I was talking with a friend of mine from Minneapolis about the NC$$'s
and how the WCHA did. He noted that the WCHA went 4-0 in the first
round but 0-4 the next night. He was complaining that it was really
unfair for the 3-6 seeds because they had to play two nights in
a row while the 1-2 seeds got a needed extra day. He figured that
the WCHA might have faired better if they had a rest. This might not
be an outrageous sentiment since the Michigan-Wisconsin and LSSU-UMD
were both very close and fatigue may have had a role in the WCHA losses.
 
He suggested they eliminated first round byes somehow or at least
make it a little more even. That is unlikely though because there
are really only two ways to accomplish that as I see it.
 
1) expand to 16 teams- this has already been discussed a lot but let
        me just say that I think it's unlikely at this point in time.
 
2) make the first and second round in separate weekends- also unlikely.
        The NC$$ seems exceedingly happy with the regional format
        and how it's caught on. Putting them on separate weekends
        would probably squash some of the enthusiasm.
 
However, the NC$$ also wants to have as much parity as possible. That's
why they abandoned the best 2 of 3 format and the first 2 rounds on
campus format.
 
Any thoughts,
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    + Bri Farenell                      [log in to unmask] +
    + AHL and ECAC contact for rec.sport.hockey         Go USA Hockey!   +
    + Adirondack Red Wings, Calder Cup Champs: '81  '86  '89  '92        +
    + Clarkson Hockey, ECAC Tournament Champs: '66  '91  '93             +
    + Glens Falls High Hockey, NY Division II State Champs: '90  '91     +
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    + CONGRATS TO THE BOSTON BRUINS, 1992-93 ADAMS DIVISION CHAMPIONS    +
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