2006/07 College Hockey [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

Sublime 2

10-17-2006, 08:19 PM

How are everyone's teams doing thus far? How do you're conferences look? Any phenom freshman to keep an eye on?

Boston University started the regular season with a 4-4 tie at RPI. I wasn't there but from what I read/heard BU got lucky to skate out of there with a tie. I can't say i'm too concerned, RPI came back from a 2? goal deficit last year at BU to win, and BU still had great season winning the Beanpot, Regular season Hockey East title, and Hockey East championship.

Hockey East will again be top heavy with the "Big Four" (BU, BC, UNH, & Maine). Vermont and Providence could crack the four but the others are the home-ice favorites. BC and their young guns are favored to take the title and for good reason.

BU had what ICH ranked the #2 recruiting class this year behind Minnesota, headlined by DMen Eric Gryba and Brian Strait, G Brett Bennett, and F Luke Popko. Bennett probably won't see much time behind senior John Curry but is said to be Ricky Dipietro good and certainly the future net-minder.

All in all I'm excited for this, my last season watching as a student, season and can't wait for the home-opener friday against Northeastern!! GO BU!!

RPI-Fan

10-17-2006, 08:42 PM

RPI 100% dominated the 1st period. BU was by far better in the 2nd but the first 9 minutes or so they were on the penalty kill so couldn't get much offense. To me it was definitely fair to see score tied after 2.

The third period was pretty even and neither team could complain about the game ending up in a tie.

The most encouraging thing for me was that BU fans were NOT commenting on how badly their team played, which to me indicates that RPI may be at a whole different level this season.

For BU: Gryba looked good on offense. Does not hesitate whatsoever to get into the rush. He's a bit clumsy at times, and doesn't really make great decisions. But he's a physical specimen and my guess is he'll adjust to the speed and intensity of the college game rather quickly.

Strait got a five minute major and tossed from the game in the first period on a hit from behind. Wasn't "vicious" per se but was certainly worthy of the time served and not a single BU fan complained about the call.

BU fans seemed to like Popko's performance, but he didn't stand out to me. Chris Higgins was phenomenal, though. He had 2 goals and was always a threat with the puck. Most BU fans seem to agree that he had an amazing game.

st.cronin

10-17-2006, 08:47 PM

Like most years, Wisconsin has a superstar goalie (Brian Elliott, who has already set the career record for shutouts at UW), lots of physical defensemen, and a couple of decent forwards. Last year that formula got them the NCAA title, we'll see this year. A repeat would be a long shot, since Earl and Pavelski have gone pro, but is certainly possible.

Cards4ever

10-17-2006, 09:21 PM

Gophers are very young this year, so I expect a slow ride to the end of the season. They should end up in the Top 3 of the WCHA though.

DeToxRox

10-17-2006, 09:47 PM

Michigan has scored 15 goals in two games but also allowed 7. If Bill Sauer is able to come up clutch in net, the Maize & Blue are Frozen Four contenders. They probably have the best defense in the Nation anchored by Johnson, Hunwick, Mitera and Summers and a solid offensive attack lead by Hensick, Porter and Cogliano. Last years team was really young, but this year everyone is a year older and primed for a solid run in the CCHA and then the tournament.

RPI-Fan

10-17-2006, 10:12 PM

Word has it that RPI will be in the Icebreaker next year with BC, Minnesota, and Michigan!!

Cards4ever

10-17-2006, 11:01 PM

I'd be surprised if that is the lineup, Minnesota already plays Michigan in the College Hockey Showcase.

RPI-Fan

10-20-2006, 11:04 PM

2-1 mother fuckers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DeToxRox

10-20-2006, 11:10 PM

Michigan tops Miami of Ohio 6-3 to open up CCHA play. Chad Kolarik nets a hat trick and now leads the Nation in goals (7) and points (10) in three games. The offense has been red hot, but the D still needs to iron out some kinks.

Sublime 2

10-20-2006, 11:35 PM

BU barely escaped their game against Northeastern 4-3.

BC lost to Notre Dame 7-1!! :)

Mr. Wednesday

10-21-2006, 12:44 AM

Half of my teams had a good night. Unfortunately, not my first choice for which half.

JonInMiddleGA

10-21-2006, 08:12 AM

Dunno whether anybody in this thread follows Ohio State but just in case ... former Buckeye Dave Caruso was outstanding last night in his professional debut as Gwinnett beat South Carolina 4-2 in the ECHL season opener.

The first metro Atlanta native to ever sign a professional hockey contract stood on his head throughout, including a number of tough stops during a barrage of penalties that saw the Gladiators withstand more than 2 minutes two men short during a SC powerplay that lasted over 6 minutes total.

Former Michigan forward Brandon Kaleniecki looked pretty good in his first action as well, as did Michigan State's Colton Fretter (who started on the first line in his ECHL debut).

Cards4ever

11-26-2006, 11:23 AM

RPI-Fan

11-26-2006, 03:08 PM

Gophers swept this weekends College Hockey Showcase, beating MSU 5-4 on Friday and then beating Michigan 8-2 last night, scoring 3 shorthanded goals. Michigan looked tired after the first 10 minutes, however I put that into the category of playing their 5th game in a week.

Also, Mr RPI, I see that they have recruited a D man from Holy Angels, Bryan Brutlag. I'll be able to give you a good report after the HS season cranks up a bit.

Thanks for thinking of us...

Brutlag looks like a fantastic catch for us (best d-man on one of the best HS teams in Minny?)... I'll look forward to hearing anything you have to say about him.

Cards4ever

11-26-2006, 05:00 PM

Holy Angels is one of the best HS teams in Minnesota, it's a private school that has become quite a power. He had 16 points in the Fall Elite League, 13 of those coming from assists, so, good sign, no?

Klinglerware

11-27-2006, 09:39 AM

Brown knocks off Providence over the weekend to win the Mayor's Cup. Still will likely be a very difficult year for the Bears (consensus pick for last in the ECAC)...

Cards4ever

12-30-2006, 10:29 PM

http://www.uscho.com/box/?date=20061229&vis=ckn&home=uw&gender=m

st.cronin

12-31-2006, 05:36 PM

Holy cross, that's a bad loss.

Cards4ever

01-01-2007, 10:40 AM

It is a lot more fun to post only when your team is winning isn't it? Wish I could do that, but, I'm on the bandwagon, win or lose.

st.cronin

01-01-2007, 10:50 AM

It is a lot more fun to post only when your team is winning isn't it? Wish I could do that, but, I'm on the bandwagon, win or lose.

I really don't understand why you continue to try to get my attention with these taunts. Would it help if I told you that I thought you were a pitiful fucking loser?

