There is one reason, and one reason only, why the ECAC is going to a
Final Five ... the coaches hate having to play on Tuesday.
 
That's it.  All other issues are merely incidental.  We know it's silly,
everyone knows it's awkward, but unless they went to 8 teams or still
played on Tuesday, this was the only way.
 
I've always liked the ECAC setup.  Even if it was merely a coincidence
and not planned that way, it was the perfect system.
 
Ever group of 2 teams had something to play for.
 
The top obviously get home ice for the quarters AND get to play tired
7-10 teams
The next two simply get home ice in the quarters
Teams 5-6 get to skip the Tuesday game
Teams 7-8 have to play Tuesday, but get to do it at home
Teams 9-10 get in the playoffs, a better fate than 11-12, who get
nothing.
 
Every tier of 2 gets a different reward.   This is an excellent concept,
again, even if it wasn't purposeful.
 
AW
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.