Howard Quimby recently learned (and shared with the class :-) ):
 
>        Hockey East will return to a Best-of-Three playoff format this season
>        with games taking place Thursday through Sunday.
 
This is good. I don't think hockey is well-suited to one game showdowns.
 
>        Hockey East will once again study the playoff format, but wouldn't
>        commit to the Best-of-Three format for more than 1 year.  (I guess the
>        coaches were trying for a three-year commitment).
 
Maybe they'll go to best-of-5's. :-) (I can dream, can't I?)
 
>        Number 9 is out.  There won't be a play-in game between #8 and #9 for
>        the last seed in the HE tourney.
 
Better! Finally, meaning in the regular season (and the Maine problem of
94 would be avoided). I think this leaves the WCHA as the only league to
allow everybody into their tournament.
 
>And now for the big one (this will perk up the list)
>
>        The shootout is back!  By a 5-4 vote, the shootout returns for another
>        year.
 
D'ohh!! They were doing so well. :-) Hopefully one of the five who voted
in favour of the shootout will lose a spot because of shootout losses, and
change their mind. :-)
 
Does this mean the point system will stay the same?
 
See you later,
John
 
--
John C.K. Edwards        Stats Geek, Ottawa Jr Senators (26-25-3 59pts) (CJHL)
Carleton U., Law IV                   I don't give a damn about being liked,
[log in to unmask]           but I sure as hell intend to be respected.
Canadian [Tier II] Jr. A standings: http://www.eng.carleton.ca/chat/~jedwards