>>>>> " " == Midn Brian Sprague <[log in to unmask]> writes:
 
 > Yes!!!  I was wondering when this question would come up.
 > Especially regarding Maine not getting any first place votes, and
 > why the heck BU is in first.  I can find no justification for the
 > Terriers to be in 1st place.  Even the die-hard BU fans on our list
 > have been disappointed in them.  Well, Maine should get a few first
 > places votes once they beat BU in the Great Western Freezeout, even
 > more if they end up meeting Princeton instead of BU.  (Wishful
 > thinking)
 
I attended the game which caused Michigan to fall out of first place
in the hockey polls.  UM's best player, Mike Knuble was out serving a
one game suspension due to a game misconduct.  UM's second best
player, Jason Botterill (sp?) was thrown out early in the game with a
game misconduct.  With both players out, Miami went on to win win 4-3.
Their goalie (whose name I cannot remember) was unconcious, stopping
numerous close shots, including two breakaways.  The next night, with
their team at full strength, UM easily defeated Miami 7-4.
 
My point?  The polls are fickle, with only the won-loss record seeming
to mean anything, and the circumstances of a victory or loss seemingly
not being taken into account.  Thank goodness we have a playoff in
college hockey and don't have to rely on any poll to crown a national
champion!
 
 
-Alan Harder
 [log in to unmask]
 Go Blue!
 
The above commentary, which does not *even* represent the opinion of
the American Mathematical Society, is sold by weight, not by volume.
Some settling of the contents may have occurred during shipping.