I post here to have fun and make friends, not to take shit from weasels like you.

Cards4ever

01-01-2007, 11:46 AM

I really don't understand why you continue to try to get my attention with these taunts. Would it help if I told you that I thought you were a pitiful fucking loser?

I post here to have fun and make friends, not to take shit from weasels like you.

Get real, Holy cross what a loss is a taunt. Your problem appears to be a severe case of dishing it out but not being able to take it. You want a taunt, here's a taunt for you, your knowledge of hockey is as small as your little dick. Now grow up and get a set and take it like a man and quit being a whiny bitch.

st.cronin

01-01-2007, 11:57 AM

Get real, Holy cross what a loss is a taunt. Your problem appears to be a severe case of dishing it out but not being able to take it. You want a taunt, here's a taunt for you, your knowledge of hockey is as small as your little dick. Now grow up and get a set and take it like a man and quit being a whiny bitch.

Holy Cross what a loss is not a personal taunt - it has nothing to do with you. And since it evidently got under your skin, my knowledge of hockey is sufficient for today.

Calling me a bandwagon fan, on the other hand, is trolling bullshit as well as absurd. It's obvious you have a dislike for me, for no other reason than that I am a fan of Wisconsin.

Cards4ever

01-01-2007, 12:15 PM

Holy Cross what a loss is not a personal taunt - it has nothing to do with you. And since it evidently got under your skin, my knowledge of hockey is sufficient for today.

Calling me a bandwagon fan, on the other hand, is trolling bullshit as well as absurd. It's obvious you have a dislike for me, for no other reason than that I am a fan of Wisconsin.

Holy Cross is not a taunt at Gopher fans? :rolleyes:

You are a bandwagon fan, you are the poster boy for bandwagon fans everywhere. You have posted in this thread as often as Wisco has meaningful wins this season.

As I said last year, great post the boxscores when your "good" goalie has a great game is fine, but why not when he has a shitty performance? 6 goals to Clarkson? At Home? What a superstar!:rolleyes:

Galaril

01-01-2007, 03:21 PM

Sorry to thread jack but is there "ANY" text sim game or replay game for the PC that is a college hockey or has it as a playable entity?

RPI-Fan

01-01-2007, 03:49 PM

Sorry to thread jack but is there "ANY" text sim game or replay game for the PC that is a college hockey or has it as a playable entity?

Someone made a mod for NHL 2000 that made it have NCAA be playable. But good luck finding any info on actually using it.

Mr. Wednesday

01-02-2007, 05:06 PM

http://www.uscho.com/box/?date=20061229&vis=ckn&home=uw&gender=m

:confused:

Yes, Clarkson is pretty good this year. Is that supposed to be a dig at Wisconsin? They're not defending their title the way I'm sure they'd like to, but there's no shame in losing to a top ten team, even if it is in your own tournament.

Mr. Wednesday

01-02-2007, 05:07 PM

This just in — ND is pretty good this season. :eek:

Cards4ever

01-02-2007, 11:22 PM

:confused:

Yes, Clarkson is pretty good this year. Is that supposed to be a dig at Wisconsin? They're not defending their title the way I'm sure they'd like to, but there's no shame in losing to a top ten team, even if it is in your own tournament.

Who the hell has Clarkson beat this year?

http://www.uscho.com/schedules/team.php?season=20062007&team=ckn&gender=m

You don't lose to Clarkson on home ice at your own tourney and if you do, you don't lose 6-2. That was a embarrasing loss for Wisco, they are much better than that.

Mr. Wednesday

01-03-2007, 12:22 AM

Who has Clarkson beaten this year? Miami and Wisconsin, to name two. Miami is solidly top ten, and you seem to think Wisconsin ought to be.

Their losses are to St. Cloud, who are the second-best team in the country right now, Quinnipiac (hovering around top 20), Lake Superior (hovering around top 20, and also beaten twice by the Knights), and Princeton (bad), with a tie to UMass (started strong and faded).

Not only are they in the top ten in the polls, but objective rankings (like KRACH) say that they're slightly underranked.

The only thing embarassing about the loss is the score. It's not a bad loss for Wisconsin, they are a two to one underdog notwithstanding home ice effects. Well, not a bad loss in the sense that both teams results to date suggested Wisconsin should lose; it's a bad loss in the sense that if the Badgers want to right the ship and make a run at the NCAA tournament, it's a game they needed to win.

Cards4ever

01-03-2007, 12:49 AM

Mr. Wednesday

01-03-2007, 02:34 AM

There is exactly one measure that has Clarkson ranked outside the top 10: CHODR. Every single other poll and ranking counts the Golden Knights as a top 10 team.

If they fall out of that, it will be because they fail to take care of business in the ECACHL — not because they have not played like a top ten team through December.

Cornell has shown in the past that it is possible to post the out-of-conference and ECACHL results necessary to sustain a top ten finish in the PWR. There's no reason to think that Clarkson cannot do this as well, although we shall see if it comes to fruition.

Cards4ever

01-03-2007, 08:43 AM

Do rankings really do something for you? The only rankings that matter in College Hockey are the PWR, as of now Clarkson is 7th, but we are still a month away from the PWR having the depth it needs to be truly valid. As far as Cornell, how many Frozen Fours have they made in the last 5 years? The WCHA has won the last 5 Titles and even has produced a all WCHA Frozen Four. Clarkson may be a fine team, but I still don't think they stack up against the WCHA's best.

Mr. Wednesday

01-03-2007, 01:55 PM

I know that the PWR is the only ranking that is ultimately important as far as tournament selection goes. My argument is simply that every single measure out there indicates that Clarkson's current standing in PWR is earned. If they are not there at the end of the year, it will be because they did not take care of business in the ECACHL, not because they have failed to prove themselves with results through the end of December.

The WCHA has the top two teams (and Minnesota looks like they're on a different level than anyone else), but there's more parity this season than there has been in the past. There have been seasons where there are five or six top 20 teams in the conference, and that's not true this season; not only are teams like Wisconsin floundering around 0.500, but they're also not getting the out-of-conference results that they have in the past, belying to the argument that the weak records are only born out of a group of top teams beating one another up.

Cornell has one Frozen Four in the last five years. They lost to New Hampshire in Buffalo in 2003. Minnesota subsequently beat the Wildcats to defend the title they won in St. Paul in 2002.

Cards4ever

01-03-2007, 02:45 PM

Lost my first reply, so, will just say that at this time 4 of the top 8 PWR teams are WCHA teams, with NoDak and Wisco at 18 and 24. Great discussion BTW.

