Jim writes:
>  But speaking of standings (and dalmations :-) here's the results of the
>annual Hockey East pre-season Coaches Poll:
>
>   1. Maine
>   2. Boston University
>   3. Providence
>   4. Boston College
>   5. New Hampshire
>   6. Northeastern
>   7. UMass-Lowell
>   8. Merrimack (sorry Mike :-)
 
That's ok, better to keep the pressure off. :-)  Merrimack was predicted to
finish last in its second season and wound up 6th.  So then, the coaches
picked Merrimack 6th last year - and the Warriors finished last.  I'm tempted
to call them for 6th again this year.  Then again, I also said yesterday
that I thought New England -15 1/2 at home against Buffalo was the pick
of the day.
 
Well, TSN picked Lowell as one of the Top 20 in the country but the coaches
have them 7th - although, Lowell was TSN's 6th Hockey East team in the
top 20.
 
Anyway, I may be biased, but I think the teams that will pull a few surprises
in HE this season are Northeastern and Merrimack.  Goaltending is the key
for both clubs.
 
Merrimack's Blue-Gold Game will take place on Thursday, Oct 8th at 6 pm.
 
 
- mike