Hello everyone!  At last, here is my preview of the NCAA Regionals this
weekend.  Since there are so many possible outcomes in the playoffs, I
will be brief in my previews.  So, let's start out with my preview of the
West Regional.
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WEST REGIONAL
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
FIRST ROUND, SATURDAY.
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CORNELL (20-8-5) VS. MIAMI, OH (26-10-1)
 
I don't know much about teams outside the WCHA, but since Miami beat
Michigan once, they must be good.  I'll go with MIAMI 4-2.
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MINNESOTA (27-12-1) VS. MICHIGAN STATE (22-12-4)
 
A good match-up.  The Gophers are coming off a loss to North Dakota in
the WCHA Final Five title game, but are playing some of their best hockey
right now.  Michigan State has beaten Michigan twice, and has a good
record, but I believe that the Gophers are just a little too strong.
I'll take MINNESOTA 5-3.
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SECOND ROUND, SUNDAY.
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NORTH DAKOTA (28-10-2) VS. MIAMI/CORNELL.
 
The Sioux have the advantage of a bye, which means no game on Saturday.
That alone will probably spell doom for either Miami or Cornell,
especially if their game goes into overtime.  Miami would put up the best
fight of the two, but either way North Dakota should advance to the Final
Four.
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MICHIGAN (33-3-4) VS. MINNESOTA/MICHIGAN STATE.
 
The defending champion Wolverines are considered the overwhelming
favorites to repeat.  But to advance, they must get past either Michigan
State (who has beaten them twice this year) or Minnesota (who took
Michigan to overtime before losing).  The Spartans may have used up all
of their magic against the Wolverines, so Michigan should cheer for their
arch-rivals to beat Minnesota.  The Gophers are playing very well, and
would undoubtedly like another shot at Michigan to prove that they could
beat them.  My prediction is:  Michigan will beat Michigan State, but
would lose to Minnesota if forced to play them.
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EAST REGIONAL
WORCESTER, MA
FIRST ROUND, FRIDAY.
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE (28-10-0) VS. COLORADO COLLEGE (23-14-4).
 
The Tigers are not as good last year, but can be a good team when they
want to.  UNH has the better record and probably better talent and
should prevail.  I'll go with NEW HAMPSHIRE 3-2.
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VERMONT (22-10-3) VS. DENVER (23-12-4).
 
The Pioneers backed into the tournament, and are probably here because of
the sanctions on Maine.  But Denver is a very talented team when they
decide to turn it on.  Vermont is a talented team that was upset in the
first round of the ECAC playoffs, but still got an at-large bid.  Denver
is a great home team, but an average road team, which gives Vermont the
edge.  I'll go with VERMONT 6-2.
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SECOND ROUND, SATURDAY.
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CLARKSON (27-9-0) VS. NEW HAMPSHIRE/COLORADO COLLEGE.
 
The Golden Knights are the class of the ECAC, but face a stiff challenge
in the Second Round, especially if UNH is their opponent.  If CC wins, I
give the edge to Clarkson, but if New Hampshirre wins, I'll have to pick
against Clarkson.
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BOSTON UNIVERSITY (24-8-6) VS. VERMONT/DENVER.
 
The Terriers have overcome early season problems and are playing very
well right now.  Whoever they face in the second round they should beat,
although Vermont would put up a much stiffer challenge than Denver.  But
Boston should prevail and advance to the Final Four.
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My Final Four picks are as follows:
 
NORTH DAKOTA
 
MINNESOTA
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE
 
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
 
 
Well, that's all for now.  Be sure to watch the playoffs if you can.
I'll be back on Monday with a recap of the Regionals.  Until then, later.
 
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