Mr. Wednesday

01-03-2007, 04:16 PM

Quite right, I may have overstated the case slightly. If you look at the top 15, though, you'll also have four each from Hockey East and the CCHA, with two from the ECACHL and one from CHA rounding out the lot.

Then again, there are three more WCHA teams lurking in the next five... hopefully, they'll perform about the way they have to date and stay in about the same place, and we'll get a fairly even distribution of teams in the tournament field.

Cards4ever

01-03-2007, 04:45 PM

Is that what you want though, a equal distribution or the best teams?

When it's all said and done, I'm guessing there will be 5 WCHA teams, 4 Hockey East, 3 CCHA, 1 ECACHL, 1 CHA, 1 Atlantic Hockey and the other berth will come from either the WCHA, Hockey East or the CCHA. Though I will give you it is very possible that the ECACHL could squeeze 2 in there.

Mr. Wednesday

01-04-2007, 03:06 AM

What I want is for both to be one and the same. :)

If the talent is not evenly distributed, I want the best teams, up to a reasonable limit.

Cards4ever

01-04-2007, 03:17 PM

So, will Notre Dame hang onto their #1 Seed?

Mr. Wednesday

01-04-2007, 05:26 PM

Hard to say. If they continue their current level of performance, they will. The two key series I see the rest of the way is the one against Miami and the one at Alaska. The former is against the other frontrunner in the CCHA, the latter is because of the travel (and Alaska is a decent squad).

Cards4ever

01-07-2007, 10:05 PM

A loss to Robert Morris knocks the Irish to #5 in the PWR. Still a lot of volatility in the PWR, it will be another month before it's more stable.

Kellen Briggs is now 5 wins away from the WCHA record for wins after a sweep of Mankato.

Mr. Wednesday

01-07-2007, 11:59 PM

I'd guess it was mainly the big hit to our RPI. I doubt RMU will be a TUC, and only Denver and Miami amongst likely competitors for NCAA seeding will have the Colonials as a common opponent. (Edit to add -- there may be some CHA teams that also have them, but as long as we carry RPI and don't lose TUC to them, we'll take the comparisons.)

I doubt PWR will ever really settle down all that much. It's always volatile, that's the nature of the beast. The TUCliff is the biggest issue, but some of it too is just that the RPI always moves around, and that swings a lot of comparisons.

Cards4ever

01-14-2007, 10:25 AM

Gophers split in Madison, haven't seen the PWR yet, but I'm sure things have moved around again.

On another note, check out this between the legs goal by Kyle Okposo of Minnesota.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkjZhU6dHKo

Mr. Wednesday

01-14-2007, 11:32 AM

I don't think PWR moved in the top 4. UNH had already overtaken Minnesota as the #1 overall seed, and despite getting only one point against Minnesota State, St. Cloud has held onto the #3 seed over Notre Dame.

Cards4ever

01-22-2007, 10:58 PM

After the Gopher split this weekend with Denver they still remain at #2 overall in the PWR. If I was Notre Dame, I don't think a #1 Seed at Denver is something they would look forward to. And here comes Wisco at #17.

Mr. Wednesday

01-23-2007, 12:34 AM

Tekneek

01-23-2007, 09:12 AM

Hey, those of you into college hockey that have DirecTV and the Total Choice Plus programming subscription (but not the sports pack), 610/CSTV has been added to Total Choice Plus as of this morning. They are also showing two repeats of college games this afternoon (BC/Vermont and Army/Air Force).

BishopMVP

01-23-2007, 11:41 AM

UMass' team continues to annoy me with its inconsistency. Lose 5-1 in their only televised game against UNH (and it was that bad), then come back the next night to beat UNH 3-0 and take the season series (only 2 league losses for UNH all year.) Of course, we're also 1-2 against Merrimack! (4 of Mack's 6 HE points this year!) If we could have taken 3 points instead of those 2 losses, we'd be sitting in the driver's seat for home ice, as of now we have to overtake 2 out of Maine, BC and UVM (which has a cake schedule remaining) in the next month and a half. At least we get Maine at home back to back to end the year. The other good news is we get BU this weekend at home the 3rd consecutive night they have to play due to a makeup with BC (fog), and again in the middle of the Beanpot, as well as BC right before the Beanpot. Of course, with this team, we'll probably hold even/make up ground against those good teams and then blow a game or two against UM-L or Northeastern. Out of conference, we also tied Clarkson, our only decent opponent, but lost to Union and Alabama-Huntsville, destroying any chance of an at-large bid unless we pretty much win out and lose in the HE championship game.

It's not surprising, given that we have inconsistent forwards, a good defense and a great goalie, but it's still annoying knowing we can skate and play with the best teams in the league, but also lose to the worst ones.

Cards4ever

01-23-2007, 05:50 PM

At this point, Notre Dame desperately needs to get into the #3 seed. At the #4, it's easy for the cmte to send us to Denver to face the toughest #2 seed. I think that danger would largely be averted by moving up to #3, although it's not a given if Denver should slip back to #6 overall (although I think most observers would feel as though Denver should be considered the top seed in their band, what with playing at home...). If we can possibly get into the position of the top western seed (not likely, I don't think, but not impossible), that would be best, because then I think the cmte almost has to keep us nearby at Grand Rapids.

Very unlikely that they will slip past Minnesota, SCSU and I wouldn't be surprised if Denver goes past Notre Dame, that comparison is tied at 1 right now. Denver is a very good team with experienced goaltenders, I would not want to play them in Denver during the tourney.

Mr. Wednesday

01-23-2007, 07:26 PM

Aside from possibly bumping ND out of the top four, Denver is irrelevant to the discussion; in fact, if ND is a top seed and Denver is a top seed, we no longer have to worry about going there to play, although Rochester would still be in play.

The real question as far as Denver passing ND is whether Denver will get sufficient results against their remaining schedule (vs. ND's results against their remaining schedule) to pass the Irish in RPI. I wouldn't care to guess, personally; ND's schedule is a lot more favorable in terms of getting results (although Denver has most of their toughest opponents at home), but I don't know how it will play out RPI-wise.

Cards4ever

01-26-2007, 10:14 PM

Gophers play great for the first 10 minutes! UND plays great for the next 50 :( UND 5 MN 2

Hopefully they haven't started the annual WCHA second half slide that a lot of teams have had the past few years.

Cards4ever

01-28-2007, 10:14 AM

USCHO calls it the Mariucci Meltdown, so true as North Dakota handed it to the Gophers this weekend finishing a sweep with a 7-3 win. :( UND scored a goal from it's own zone on Frazee even.

