>>>>> " " == 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.