> About the conspiracy thing, it's ridiculous. Even though I'm an
> ECAC fan, I do think that the CCHA and WCHA as a whole are stronger
> than ECAC and Hockey East. In other words, the worst teams have a
> better chance of beating the best ones (ex. UIC 3-1 over Lake St.).
 
Perhaps this year Hockey East is not as strong, but that can be attributed
in part to the big losses both BC and BU suffered to the Olympic team.
The past two years I would say Hockey East rated at least as strong as
the WCHA and CCHA, perhaps a bit stronger. Half the conference went to the
NC** tournament last year and there have been two HE schools in that
unmentionable quartet at the end of that tourney the last two years.
 
As for the polls, I really don't think anyone should get uptight about
it at this point. The tournament committee relies on head-to-head
records with other tournament teams, so if Clarkson keeps winning,
they will certainly not be denied a top seed. I do have to agree with Mike
that to be outshot 55-19 and still win should be considered lucky.
Sure it wasn't pure luck that they won, but I'm sure a few bounces
must have gone in their favor.
 
				Mark Daly
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