But, they still hold on to the #2 spot in PWR and there are now 5 WCHA teams in the top 15.

cartman

01-28-2007, 10:22 AM

UND scored a goal from it's own zone on Frazee even.

Here it is:

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXMnye_8wfg"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXMnye_8wfg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

RPI-Fan

01-28-2007, 10:49 AM

I can't believe the announcers took the blame off Frazee on that one. He "could" have come out to cut the angle down?

1) Cutting the angle down doesn't have anything to do with it.
2) You HAVE to come out and meet the puck while it's in the air.

Cards4ever

01-28-2007, 07:57 PM

Mr. Wednesday

01-29-2007, 01:06 AM

Taking three out of four points against Miami does... exactly nothing for ND in the PWR.

We're gonna need a lot of help to get out of a trip to Denver, I think.

But on the bright side, we lengthened our lead in the CCHA and now have a realistic shot at our first ever conference title. :)

BishopMVP

01-29-2007, 02:38 PM

RPI, Frank and Doug are homers and of course they are not going to call out the dogs on Frazee on that one. Frazee is a good goaltender and hopefully he can move past this, but that was a huge mistake on his part.UMass' goalie allowed just as bad a goal to tie it at 3-3 against BU Saturday night. Cleared/iced puck sent out of BU's own end, Quick goes out to the faceoff circle to stop it/lay it down flat for the defenseman coming back; it bounces up in front of the faceoff circle, then off his chest at an angle that goes straight into the goal 20 feet away.

UMass ended up tying that game and beating UM-L on the road, so we actually might have a chance to get back into contention for an at-large with a run. Up to t19th in PWR, and we play BC, BU and UVM (2) who are right above us (as well as Maine for 2) in addition to the HE tournament, where 2-6 is very bunched up with all good teams (BU, UVM, BC, UMass, Maine), and 4 of those will play 1st round series.

KevinNU7

01-29-2007, 02:42 PM

Mr. Wednesday

01-29-2007, 03:16 PM

Well, I was mainly focusing on ND, but I was thrilled to see the big win for NU on Friday (if you had been there when I pulled up the scoreboard on USCHO and saw that, you would know :)).

The Huskies will get another chance to win a Beanpot without me present this year... I simply don't think I can afford the time off with candidacy looming. At least I can probably watch it on NESN.

Cards4ever

02-01-2007, 06:39 PM

I see Blake Kessel(Phils little brother) has committed to UNH, I wonder if he will face the scorn of the BADger faithful?

st.cronin

02-02-2007, 09:15 AM

I see Blake Kessel(Phils little brother) has committed to UNH, I wonder if he will face the scorn of the BADger faithful?

I have to admit, your stupidity is amusing at times.

Cards4ever

02-02-2007, 11:57 AM

I have to admit, your stupidity is amusing at times.

I ask a valid question and that's all you come up with?

Maybe because Phil was treated so well that Wisco lost out on his brother?

KevinNU7

02-02-2007, 12:35 PM

Mr. Wednesday

02-02-2007, 04:13 PM

Tivo's set, and for Monday too — I saw something about it on USCHO. Thanks anyway for the reminder. :)

Cards4ever

02-02-2007, 07:14 PM

Great game on right now, UNH v Maine on CSTV 1-1 in the second.

st.cronin

02-03-2007, 08:43 AM

I ask a valid question and that's all you come up with?

Maybe because Phil was treated so well that Wisco lost out on his brother?

I was halfway optimistic that your original question was a joke. Let's see if you can use your noggin - WHY is Phil reviled by Badger fans? Hint: I've explained it to you several times.

Cards4ever

02-03-2007, 01:34 PM

Because he went back on a verbal commitment? Pretty weak if that is the reason.

st.cronin

02-03-2007, 01:43 PM

You are at best half right. I think you must be acting deliberately dense, because nobody can be that stupid.

Cards4ever

02-03-2007, 02:34 PM

My point being, is Phil's brother commiting to UNH fallout from how Phil was treated? Whatever the reason, is it worth it to lose another good recruit just cause his brother chose to attend any other school?

st.cronin

02-03-2007, 02:40 PM

It will be worth it if the Badgers win as many titles while little kessel plays in new hampshire as they did while older kessel played in minny.

Cards4ever

02-03-2007, 06:41 PM

Mr Wednesday, check it out quick, UNH, SCSU and Minnesota are all tied for first in the PWR(without the bonus of course)and Notre Dame has a #1 seed! I'm sure it will change after tonights games, but, interesting nevertheless

http://www.uscho.com/rankings/pwr.php

Cards4ever

02-04-2007, 08:56 AM

Sublime 2

02-05-2007, 01:00 PM

First round of the Beanpot tonight!! BU vs. Northeastern then BC vs. Harvard. Any other Hub Hockey fans going?

Mr. Wednesday

02-05-2007, 01:27 PM

The PWR is always interesting this time of year, Denver loses to UMD and goes back up to #5, while the top 4 remain the same. A month of hockey left, and lots of interesting things I'm sure will happen within the PWR.

For whatever reason, Denver's loss to tUMD cost them less than Maine's loss to New Hampshire.

Mr. Wednesday

02-05-2007, 01:28 PM

Dola, ND's been sitting on a #1 seed for a while now. The issue remains, which #1 seed they get and where they go. We want Denver to drop or ND to get past Minnesota and St. Cloud.

Mr. Wednesday

02-05-2007, 01:28 PM

Double dola, and ND has their first #1 ever in the polls, by three points :eek: in the USCHO poll.

Sublime 2

02-06-2007, 10:13 AM

BU wins 4-0 over Northeastern. First period was solid hockey both ways, the next two periods BU seemed to control. Couple of great interactions between the BU and NU fans:

BU: "Five year program!" (clap clap clapclapclap)
NU: "We got jobs!" (clap clap clapclapclap)
BU: "Flippin' Burgers!" (clap clap clapclapclap)

The second game was more of a bore. I'm guessing due to the lack of Harvard fans. I really thought Harvard had a good chance to win after the first 10 mins or so, then it all went downhill.

Toddzilla

02-12-2007, 12:01 AM

Sublime 2

02-12-2007, 10:24 PM

BU wins their 28th Beanpot Championship in 55 tournaments with an OT 2-1 win over Boston College. Johnny Curry sets some goaltending beanpot records, wins the Goalie of the tournament award and MVP award, and his third consecutive Beanpot championship!

BC completely dominated the end of the second period, all of the third, and really all of OT.

BU is again carried by Curry...lets keep rollin into a weekend matchup with UNH.

