http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ides_of_March
#3 Johns Hopkins vs #10 Syracuse
I like ‘Cuse to defeat Johns Hopkins in this contest. While the Orange has struggled on faceoffs, they are still an elite program that is still working out its lineup. Each week this team continue to improve and on Saturday, Randy Staats, Dylan Donohue and Kevin Rice will give the Hopkins defense fits. I’m calling for a big day for the Orange vs. longtime nemesis Johns Hopkins. The Soothsayer says Syracuse by five in an upset.
#4 Duke vs #5 North Carolina
First team to 13 will win this game. With too many question marks in goal for Duke, I like the Tarheels in this rivalry game.
#7 Penn State vs #15 UMass
This game is going to be a slug fest. I feel that Penn State has a little more offense than UMASS. Shane Sturgis and TJ Sanders are a good combo on offense for the Nittany Lions. In a close one, I’m taking Penn State.
#8 Cornell vs #17 Yale
I originally liked Cornell, but then I watched Yale dismantle Lehigh on Tuesday and I changed my mind. In an IVY upset Yale behind Dylan Levings at faceoff and Brandon Mangan at attack, will give Cornell its first defeat of 2014. Bulldogs by three.
#11 Penn @ #16 Princeton
Princeton and Penn have both been a surprise for me this year, in a great matchup between a strong offense in Princeton and a good defense in Penn, something has got to give. Tommy Schreiber is the X factor in this matchup and behind his strong play, Princeton wins by four in a mini-upset.
D2 GAME OF THE WEEKEND
Limestone vs. Seton Hill
I have been impressed with what Coach Brian Novotny and Seton Hill have accomplished so far this year with jumping out to a 4-0 record with wins over NY Tech and Mercyhurst. This momentum will continue in their triumph over Limestone on Saturday.
My Observations
The Ten-Man Ride is a great change of pace to get a quick goal or two. Stony Brook won on Tuesday because they were able to pull it off to score the game winner vs. Sacred Heart.
Zone Defense and Good Goaltending can stop a high octane offense. I have seen several top 15 teams use Zone to slow down an opponent. A zone implemented at the correct time can make teams go bat-crazy.
Maryland has a very well coached and deep team who can play at any tempo. I have seen them play fast versus Syracuse and win. Last Saturday versus Stony Brook, the Terps played an efficient half-field game and grinded out a three goal win over the Seawolves.
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