Bob writes:
> * The solid block of WCHA-CCHA teams surprised me. While it seemed that
>   WCHA-CCHA teams generally beat HE-ECAC teams over the holidays, I thought
>   that, overall, inter-conference records were pretty even, with the
>   ECAC exception. Yet no HE team was able to crack that upper block. Not
>   having a schedule with me, could this be a result of HE teams playing a
>   greater percentage of their non-conference games against the ECAC? Could
>   OSU's tournament win be echoing throughout the schedule strength ratings,
>   given their lofty standings in the CCHA?
>
>   Eastern teams are screwed, TCHCR-wise.
 
But while Western teams have been playing within their conferences for most of
the season, the ECAC & HE have just started getting into the swing of their
league schedule.  This is a likely reason for their low SOS according to TCHCR.
Also, many more of the nonconference games played by these two conferences
this year were against Independents who tend to be near the bottom of TCHCR.
The Independents have had a heavier effect on the HE teams' SOS than the ECAC
games.  Many of the Eastern teams' SOS will rise, I expect, as we get near
the end of the season.
 
Remember, the CCHA & WCHA play over 30 games in conference.  The ECAC only
plays 22 and HE plays 21.
 
 
- mike