The Big Red took 3 of 4 points this weekend and solidified their position in the ECAC standings. The top six teams now stand as follows: 26 SLU 25 Vermont 23 Clarkson 22 Cornell 20 Colgate 19 Harvard (that's from memory, but I think it's right) All teams have 6 games remaining. Cornell plays at Harvard and Brown, then hosts Union and RPI, before finishing the season at Clarkson and SLU. Scattered observations: 1. The defense was outstanding against Vermont. Take into account two key injuries: Andre Doll (the center who always checks the opposition first line) and Steve Wilson (a big presence on the blueline). In their place, everyone put forth a great effort, though special praise for Bill Holowatiuk, Geoff Lopatka, Matt "if it's green, hit it" Cooney, and Chad Wilson. 2. Eddy Skazyk had another great third period -- indeed, Cornell has had amazing third period goaltending during their 5-0-1 stretch. 3. Vermont is the best team I've seen all year. Cornell is the second best. Before I get flamed: I did not see BU, Colorado College, or Michigan State (or Colgate, for that matter). 4. Everything they told me as a freshman about the Lynah mystique is true. It only took 15 seasons for it to all come together. :-) Prospects for this weekend look about as good as you could expect for a roadtrip that has been a horrorshow for Cornell in recent years. Cornell has not won a game at Bright Hockey Center since 1985, and many of the losses have been routs. Cornell has also come into Cambridge (well, Allston) with bigtime momentum before -- 1986 and 1991 come to mind -- and have been disappointed. As far as Brown is concerned, they're on an even longer undefeated streak than Cornell (in fact, the two teams may have the longest such streaks in Div. I.) From all reports, they have been playing much better hockey, and are poised for a serious run at Harvard and the teams immediately above them. Cornell had a serious test on the road two weeks ago, when Princeton and Yale played very tough -- but the Big Red grabbed 4 vital points against teams well below them in the standings. This week, they must repeat the feat against solid opposition. At least with the Ivy League championship safely tucked away, there won't be that additional pressure (however slight). After the show they put on against Vermont, I'm beginning to believe that the Spirit of '86 has returned -- and not just behind the bench. "A long, long time ago, I can still remember..." Greg Berge Let's Go Red! HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.