Cards4ever

02-25-2007, 10:37 AM

SCSU sweeps Minnesota and drops to 4th in PWR, I'm sure that will make the happy. The Gophers decided to take off the first period on Friday and the third period Saturday and got swept. :(

Minnesota does stay in the 1st PWR slot, hopefully they can recover and start to amp up for the playoffs and the NCAA tourney.

BishopMVP

03-07-2007, 12:44 AM

UMass sweeps last 4 games, including 2 vs. Maine and gets the last (4th) home-ice slot in HE, right back here for 2 or 3 more vs. Maine. Unbelievably, we win the season series vs. BC, Maine and UNH, lose 2 of 3 to Merrimack, in addition to defeats vs. UM-L, Union, Ferris St and Alabama-Hunstville.

Still, PWR is up in the 11-13 range, and with a win this weekend we just might be up into the last at-large berth spot and our 1st NCAA tournament berth.

KevinNU7

03-07-2007, 07:04 AM

I have to think a trip to the HEA semis gets them in as the Top 4 regular season finishers all gettting in as usual. Ofcourse assuming no one 5-8 wins the title

BishopMVP

03-07-2007, 01:32 PM

I have to think a trip to the HEA semis gets them in as the Top 4 regular season finishers all gettting in as usual. Ofcourse assuming no one 5-8 wins the titleThat's the hope, but 3 years ago they finished 4th, made it to the final and lost in that triple-OT game to Maine and were left out. The Lowell forfeits may have had something to do with it, since I think the committee counted them as losses. Oh well, just hoping for no surprise auto-bids (ECAC in particular.)

KevinNU7

03-07-2007, 03:11 PM

That's the hope, but 3 years ago they finished 4th, made it to the final and lost in that triple-OT game to Maine and were left out. The Lowell forfeits may have had something to do with it, since I think the committee counted them as losses. Oh well, just hoping for no surprise auto-bids (ECAC in particular.)
That was the biggest screw job ever. The actually finished as the 3 seed ahead of UNH and UNH got in even though UMA beat them in the semis. Ridiculous

Cards4ever

03-11-2007, 11:19 PM

Well, the WCHA has been upset minded in the first round with Michigan Tech and Wisconsin winning on the road and right now SCSU and UMD are in the 3rd OT. Wisco has to win the Final 5 for a chance to get back in the NCAA's, Tech probably needs to win one game.

Cards4ever

03-11-2007, 11:25 PM

SCSU wins in OT, the Final 5 will be Michigan Tech v Wisco, winner plays Minnesota and SCSU v North Dakota in the other bracket.

mckerney

03-11-2007, 11:45 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if Minnesota has another first round exit in the NCAA tournament. They are not playing like a good hockey team right now, hopefully they can to start playing better and get some good momentum going in what they have left in the WCHA tourney.

Cards4ever

03-13-2007, 12:03 AM

NCAA Tournament hockey is different than regular season hockey, it's all about staying out of the box and playing strong defensive hockey. If they try to play wide open fancy hockey like they do in the regular season, they are in trouble. We won't know until they get to the regional.

Mr. Wednesday

03-13-2007, 03:19 PM

I think UMass is in fairly good shape barring a run of upsets in other tournaments.

Minnesota needs to match ND's win total next weekend to hold onto the top overall seed, and they need to get at least one win regardless as there are multiple scenarios where the Gophers drop to #3 overall with two losses (even with two losses by ND).

Cards4ever

03-13-2007, 08:11 PM

Not true, I just went to the Pairwise predictor and had all the higher seeds winning and had the Gophers win on Friday night and Lose on Saturday to SCSU and they still ended up with the #1 Seed overall.

Also, doesn't Notre Dame have to beat a Michigan team in Detroit? That isn't going to be a small feat either.

The best team in the country right now is North Dakota IMHO.

Cards4ever

03-13-2007, 08:15 PM

st.cronin

03-13-2007, 08:19 PM

Dola, this is where St Cronin is supposed to come in and wax poetic about Wisco, they have a good chance at winning the WCHA themselves, they swept Denver at Denver and if they can get a lead they are going to be tough to beat.

That would be awesome. I think its been a long time since a team one three games this weekend, though. There's an outside chance I may actually attend.

Cards4ever

03-13-2007, 11:41 PM

It is a tough task, if they weren't sitting so far out, they would have a excellent chance to win at least 2 if not the first 2 and get themselves into the NCAA tourney. We'll just have to see how things shake out, I would prefer to play Tech on Friday myself, I do know that.

But, if nothing else, you have your roundball team to enjoy in March. As a Gopher fan, I'm very envious of the Wisconsin Athletic program, a Jan 1 Bowl win, a high seed in the NCAA BB tourney and NC's last year in Hockey in both the Mens and Womens division(the Women have a great chance to repeat too).

Mr. Wednesday

03-14-2007, 03:00 PM

Not true, I just went to the Pairwise predictor and had all the higher seeds winning and had the Gophers win on Friday night and Lose on Saturday to SCSU and they still ended up with the #1 Seed overall.
That's because you left out the quality win bonus (or used one that was relatively small). ND is going to get a bonus to their RPI, widely believed to be about 0.003, because of their win at BC early in the year.

Mr. Wednesday

03-14-2007, 03:02 PM

Dola, I agree that it's going to be difficult for the Irish to beat Michigan or MSU at the Joe, but we've beaten the Wolverines at Yost so it's certainly not impossible to imagine.

Cards4ever

03-14-2007, 06:31 PM

That's because you left out the quality win bonus (or used one that was relatively small). ND is going to get a bonus to their RPI, widely believed to be about 0.003, because of their win at BC early in the year.

I stand corrected, I used a bonus too small.

I don't think I'd be too upset if the Gophers end up with Sacred Heart instead of Huntsville as the first round opponent, especially if it means North Dakota goes to a different regional.

Mr. Wednesday

03-15-2007, 12:34 PM

When you think of the teams that are likely to be in the two-seed band, the only one that doesn't make me nervous about facing them is Clarkson, and that's probably just because I haven't really been paying attention. UND and BC are really hot right now, BU has great scoring defense, Michigan has the best offense in the country.

DeToxRox

03-15-2007, 12:43 PM

Been a while since I chimed in here but it's been so frustrating being a Michigan fan this year it's undescribable. We have more talent on the blue line then any team in the CCHA but the D just suffers from the worst letdown of all: Billy Sauer.

The kid was a late recruit to Michigan because a few other goalers didn't want to play behind Montoya for the year, so Sauer got the nod. Now next year two kids are coming in, Bryan Hogan from the USHL and a Swede, so hopefully a true #1 emerges from there but for now Michigan is stuck with Sauer.

