It has been pointed out that a final five is a very awkward format for a league playoff (see WCHA). How about a different solution for the ECAC, a final six? Rather than eliminating the bottom two teams in the regular season, just have 6 first round series, with the winners advancing to Lake Placid. Then have a 6 vs. 3 and 5 vs. 4 games played on Friday night. Saturday has the winners vs numbers 1 and 2, with the finals (and consolation if desired) on Sunday. This gives the fan 5 or 6 games, and avoids the problem of the single game the first day of the event. In addition, this would put a primium on finishing 1 or 2 in the regular season (a just reward for a good season), yet not severly seperate the 3rd from the 4th and 5th place teams as a final five does. Besides if the ECAC is going to go as low as #10 in the standings, why not just let everyone participate? Just an idea before they drop the puck. William Sangrey Cornell '87&'94 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.