College Hockey Thread

[gopats84]

The Terriers are playing PWR #32 Merrimack in a best-of-3 to open the HE tourney. Obviously they need to advance to have a chance, but a sweep would provide some insurance. Getting swept would certainly end their season, and winning only 1 of 3 would most likely do the same.
 
If they beat the Warriors, we still don't know their next opponent since the first-round winners are re-seeded for the second round. But for the sake of argument, let's say top-seed UMass-Lowell gets past Maine while 2-seed BC beats Vermont. The Terriers would then play the current #5 Eagles at Conte Forum. Win that series, and BU is pretty much a lock for the field of 16, and would probably be a third-level seed (#9 thru#12). Lose it in three, and they'll still be on the bubble. Get swept, and they're probably toast.
 
Should either Vermont or Maine manage to pull off a first-round upset, BU would then host the winner of Providence-UNH in a best-of-3 at Agganis. UNH enters the HE tourney #6 in the PWR. A Terriers win, whether it's a sweep or in three games, almost certainly puts BU into the NCAAs. A win and 2 losses will leave them on the bubble. Get swept and they still have a slim shot due to the schedule strength boost, but they're far more vulnerable to being displaced.
 
If they play #22 Providence in the 2nd round, it's much simpler. A Friars win almost certainly makes PC the new bubble team ahead of BU, and the Terriers are done. A BU win would really solidify their chances, since they'd be getting at least one more game against either BC or UMass-Lowell in the semifinals.

You're one season early on the HE playoff format. Only the first round is best of three with the four QF series winners advancing to the Garden for single elimination semis and then the Championship game.
Next year when Notre Dame arrives and all 11 teams make the playoffs there are best of 3 first and second round series before the semis and championship with the final four in Boston.

 

[mabrowndog]

You're one season early on the HE playoff format. Only the first round is best of three with the four QF series winners advancing to the Garden for single elimination semis and then the Championship game.
Next year when Notre Dame arrives and all 11 teams make the playoffs there are best of 3 first and second round series before the semis and championship with the final four in Boston.

 
Thanks for the correction. I also unconsciously added another round to the tournament. Not having a good day so far...
 
Obviously that makes BU's task even tougher, since they'll only have one semi-final game against a higher-PWR team (BC, UNH, or UM-L) to build on. Especially if they lose the wins over Merrimack. 
 
In other news, I just came across this item from 2 months ago: Alabama-Huntsville, the last remaining D-I independent, will become the 10th team in the revamped WCHA.

 

[NHsoxfan4]

Yeah, sounds like BU will probably have to win the semifinal to get in, though the Merrimack thing could complicate that.
 
I've always wondered why Hockey East doesn't hold a 3rd place game like every other conference. It's helped other teams in the past sneak in as at larges if they falter in the semi-final game, but a HE team like BU wouldn't benefit from that like other conferences. If they lose in the semis, they could get to watch other at large teams that also lost in their own semis get another crack at jumping over them in the 3rd place game.

 

[McDrew]

Per ESPN: Jack Parker is likely retiring after the season. 

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Thanks guys. Great analysis

Parker's days have been numbered since the off ice incidents last year. Lets see mike bavis maybe? Pretty high profile job with great facilities.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Edit double post

 

[Clears Cleaver]

It's kind of ridiculous that BU is better off losing one game to Merrimack than sweeping them

 

[FelixMantilla]

Too bad Parker had to go out this way. One of the greatest college coaches of all-time but he lost control of his program.

 

[mabrowndog]

3 pm press conference tomorrow.
 

Too bad Parker had to go out this way. One of the greatest college coaches of all-time but he lost control of his program.

 
Tito said it best 18 months ago: When you've lost the clubhouse, it's time for a different voice.
 
Brilliant move announcing this before the HET, though. Might serve as enough of motivation for his under-performing team to win just one for the GippParker.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

agree Dog. But they are so thin after all the injuries that its a long shot at best

 

[mabrowndog]

* Dartmouth loses to Harvard 3-0 in the rubber game of their ECAC first round series. That pretty much dashes any NCAA hopes for the Big Green.
 
* Bowling Green crushes Lake Superior 7-0 in Sault Ste Marie to take their CCHA series. The Lakers are done. BGU still needs to win the tournament to get into the NCAAs, and they're up against top seed Miami next.
 
