Hockey is back, and along with it is Year 2 of the Crystal Ball. Every week brings a wave of exciting games to watch out for, so we look at about seven of the best or most meaningful matchups on both the boys’ and girls’ sides.

The idea is to not only predict the winner of each game, but also find the games that come down to the tightest finishes. Picking out a matchup that comes down to one or two goals is always a win no matter the result, or at least that’s what I tell myself after falling just shy of 60 percent in the inaugural season.

Here goes the first shot at improving that number.

LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 73-46-18

**WINNERS in all CAPS

Boys

Wednesday

TRITON at Winthrop, 6:10 p.m. – When Vikings collide. Reigning Div. 3 state semifinalist Triton has a wealth of big-game experience to help it come out on top.

Franklin at CATHOLIC MEMORIAL, 7 p.m. – Premier firepower returns for both teams, but Connor Fryberger leads another win over a legitimate contender.

Friday

NORWOOD at Medfield, 7 p.m. – After the Warriors went unbeaten in Tri-Valley League play last year, the Mustangs hope to set a different tone in the Large race early on.

Saturday

ESSEX TECH at Lynnfield, noon – The Hawks have built up the program over the last few years under Mark Leonard, and a win here would further affirm their ascension into a contender.

NANTUCKET at Martha’s Vineyard, 1 p.m. – The Whalers’ path to a repeat Cape and Islands League Lighthouse title goes through Martha’s Vineyard. Any game with Griffin Starr in net gives Nantucket a chance.

Hingham at ST. JOHN’S PREP, 2:20 p.m. – Seniors Jake Vana and Christian Rosa tip the scale for the Eagles in an early top-10 battle.

Walpole at BRAINTREE, 2:30 p.m. – Wamps have won the last six matchups against Walpole and look to keep that pace in a quality matchup.

Girls

Wednesday

Canton at NDA (H), 5:50 p.m. – The early Div. 1 title-favorite Cougars aim to show they have the depth to beat anyone, even the reigning Div. 2 state finalist Bulldogs.

BISHOP FEEHAN at Malden Catholic, 6 p.m. – The Shamrocks gave Archbishop Williams just about all it could handle before losing a tight opener. They’re primed for a rebound.

ANDOVER at Methuen/Tewksbury, 6 p.m. – Two of last year’s strongest defenses remain formidable for what should be a low-scoring affair, but Andover returns a little more proven offense.

NAUSET at Falmouth, 7 p.m. – Nauset rides momentum from a big win over Pope Francis for this matchup between two of the Cape and Islands League’s bests.

HPNA at Lincoln-Sudbury, 8 p.m. – Goaltending makes the difference, and HPNA has one of the best out there to limit the loaded Warriors in their MVC/DCL Large debut.

Thursday

Billerica/Chelmsford at SHREWSBURY, 8:15 p.m. – Banner night is bound to bring plenty of juice for both teams, but the defending Div. 1 champs have the edge.

Saturday

ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS at St. Mary’s (L), 2 p.m. – The talent is certainly there, but discipline will be key for the Bishops’ attack against the reigning Div. 1 finalist’s exceptional blue line.