Dave Hendrickson wrote:
>
> Where BU is the strongest is on defense.  Most of the defenses around
> the league are younger this year and show that inexperience.  BU's
> blueliners are the only group in Hockey East that I'd consider "strong"
> this year.
>
 
I'm not sure that BU's defense is "strong".  It may be the best part
of their team this year but overall I think they (like UNH) is
overrated (as reflected by the College Hockey polls).  I'm not saying
they are not quality teams - they are.  I just don't think they are
deserving of the 2 and 5 rankings respecitively in the USCHO poll.
Why?  BU and UNH have both been handled pretty well by the ECAC teams,
specifically Clarkson and Vermont, who have beaten them both.  I think
the CCHA and ECAC teams are stronger overall and should be rated a
little higher in the polls.  I don't think BU and UNH should be
rewarded for preying on the weaker Hockey East teams.
 
I also would throw out the fact that BU has been tied by a very so-so
Merrimack team and a so-so BC team while UNH has had its recent woes.
 
I'm sure this will spark some debate so fire away...
 
- Kevin
 
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