* Denver hammers Alaska-Anchorage 6-1 at home. That gives the Pioneers the 5-seed in the WCHA tournament with Wisconsin #4 and Minnesota State dropping to #6. 
 
* That leaves the CCHA rubber match between Alaska & Michigan St up in Fairbanks at 11 pm EDT.

 

[jsinger121]

Alaska loses to Michigan State ending their season.

 

[sachmoney]

That means Michigan State will head to Norte Dame and Michigan will take on Western. The other two series are Miami-Bowling Green and Ohio State-Ferris State.

 

[Philip Jeff Frye]

* Dartmouth loses to Harvard 3-0 in the rubber game of their ECAC first round series. That pretty much dashes any NCAA hopes for the Big Green.

Dartmouth won 6-3 yesterday to take the series 2-1.  They're playing Union in the next round.

 

[Senator Donut]

That means Michigan State will head to Norte Dame and Michigan will take on Western. The other two series are Miami-Bowling Green and Ohio State-Ferris State.

It's actually

5 FSU at 4 OSU
7 Michigan at 3 WMU
9 BGSU at 2 Notre Dame
11 MSU at 1 Miami

Edited because Tapatalk ruined my post

 

[mabrowndog]

Dartmouth won 6-3 yesterday to take the series 2-1.  They're playing Union in the next round.

 
Jesus, I need stronger reading glasses than +2.0. When I saw it on USCHO's main page scoreboard I thought the 6 next to Dartmouth was a 0.
 
What's really sad is I already have my browser set to 125% magnification. Anyway, sorry about that.

 

[sachmoney]

It's actually

5 FSU at 4 OSU
7 Michigan at 3 WMU
9 BGSU at 2 Notre Dame
11 MSU at 1 Miami

Edited because Tapatalk ruined my post

I can't do anything right. I'll just stick to knowing who Michigan is playing.

 

[NHsoxfan4]

That Michigan series should be great. Racine and Michigan are playing much better, but they have to go away to Lawson, where WMU has been nearly unbeatable this year. Western has been having some trouble scoring as of late, but they did take 3 of 4 from Michigan, outscoring them 12-6 during the regular season. We'll see if Michigan's hot streak can continue on the road, as well as they've played recently they're still 3-5 in their last 8 road games. I'd be surprised if that series doesn't go 3.

 

[Mr. Wednesday]

It's kind of ridiculous that BU is better off losing one game to Merrimack than sweeping them

 
Welcome to the TUCliff (tm).

 

[Mr. Wednesday]

That Michigan series should be great. Racine and Michigan are playing much better, but they have to go away to Lawson, where WMU has been nearly unbeatable this year. Western has been having some trouble scoring as of late, but they did take 3 of 4 from Michigan, outscoring them 12-6 during the regular season. We'll see if Michigan's hot streak can continue on the road, as well as they've played recently they're still 3-5 in their last 8 road games. I'd be surprised if that series doesn't go 3.

 
The scope of Michigan's hot streak is interesting.  They were swept at CCHA#2 Notre Dame and CCHA#3 Western Michigan, and split at Yost with CCHA#5 Ferris.  The only really "good" result in that period is a sweep at CCHA#4 Ohio State.

 

[sachmoney]

The scope of Michigan's hot streak is interesting.  They were swept at CCHA#2 Notre Dame and CCHA#3 Western Michigan, and split at Yost with CCHA#5 Ferris.  The only really "good" result in that period is a sweep at CCHA#4 Ohio State.

Well, the "split" with Ferris was a win/tie with a shoot out win (not really important, more of a detail/nitpick).
 
This has been a very strange season. There have been a LOT of lows. Forget the Notre Dame sweep. This team was swept by Alaska at home, something that's never happened before. They lost to Bowling Green. I'm pretty sure there was some other historically bad trivia/fact/stat. With all that said, Michigan is playing much better hockey right now. It's not just Racine playing better, but it seems that everyone is putting in the effort. The team is skating, hitting, and backchecking. They're playing the way you'd expect a Michigan team to play. This team has had the talent, but it hasn't had it. They might have it now, but it's hard to get a read. As you said, they haven't exactly played anyone noteworthy. At the same time, they've been getting results when they needed to. This weekend should be a fascinating series.

 

[Mr. Wednesday]

Oops, yes, I should definitely put that in the plus category, win-tie is not a split.
 