Can Sauer be good? Yes. He just hasn't shown an ability to put up consistent performances. If Michigans offense does get shutdown, then Michigan will lose. They need to put up 3-4 goals a night to be safe, and even then it isn't a garuntee. We'll see what happens but it'll start tonight where they have to beat State if they want to have any momentum going into the Regionals.

Off note: Notre Dame has been unreal to watch this year. Love the way they play and I am glad to see them out of the gutter.

bronconick

03-15-2007, 12:52 PM

Frustrating is Western Michigan. 13 years and counting since they last even went to Joe Louis Arena. Every other team in the CCHA has at least played a game in Detroit since 2000, or will have when LSSU drops the puck vs. Notre Dame tomorrow.

Played really well in the 2nd half (split vs. ND, Miami, swept MSU) then pisses down their leg in the playoffs vs. Alaska in the 1st round.

Cards4ever

03-15-2007, 08:41 PM

Wisco 3 Michigan Tech 0 late in the 2nd.

Cards4ever

03-16-2007, 10:17 PM

Gophers 4 Wisco 2 Wisconsin is now out of the NCAA race but still can mess things up for SCSU(who lost to North Dakota 6-2).

I'm thinking North Dakota is playing better than Minnesota right now, so they have to be favored in my mind. Minnesota played pretty decent tonight we'll see if they can continue the momentum.

st.cronin

03-17-2007, 12:35 AM

A tip of the cap to Brian Elliott. Happy trails, sir.

BishopMVP

03-17-2007, 11:38 PM

So after Friday night's excruciating 2OT loss to UNH, about 10 games needed to go wrong for UMass to miss the tournament... and the first 8 did, combined with Quinnipiac up 2-0 on Clarkson going into the 3rd and Minnesota losing to NoDak late. If those held up, we actually would have missed out while Maine (who lost 4 straight over 2 weekends to us) got in as a 3 seed.... luckily Clarkson and Minnesota came back and it looks like we're gonna be a 3 seed, probably in Rochester.

Brackets come out 2:30 EST on ESPN2 Sunday.

mckerney

03-18-2007, 11:48 AM

For those who haven't seen it, Wheeler's game winning goal in OT of the WCHA Championship:

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Cards4ever

03-18-2007, 01:15 PM

That goal was definitely Brotenesque(diving goal to win the 79 championship).

It's too bad both of these teams are going to probably be in the same bracket for NCAA play.

Crazy last few weeks, Denver played themselves out and Wisco almost played themselves in.

Cards4ever

03-18-2007, 01:20 PM

Here is the Broten goal for a comparison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FIqU387ycU&NR

bronconick

03-18-2007, 02:22 PM

2007 NCAA Tournament brackets

East (Rochester, NY- Host- ECAC)

(4) Massachusetts vs. (1) Clarkson
(3) Maine vs. (2) St. Cloud State

Northeast (Manchester, NH-host- New Hampshire)

(4) Miami vs. (1) New Hampshire
(3) St. Lawrence vs. (2) Boston College

Midwest (Grand Rapids, MI- host- Western Michigan)

(4) Alabama-Huntsville vs. (1) Notre Dame
(3) Michigan State vs. (2) Boston University

West (Denver, CO- Host- Denver University

(4) Air Force vs. (1) Minnesota
(3) North Dakota vs. (2) Michigan

West Regional is clearly the bracket of death. I like St. Cloud's odds of not only winning a NCAA game for the first time, but getting to St. Louis.

Cards4ever

03-18-2007, 10:33 PM

I would not be surprised if none of the 1 seeds see STL.

Mr. Wednesday

03-19-2007, 01:49 AM

I wouldn't be surprised if any missed it, but would be if all four did.

BishopMVP

03-19-2007, 02:54 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if any missed it, but would be if all four did.Clarkson's the weakest of the #1 seeds, UNH isn't the favorite in their region, ND should win their 1st game easily, but with the goalies there the final will probably be OT, West same thing.

I'm picking SCSU (if Goepfort's healthy), BC, MSU and Minnesota make it out, with BC winning it. I hate BC.

And I guess beating Maine 4 straight times the last 2 weekends and in the Pairwise isn't enough to get seeded above them. I'm glad, because now we have the no respect card and play Clarkson first, a team we're familiar with, winning there last year and tying them early this season.

Mr. Wednesday

03-20-2007, 05:54 PM

Cards4ever

03-20-2007, 10:29 PM

Weren't you the defender of Clarkson earlier this year?!

RPI-Fan

03-20-2007, 10:33 PM

Weren't you the defender of Clarkson earlier this year?!

Well, defending Clarkson as a potential NCAA team is way different than arguing and defending their position as a 1-seed.

Cards4ever

03-20-2007, 11:21 PM

Well, defending Clarkson as a potential NCAA team is way different than arguing and defending their position as a 1-seed.

Sure it is, but still doesn't mean I can't say it!:D

I only got to see your boy Brulag once this year, very offensive D-man, skates well and I saw him on the big sheet, you should enjoy watching him play. Doesn't have a lot of size, but Holy Angels let him pinch in at will and he did QB the PP.

Cards4ever

03-20-2007, 11:25 PM

Dola, the more I think of it, the discussion was more about Western v Eastern College hockey, and when looking at KRACH, the 7 of the top 14 teams are from the WCHA. I still stand by my original opinion, Wisco is a better team then Clarkson, it's too bad they didn't beat them, they'd proably have made the tourney.

I watched all or part of several tourney games this past weekend, even Notre Dame doesn't impress me, my wife even came in and was wondering if I was watching HS hockey. I realize they are riding their fortunes on their goalie however, and he has had a huge year. Interesting to see what happens if they fall behind by 2 in the tourney.

Mr. Wednesday

03-21-2007, 01:42 PM

I was defending Clarkson as top 10 before, and I would defend them as top 10 now, but they're not top four. The best team in that region is St. Cloud. :)

Interesting to see what happens if [ND] fall behind by 2 in the tourney.

By my count, we've fallen behind by two on five occasions.
Thrice, we didn't score any goals at that point and lost (2 - 0 at MSU, 4 - 2 home vs. RMU, 5 - 2 home vs. FSU)
Twice, we came back to tie, once staying at that score (2 - 2 vs. Miami) and once losing (3 - 2 at WMU)

As impressive as Brown's year has been, ND plays excellent team defense and also has a relatively balanced scoring attack. The Irish are going to be a tough opponent for anyone they face.

Mr. Wednesday

03-21-2007, 01:48 PM

Dola, one of the things that impresses me the most about ND is the penalty kill: how well we rotate — so that the man with the puck seldom has space to shoot or make a probing pass, but we also never seem to be out of position. Our special teams are a big factor in our success this season, as we had the best power play and penalty kill in the conference in conference games. (The big surprise here, for me, is that Michigan's power play is relatively pedestrian, considering the overall quality of their attack.)

