OK...let's talk hypothetically.  What if Clarkson does
win the ECAC tournament.  It's now a given that they
would then receive an NCAA first round bye.  But,
I've only seen one mention to the fact that they would
be seeded in the East.  Can anyone confirm or deny
that this is concrete?
 
For instance, the RPI tells us that Boston University,
Michigan and Maine are the top three teams.  There
is a considerable gap between third and fourth.  It
appears that New Hampshire, Minnesota and Colorado
College are fighting for the fourth NCAA bye.
 
Assume for a moment that after further comparison
(using the "expanded" criteria), BU, Mich and Maine
are deemed to be 1-2-3...order being important.  Now,
give Clarkson a first round bye.  Why would they not
be seeded #2West behind Michigan, with BU and Maine
receiving the top two Eastern seeds?
 
OK...different scenario.  Assume that the NCAA selection
committee also stipulates that any "double winners" will
remain in their logical region.  So, Clarkson is #2East.
BU and Maine would still get a first round bye...one of them
would be seeded in the West, however.
 
This is all predicated on Colorado College not winning
the WCHA.  If both Clarkson and CC get "auto" first round
byes, one of the top three teams is screwed.  Michigan
can still claim one by winning the CCHA tournament.
Hence, the performance of BU and Maine in the HE
tourney is imperative.  Or, Michigan could be upset in
the CCHA...and the byes could go to BU, Maine, CC
and Clarkson.  Hence, Michigan would be screwed.
 
Of course, UNH and Minnesota are already screwed.
UNH is sitting back wondering how many teams will
pass them this weekend.  Minnesota has a shot at a
first bye as well.  But, the Gophers now likely have to
win the WCHA tourney AND hope that Clarkson doesn't
win the ECAC tourney.
 
I'm sure there are a jillion other scenarios as well,
so I'll quit now.
 
 
John H
U Mich