Anyway, my main point is, we know they're playing at a 4th-place-level right now, but we don't know if they're playing better than that.  The series at WMU will be telling.  I wouldn't count them out, especially if the goaltending has come around (it was awful in the series at ND).

 

[Senator Donut]

I've always wondered why Hockey East doesn't hold a 3rd place game like every other conference. It's helped other teams in the past sneak in as at larges if they falter in the semi-final game, but a HE team like BU wouldn't benefit from that like other conferences. If they lose in the semis, they could get to watch other at large teams that also lost in their own semis get another crack at jumping over them in the 3rd place game.

Only the ECAC has a third place game. The CCHA and WCHA recently did away with theirs.

 

[mabrowndog]

Lowell beats Maine 4-2 and takes a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series. The rest of the Hockey East playoffs start tomorrow.

 

[Laser Show]

Picks anyone? I'm taking Lowell (even before their win tonight), BC, bu, and Providence.

 

[mabrowndog]

Sounds about right. The Friars getting home ice is huge.

 

[ifmanis5]

Sad and a bit confusing to see all these empty seats at the UVM/BC game.

 

[kenneycb]

Always think these games are sparsely attended, at least from my memory. BC has done a great job filling up Conte otherwise.

That goal by Matheson...wow. All three Florida Panthers fans have tent pants.

 

[sachmoney]

Michigan defeats Western 4-3 in the first game of the series. All-World Legend Jacob Trouba had 2 goals including a sick fake slap laser, wicked pissah wrister. It was a hard fought game and Michigan caught a lot of breaks. I wouldn't be surprised at all if this goes 3. 

 

[mabrowndog]

Lowell eliminates Maine 2-1 in OT, and advances to the HE semis.
 
BU shuts out Merrimack 3-0.
PC edges UNH 3-2.
BC over UVM 4-2.

 

[ForceAtHome]

Not a good day for the top seeds in the ECAC. After getting a bye, #1 Quinnipiac and #2 RPI both fell in close games. They will need to rally with consecutive home wins to advice to the semi-finals. Yale and Union took care of business on home ice and are set up nicely to potentially advance. If Quinnipiac and RPI fall, the ECAC automatic bid is pretty wide open. In a single elimination format, you could probably make an argument for any of the four winners from tonight being in a decent position.
 
#9 Cornell 3
#1 Quinnipiac 2

#7 Brown 3
#2 RPI 1

#6 St. Lawrence 1
#3 Yale 6

#5 Dartmouth 1
#4 Union 4
 
If RPI and Dartmouth lose this round, their seasons are over. Of course, Quinnipiac losing would also be terrible for bubble teams as they're a national tournament lock even if they go out in this round. If Yale advances from these quarterfinals and loses in the semis (or later), they have a real case to go dancing. If Union makes the ECAC finals, they may have a case. Then, if someone else (e.g., Cornell, Union, Brown) wins the ECAC tournament, that's going to cause a ruckus. I think the ECAC may get looking at 3 spots if Quinnipiac falls this weekend. I don't see 4 as a likelihood, but it's a possibility the selection committee would have to consider given some crazy tournament results.
 
The most likely scenario to potentially get a surprising four spots would be through Quinnipiac, RPI, Yale, and Union. If Quinnipiac loses this weekend in the quarterfinals, they're still fine. If RPI manages a comeback against Brown and beats Cornell in the semis, they'd probably be close. If Yale sweeps St. Lawrence and then loses to Union (and wins the third place game for good measure), the eventual ECAC champions in this hypothetical, it gets crowded for spots. Quinnipiac and Union would be locks. RPI and Yale would both be very close with at least one team likely to make it.

 

[mabrowndog]

AHA - The 2 and 3 seeds suffer home losses in their quarterfinal series openers:
 
at #1 Niagara 3
#8 RIT 2
 
at #2 Air Force 3
#7 Canisius 4
 
at #3 Holy Cross 2
#6 Mercyhurst 3
 
at #4 UConn 4
#5 Robert Morris 1
 
 
CCHA - A shitty night for the high seeds, as only the Irish escape with a victory:
 
at #1 Miami OH 0
#11 Michigan St 3
 
at #2 Notre Dame 1 OT
#9 Bowling Green 0 
 
at #3 W. Michigan 3
#7 Michigan 4
 
at #4 Ohio St 2
#5 Ferris St 4
 
 
WCHA - All the higher seeds hold serve on opening night:
 
at #1 St. Cloud St. 6
#12 AK-Anchorage 1
 
at #2 Minnesota 2 OT
#11 Bemidji St. 1
 


at #3 North Dakota 5
#10 Michigan Tech 3

 
at #4 Wisconsin 3
#9 Minn.-Duluth 1
 

at #5 Denver 5
#8 Colorado College  3
 
at #6 Minnesota St. 4 OT
#7 Neb.-Omaha 3

 