BishopMVP

03-21-2007, 04:31 PM

UMass wound up the four seed because they broke the three-way tie (edit: in PWR between UMass, Maine, and St. Lawrence) using RPI, instead of PWCs among the tied teams.

I don't like it, but honestly, UMass has the better matchup anyway. Clarkson's decent, but not good enough to merit a #1 seed. St. Cloud is the best team in that region.Yeah, it's annoying when there are multiple ways to break ties and the committee switches it from last year and goes with the one that ends up with us below Maine, but we do end up getting the better match-up (and the only one on at the time - 2:30 Friday) so we don't have to compete with anybody for TV purposes.Dola, the more I think of it, the discussion was more about Western v Eastern College hockey, and when looking at KRACH, the 7 of the top 14 teams are from the WCHA. I still stand by my original opinion, Wisco is a better team then Clarkson, it's too bad they didn't beat them, they'd probably have made the tourney.I'm kinda curious how reliable any cross-conference indicators are between the western and eastern leagues. There just aren't that many games. Looking at HE vs. WCHA/CCHA

UNH: 2W @CC, W WMU
BC: L @ND, W BG, 2W @Wisco
BU: X
UMass: T Ferris St (neutral)
Maine: W Minnesota, 2W @NoDak, W WMU (neutral)
Vermont: W @Miami, 2L Mich Tech, L SCSU
Northeastern: 1W 1L @Michigan
Providence: L BGSU, L ND, L LSSU (neutral), L @ Wisco
UM-Lowell: 1L 1T @UM-D, L Northern Michigan (neutral), L @ Denver
Merrimack: L @ UAA, L vs. CC

That gives a record of 12-14-2 overall, which is probably where the WCHA gets its relative strength in the KRACH. But if you look at the top 5 HE teams who made the playoffs, they're 10-1-1 vs. the West.

I'll also throw Clarkson in and Wisconsin since you brought them up.

Clarkson: W2 L1 vs. LSSU, L2 @SCSU, W BGSU, W Miami, W @ Wisco
Wisconsin: L2 vs. BC, L Clarkson, W Providence

So I'll give you that the WCHA has better quality top to bottom (kick Merrimack out of HE!), but maybe Mr. Eaves should finish .500 in the regular season or schedule and beat somebody good from the east if he wants to complain. (I would say Denver has a better case, but their schedule of non-conference wins reads Colgate, RPI, Air Force, Robert Morris, Mercyhurst, UMass-Lowell and Niagara (2). Getting Colgate, RPI and Lowell in down years is unlucky, but schedule that many CHA/AHA teams at your own risk.)

BishopMVP

03-21-2007, 04:52 PM

Dola, figured with all the East/West pissing matches at USCHO we could have one here too.

More substantive analysis on UMass, pretty much the only team I know, for anyone watching vs. Clarkson (or further?). We're terrible on the road/neutral sites, but play to the level of our opponent (2 L's to Merrimack, 1 each to UM-L, Union, UAH.) Amazing goalie in Quick, great glove hand and positioning, atrocious stickhandling (my friend sat next to him in class one day and tried convincing him it would help his NHL chances if he played by their rules and didn't play the puck more than 5 feet from the crease.)

Balanced scoring up front, led by Capraro and Quirk (both about 5'8). 2 big forwards in Jarman and Berry. Matt Anderson, SR captain, should be leading the team in scoring but has had a terrible SR year (other than captaining the team to its first ever playoff berth I guess). I love Will Ortiz, a scrappy freshman. Matheson switches back between D and Center depending on injuries. Defense similarly has no real stars but all solid players, most of whom have been drafted in the 6th/7th rounds by NHL teams.

EDIT - Stylistically, we don't run a neutral zone trap, but slow teams up well going up ice and have very good forechecking.

Cards4ever

03-21-2007, 06:29 PM

I'm going to reply to several of the posts here at once and in my crazy manner, not in any particular order! :)

I think the WCHA Coaches should have put of more of a fight when they changed the RPI formula. It dulls the Strength of Schedule portion of the equation.

I believe that all of these games are going to be fairly close, with 6 to 8 teams having a chance to get hot and win it.

I just don't think Notre Dame has the team speed to play with either North Dakota or Minnesota and if they fell behind to a team like that, it's lights out.

The WCHA was 8-7-1 against Hockey East, so relativily close there, I'm not sure what the WCHA was against CCHA.

I think that 5 NCAA Championships in a row does show that the WCHA is the dominant Conference right now, the BC title over North Dakota was the last time a non-WCHA team won and North Dakota won the previous year.

All in all, I do prefer the PWR system where you know where you stand, instead of a committee telling you where you are stacked up. I just wish that things would have shaken out where North Dakota would have been sent to another Regional.

Mr. Wednesday

03-21-2007, 11:16 PM

I don't recall the overall WCHA record against the CCHA, but I do remember that Minnesota pwned Michigan in the Showcase.

BishopMVP

03-22-2007, 05:18 AM

The WCHA was 8-7-1 against Hockey East, so relatively close there, I'm not sure what the WCHA was against CCHA.WCHA vs. CCHA
Minnesota: 2W @OSU, W MSU, W Mich, W Ferris St
SCSU: X
NoDak: X
Denver: Lost @ Miami
CC: T UN-O
Wisco: 1W 1T @NMU, L Mich, W MSU
Michigan Tech: W NMU, L @ NMU, L Mich
Minn St: L @ND, W ND, T UN-O, W @ UN-O
UM-D: W @ NMU, L OSU, W BGSU, W NMU
UA-A: T UN-O, 1W 1T @ UA-F, W2 UA-F

16-6-5, 4-4 vs the 4 Tournament teams, while the CCHA was 0-5 vs. the 3 WCHA tournament teams. Against HE you are 8-7-1, but 0-7 against the 5 tournament teams (conversely HE is 3-2 against the WCHA tourney teams.)

So it seems the WCHA got screwed by having a lot of parity this year (1sr 4 bubble teams all WCHA) while every other league was top-heavy. At the same time, a lot of the KRACH and RPI strength is inflated due to taking care of business against the AHA/CHA/lower CCHA/HE/ECAC teams. The WCHA might very well be the better conference, but for whatever reason the marquee HE/WCHA games were dominated by HE this year.

Cards4ever

03-22-2007, 08:37 PM

Well, the talking is done and the games begin tomorrow, good luck to everyones favorite teams!

