Faceoff Factor

NCAA Weekend Preview: Series To Watch 1/18-1/20

Andrew Chiappazzi | College/NCAA

Jan 18, 03:43 PM | Hype this story!

Here are the games you cannot miss this weekend in college hockey.

#3. Boston University at Boston College
Saturday, January 19th at 7:00 EST in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Radio: 830 WCRN AM (Boston) / 1510 WWZN AM (Boston College)
Television: None
The Scoop: In an early preview of the upcoming Beanpot Tournament, this is the ultimate test of whether BU is in the process of saving their season. Coach Jack Parker has resurrected the Terriers into fifth in the Hockey East, but Boston College has been towards the top all season long. Whether the Eagles can put away their fierce rivals will go a long way to shaping the outcome of the conference this year. I don’t think the Terriers have it.

#2. Sacred Heart at RIT
Friday, January 18th at 7:05 EST in Rochester, New York
Saturday, January 19th at 7:05 EST in Rochester, New York
Radio: WITR 89.7 FM (RIT)
Television: None
The Scoop: Both sit at the top of the Atlantic Hockey conference, tied in 2nd with 19 points each. Air Force leads with 21. Not only do these two teams have the chance to pull away from each other, but they could easily place themselves in position to knock off the Falcons. There’s a good deal of games left to be played, especially in conference. But these weekend match-ups are major swings in points, especially with a sweep. Best bet is that the Pioneers’ stingy defense will come up big.

#1. Notre Dame at Michigan
Friday, January 18th at 8:00 EST in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Saturday, January 19th at 7:05 EST in Auburn Hills, Michigan
Radio: WDND 1490 AM (Notre Dame) / 1050 WTKA AM (Michigan)
Television: CSTV (Friday), Comcast Local (Saturday)
The Scoop: Should the Irish sweep, they very well could find themselves in first place in the CCHA. One tiny item to deal with though: Michigan is pretty damn good. Not much needs to be said about a 20-2 team, except that, oh yeah, that team is 13-1 in the conference. With the glitz and glamor of playing up in The Palace at Auburn Hills Saturday night, you have to expect the Wolverines to be ready. Wolverines should be able to pot 3 points.

We’ll see you on Monday after the craziness of the weekend.