Just to add my 2 cents.  I think that one of the other reasons the talent
level in college hockey appears to be diminishing is the NC$$ themselves.  In
order to correct problems in other sports (read: basketball and football) they
have enacted legislation that hurts hockey and other sports that don't have
significant academic problems.  Shortening the seasons of all sports, not to
mention allowed practice time, has hurt hockey recruiting.  Players that want
to go on to the NHL are more likely to go the route through the juniors than
go to college.  Individual sports like swimming or gymnastics that require
massive amounts of practice are hurt even worse.  Just another example of the
NC$$ over-legislating.
   In regard as to whether anyone but Michigan has a shot at the title, I would
say certainly they do.  While the Wolverines are inarguably the best team in
the nation, they are not invincible.  They aren't exactly playing stellar
hockey at the moment, though that may be because they have nothing to play for.
They have clinched a tie for the regular season title already and the only way
that they could lose the #1 seed in the CCHA is to lose all of their games and
have MSU win all of theirs.  Not gonna happen.  Also, I would keep in mind that
despite having extremely talented teams over the last 5 years or so, Red's
post-season record is abysmal.  However, in an attempt to ward off flames, I
will point out that I am picking them to win it all.  I think that this year
they have too much talent to fail again.  Probably.
                                                 --Steve Moerland
                                                   MSU '92, UK '95