All I can think of is that Tim knows the numbers used for the "bonus to a team's RPI for "good wins" must propel Maine past some others into 14th or better, assuming he feels they can get 75% of available points from this point forward. And Coach's comments were made BEFORE the surprising Beanpot results of last night, and its effect on PWR which is updated in today's USCHO (it helped Maine). http://www.uscho.com/rankings/pwr.php Maybe Tim feels also someone is indeed beatable in Boston at the "This Space Available" Center (hoping it is not BU in the final) to give Maine the auto-bid. I do think unless a severe collapse happens that Maine has secured home ice to start the HE playoffs, FWIW. Wayne analyzed Heal with the same results I see in PWR, so splits with Lowell and BC will not help. Win and tie each series must be the results right through the BC series in Conte Forum. I hope BC loses tonight to Notre Dame in basketball, btw. Maine will NOT get into the Round of 16 just on reputation or history, it is purely numbers driven with the Committee, unless an auto-bid. If Maine plays like they did Friday night, and BC plays like they did last night, Maine can get in the Round of 16 this year. If so, they almost certainly are a prime candidate to be sent West as a fourth or at best third-band seed. If getting in, I am not necessarily saying Maine will sweep their way to Columbus, but they certainly could perform as they did when they lost to Michigan at Yost. Maine's plodding defensive style is not condusive to blowouts, but with a little puck luck a mistake could go Maine's way, and who knows.... Deron Treadwell wrote: >In light of this discussion about Maine's NCAA Tournament at-large bid >chances, we have this quote from Tim Whitehead in today's Bangor Daily >News... "I feel better about our team and about our chances to make the >NCAA Tournament." >--- > >Comments?