Regarding Mike's post on the possibility of college hockey play-ins...I think
it would be a good idea.  NCAA-II basketball has this format now.  In fact, we
hosted a men's play-in game this past season.  We won the game and advanced on
to the regionals.
 
One problem -- perception-wise -- that I saw with this format was that we here
at UND, along with many other people I talked to, thought the NCAA Tournament
had been expanded when, in reality, it had not.  In other words, these new
play-in games are NOT NCAA Tournament games.  They are simply "qualifying"
events.  But a good idea, nonetheless.  I think it adds excitement.
 
Justin