Jim writes: > But speaking of standings (and dalmations :-) here's the results of the >annual Hockey East pre-season Coaches Poll: > > 1. Maine > 2. Boston University > 3. Providence > 4. Boston College > 5. New Hampshire > 6. Northeastern > 7. UMass-Lowell > 8. Merrimack (sorry Mike :-) That's ok, better to keep the pressure off. :-) Merrimack was predicted to finish last in its second season and wound up 6th. So then, the coaches picked Merrimack 6th last year - and the Warriors finished last. I'm tempted to call them for 6th again this year. Then again, I also said yesterday that I thought New England -15 1/2 at home against Buffalo was the pick of the day. Well, TSN picked Lowell as one of the Top 20 in the country but the coaches have them 7th - although, Lowell was TSN's 6th Hockey East team in the top 20. Anyway, I may be biased, but I think the teams that will pull a few surprises in HE this season are Northeastern and Merrimack. Goaltending is the key for both clubs. Merrimack's Blue-Gold Game will take place on Thursday, Oct 8th at 6 pm. - mike