud State

The Wolverines go on the road to take on the St. Cloud State. The Huskies come into the weekend on a six-game win streak, in which they’ve outscored their opponents 23-10. The Wolverines have been inconsistent this year, showing both flashes of greatness and glimpses of ineptitude, sometimes in the same game. Depending on which version of the Wolverines gets off the bus, this could be a great series. Michigan has the firepower to hang with anyone, but if they’re not engaged, it’ll end poorly for them. Look for St. Cloud to be the better team, but Michigan to squeak out a win. Prediction: Split 1-1

Michigan State at Minnesota

In the lone Big Ten matchup of the weekend, the Spartans travel to Minneapolis to keep their win streak going. After a sweep of a previously-unbeaten (in conference play) Wisconsin, Michigan State is riding high. But the Gophers are still the gold standard in the Big Ten until proven otherwise. The Spartans up-tempo play combined with Minnesota’s ability to score at will could create some fireworks inside 3M Arena, but ultimately, MSU overpowers the Gophers. Prediction: MSU 2-0