Folks who dislike the current ECAC playoff format are missing the point. It is designed to give a definite edge to the top ranked team remaining when they get to LP. That Olympic ice has produced some unexpected results, and the ECAC wants its top teams to get a solid shot at the first game bye in the NC$$ regionals. For too long the ECAC has had teams playing at a disadvantage at the regionals (although last year was the exception to the rule). Actually, for the ECAC preliminary round of ten teams, I still really like Richard's idea of two games, total goals. Only I would do it on Thursday and Saturday nights and make it home and home. That works well in soccer oversees, and guarantees two rabid sold out barns per pair of teams. It'll never happen, though. Also, FWIW, I personally don't think the ECAC will do well in the NC$$'s until they get off that big ice in Placid. While everyone who goes to LP rave's about the ambiance, the perfect size of the building, and all the other Olympic village type of warm and fuzzies, I think it instills some habits in the style of play that are not good when playing on NHL sized ice a week later. That extra 7.5 feet of ice on each side of the rink really changes the game. I would much prefer Albany for the ECAC finals if it really wants to do well in the NC$$'s. -- Dick Tuthill HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.