Although I haven't read anything specific, I have the impression from some
of the recent HOCKEY-L postings that the ECAC has eliminated the infamous
(in my view) three-point (one win + one tie) quarterfinal playoff series
format.  That is, the team that first accumulates a minimum of three points
in the series is declared the winner (of course, four points is even
better, when one team wins both of the first two games).  So, the first
night winner need only earn a tie in regulation on the second night to
advance (there is no OT played in the first two games).  And if the teams
split the first two games, and are tied at the end of the decisive third
game, they play sudden-death overtime until a series-winning goal is
scored.
 
All of that aside, has the ECAC voted to go to a straight best-of-three
quarterfinal format with overtimes each night, if necessary?  Having sat
through the incredible pressure placed upon the team which has lost the
first game, and for whom even a scoreless tie represents sudden death,  I
would welcome change to a more equitable system which would reward
victories, not ties.
 
Anybody have the official scoop?
 
 
Bill Corrigan
 
LET'S GO BRUNO!  (Seven Ties Do Not A Season Make;
                             Nine, maybe, if only to grab a line in the
record books)
 
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