[mabrowndog]

Based on current RPI, the top 4 NCAA seeds would be unchanged. UNH drops to the third level while still playing at home. RPI, PC and BU would be the last three out.
 
Manchester - 4 UM-Lowell, 5 N. Dakota, 10 UNH, 15 Union
Providence - 1 Quinnipiac,  8 BC, 12 St. Cloud, 14 Notre Dame
Toledo OH - 3 Miami OH, 8 Denver, 9 Yale, 16 Wisconsin
Grand Rapids - 2 Minnesota, 7 Minn St, 11 Niagara, 13 W. Michigan
 
EDIT - Forgot to switch Wisconsin & Notre Dame, since the Irish can't face Miami OH.

 

[mabrowndog]

Last night's D-III semifinal results in Lake Placid NY
 
Oswego (NY) 6, Norwich (VT) 3
WI-Eau Claire 5, Utica (NY) 1
 
Tonight's championship match:
07:00 pm - WI-Eau Claire vs Oswego (NY)
 
Also, W-EC's Matt Loen wins the Edward Jeremiah Award as the NCAA D-III Coach of the Year, while Oswego's Paul Rodrigues gets the Sid Watson Award as the D-III Player of the Year.

 

[mabrowndog]

UNH and PC with an early start in their second game, and the Wildcats lead 2-1 with 16:05 to play in the 2nd.
 
EDIT - UNH square the series with a 4-1 win. Rubber game tomorrow at 4:30 pm at Schneider.

 

[mabrowndog]

Jerry York won't be on the BC bench tonight (or tomorrow if necessary), and a return date is uncertain. He'll have surgery Monday for a detached retina in his right eye, the second time in 2 months he's sustained such an injury in that same eye. Associate head coach Mike Cavanaugh and assistant Greg Brown will lead the Eagles in the interim.

 

[mabrowndog]

Shawn Bates scores on the power play rush to put Merrimack up 1-0 with 1:00 to play in the first.

 

[sachmoney]

1-1 after 1 in Kalamazoo.

 

[sachmoney]

Andrew Sinelli gives Michigan a 2-1 lead early in the second period. Western's forechecking has been strong thus far.

 

[sachmoney]

Alex Guptill makes it 3-1 Michigan on the power play. Less than 10 left in the second.

 

[sachmoney]

DeBlois makes it 4.

 

[mabrowndog]

After last night's upset loss, Quinnipiac saying "Fuck this shit" with a 5-0 lead on Cornell.

 

[sachmoney]

Guptill makes it 5 soon after Michigan kills a Western PP.

 

[mabrowndog]

After last night's upset loss, Quinnipiac saying "Fuck this shit" with a 5-0 lead on Cornell.

 
Make that an 8-0 "Fuck this shit" response. And there's still 22:35 left to play.
 
EDIT - Jesus. 9-0 now.

 

[jsinger121]

I'm at the QU game. Brawl started by Cornell at the end of the 2nd.

 

[mabrowndog]

I'm at the QU game. Brawl started by Cornell at the end of the 2nd.

 
Pussies. Take your lumps and like it, douchebags.

 

[sachmoney]

Michigan wins. We're heading to Joe Louis next week. What a rush!

 

[Senator Donut]

Michigan wins. We're heading to Joe Louis next week. What a rush!<br />

<br /><br />Welcome to Teams Under Consideration! Notre Dame just moved from 15th to 10th in the pairwise.

 

[Laser Show]

BC just knocked off Vermont. They go on to the Garden, and will face bu in the semis if the Terriers close out their series against Merrimack (up 4-3 with about 5 to go last I checked).
 
Lowell would then get the winner of UNH and PC tomorrow.

 

[mabrowndog]

Awesome. Quinnipiac makes it 10-0 with 4:40 left, shoving it straight up the ass of the ghost of Ken Dryden.