Some comments about the one-game quarterfinal format:
1) An argument for this format is that since the semis and finals are
   single games, the quarters should be as well.  This is especially
   applicable since the inception of the 7-10 and 8-9 preliminary
   games.  It doesn't seem to make much sense to play 1 game, then
   a 2 game series, then 2 more single games.
2) Any St. Lawrence fan will be part of the "lucky bounce" fear,
   recalling last years SLU drubbing of UVM in the Friday game,
   only to be caught off guard the next night and barely escaping
   with a 1-0 mini-game win.  This year will be deja vu if UVM
   wins tonight.
3) The ECAC imposed ticket price of $10 would seem to make up for
   any lost revenue.  Anyone know if the ECAC gets a percentage of
   each ticket or a flat amount ???   It would seem unfair to the
   larger rinks if they took a cut.
 
With Clarkson missing 1st in the ECAC by a single goal with a
4-3 loss to Brown, the playoff picture got very interesting.
Clarkson must face Brown at home (1 of only 2 teams to win in Cheel).
If they get by them, they will have to face (barring any lucky bounces)
SLU in the semis in the Garden.  SLU (the first team to win in Cheel, by
the same 4-3 score) and Brown are the only two teams to deny the
Knights twice this season.  Clarkson fans and players sure would
like to have that 4th goal right now.
 
For SLU, who must play the highest seed from 7-9 who lives after tonight,
UVM is the team they'd least like to host.  Although SLU blew them out
early in the season at Appleton, they were denied by Soucy at Gutterson
and the memories of last year's UVM Saturday playoff win are still vivid.
Paul Spagnoletti's first two career shutouts, SLU's only shoutouts of
the year, came courtesy of Clarkson (5-0 final) and Harvard(4-0 final).
Although SLU certianly has its troubles on the road, they are unbeaten at
Appleton(league), and they seem to be at thier best in the big games.
 
P.S. Anyone who has scores from tonights preliminary games please post
them or send them to me directly.  Thanks....
 
GO SLU !!!!
Go RPI !! Beat UVM !!!!
 
Timothy J. Danehy
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