Here's a great trivia question that I don't know the answer to, when is the last time 2 teams faced each other in NCAA play with all american rosters? I know it's happening on Saturday with Minnesota against Air Force.

RPI-Fan

03-22-2007, 09:01 PM

Sure it is, but still doesn't mean I can't say it!:D

I only got to see your boy Brulag once this year, very offensive D-man, skates well and I saw him on the big sheet, you should enjoy watching him play. Doesn't have a lot of size, but Holy Angels let him pinch in at will and he did QB the PP.

Thanks for the update. We'll be needing him badly. Just today we landed Chase Polacek, also from AHA. When I saw them I was always impressed by Polacek -- he's small but has a nice quick release. Given how late in the season he signed on, he's probably a non-scholly player, but I think he can definitely contribute.

BishopMVP

03-22-2007, 10:40 PM

Well, the talking is done and the games begin tomorrow, good luck to everyones favorite teams!Word :) PDF link with most of the syndication info - http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/umas/sports/m-hockey/auto_pdf/TVClearance.pdf

You also *should* be able to watch most/all of the CN8 games online for free, but that has been spotty in the past.

Cards4ever

03-22-2007, 11:34 PM

Thanks for the update. We'll be needing him badly. Just today we landed Chase Polacek, also from AHA. When I saw them I was always impressed by Polacek -- he's small but has a nice quick release. Given how late in the season he signed on, he's probably a non-scholly player, but I think he can definitely contribute.

Polacek is another decent player and should help. Holy Angels has a lot of alumni playing in the tournament, I wouldn't be surprised if these 2 help RPI into the tournament in the next few years.

Cards4ever

03-23-2007, 05:27 PM

Yeah, Clarkson is a top 10 team, they get beat in OT 1-0 by UMass.

BishopMVP

03-23-2007, 06:42 PM

Yeah, Clarkson is a top 10 team, they get beat in OT 1-0 by UMass.:rolleyes:
A) Our goalie is as good as any in college hockey and had 35 saves.
B) We beat UNH (twice) BC (twice) Maine (4x in a row). I guess they aren't Top 10 teams either (well, Maine isn't, but they're beating SCSU good so far)
C) Notre Dame is going to Overtime with Alabama-Huntsville
D) I guess Minnesota wasn't a Top 10 team last year.

st.cronin

03-23-2007, 11:20 PM

I like St. Cloud's odds of not only winning a NCAA game for the first time, but getting to St. Louis.

Solid jinx job there.

Cards4ever

03-24-2007, 10:27 AM

:rolleyes:
A) Our goalie is as good as any in college hockey and had 35 saves.
B) We beat UNH (twice) BC (twice) Maine (4x in a row). I guess they aren't Top 10 teams either (well, Maine isn't, but they're beating SCSU good so far)
C) Notre Dame is going to Overtime with Alabama-Huntsville
D) I guess Minnesota wasn't a Top 10 team last year.

Yes, upsets happen, but those 2 teams yesterday were terrible.

Notre Dame with it's 32 in the country Strength of Schedule shows that they are also overrated IMHO.

Change the formula back NCAA!!!!

Cards4ever

03-25-2007, 01:20 AM

Minnesota is the last 1 seed left, and as I have already said, it would not surprise me to see no #1 seeds at the Frozen Four. The Gophers played terrible and got lucky in the third to come back and win.

Cards4ever

03-25-2007, 09:56 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if any missed it, but would be if all four did.

I wish you weren't surprised.

Now the 2 best teams left in the country face off in the Semi when North Dakota plays BC. Michigan State plays Maine in the other Semi.

DaddyTorgo

03-26-2007, 10:04 AM

mmmm....Eagles all the way baby!!!

Cards4ever

03-26-2007, 10:53 PM

mmmm....Eagles all the way baby!!!

That's who I'm cheering for!

DaddyTorgo

03-26-2007, 11:09 PM

That's who I'm cheering for!

we'll take care of the damm Sioux for ya Cards, don't worry. They used to scare me, but I don't think they are as dominant and scary as they were a couple years ago.

DeToxRox

03-27-2007, 12:06 AM

we'll take care of the damm Sioux for ya Cards, don't worry. They used to scare me, but I don't think they are as dominant and scary as they were a couple years ago.

Well they're in the Frozen Four with a team whos top 10 scorers are all freshmen and sophmore. They're scary enough now, let alone how good they could be in the future.

Cards4ever

03-27-2007, 07:45 PM

DeToxRox

03-27-2007, 08:02 PM

The DOT line is tough, counter them though and it will be close. Lamoureux(sp) can be scored upon as Michigan showed the other night. They will give up PP's. Minnesota was futile against North Dakota on the PP, going 1 for 11 in the last 2 games they played them. Should be a good matchup, but I'm still cheering for the East Coast Maroon and Gold! :D

How amazingly bad is Bill Sauer? It's absurd. Michigan has Hogan from the U coming in and apparently (I worked some tournaments at Yost, talked to some guys there) a Swede. Let's hope they can upstage Sauer or else it's a lost cause.

Mr. Wednesday

03-28-2007, 02:02 PM

Notre Dame with it's 32 in the country Strength of Schedule shows that they are also overrated IMHO.

I disagree. We can start with the fact that not a single top seed advanced to the Frozen Four, nor any of the pre-tournament top four in KRACH (two of which were from the WCHA, the third from Hockey East, all with better SofS).

bronconick

03-28-2007, 05:40 PM

Solid jinx job there.

I do what I can. They're one of the few teams with a worse tourney record then Western Michigan (0-7 vs. 0-4.)

The WCHA will win the title again.

*whistles past the graveyard*

Cards4ever

03-28-2007, 05:41 PM

Sure it's fine to disagree, but to me, going into the tournament, the top 3 teams were Minnesota, North Dakota and BC. BC and North Dakota are in the tournament, North Dakota beat the overall top seed to get in(in OT).

We all know that anything can happen in a one and done tournament, but as I predicted, none of the 1 seeds made it and part of the reason as I saw it was having Clarkson a 1 seed, putting North Dakota in Minnesota's Regional, putting BC in New Hampshire's Regional, the 1 seed that I thought had the best chance, Notre Dame. Playing 2 OT's against Huntsville killed them IMHO.

Mr. Wednesday

03-29-2007, 12:23 AM

Not a huge surprise that North Dakota and BC advanced out of those regionals, certainly, as they were two good teams playing as well as anyone at the end of the season. But beyond them, there was very little predictability in this tournament. There were teams that were hot that were out early, and teams that were not so hot that are in the Frozen Four.

I don't think ND was overrated going into the tournament, and I don't think their failure to advance says they're overrated either.