March 9, 2003
INCH Power Rankings

The big movers in this week's polls belong to Hockey East – and they're in the wrong direction, as Maine and Providence took a tumble. But other teams in the conference are still strong, led by New Hampshire, which holds on to its top-four spot along with Colorado College, Ferris State and Cornell.

Looking down the road even further, check out our INCH 4x4, which projects what you might see in the NCAA Tournament regional pairings when they are announced March 23. That may not be the same as what they'd be if the season ended today – since, as you probably know, the season doesn't end today.

Here's how the Inside College Hockey editors and staff ranks the nation's top teams. You can let us know what you think and we'll share your thoughts below.

1.	Colorado College	–	How good has this season been for the Tigers? No. 1 ranking, MacNaughton Cup, top Hobey Baker candidate and four wins against arch-rival Denver.
2.	Ferris State	–	Chris Kuntiz won the CCHA scoring title with an amazing 34 percent more points than the runner-up (R.J. Umberger).
3.	Cornell	–	First-round upsets means they just have to beat the ECAC's No. 11 seed to reach Albany. But they do have to get through hot Rensselaer goalie Nathan Marsters.
4.	New Hampshire	–	Crazy eights: 'Cats hang back-to-back snowmen on UMass Lowell in first-round sweep.
5.	Boston College	1	Credit both BC and Merrimack for a clean, well-played Saturday game. And credit J.D. Forrest for a timely goal to send the Eagles to the FleetCenter.
6.	Minnesota	1	Which Gophers are playing well recently? How about all of them.
7.	Michigan	1	Wolverines hold serve with two ties at Ohio State, and will have an extra day off should they advance to the CCHA Super Six.
8.	Maine	3	Alum Stephen King couldn't have written anything as terrifying as a first-round sweep at the hands of UMass.
9.	Boston University	2	Terriers haven't lost a tournament game this year (7-0-1 in the IceBreaker, Great Lakes, Beanpot, Hockey East).
10.	Minnesota State Univ., Mankato	1	One loss since Dec. 13, but more ties (an NCAA-record 10) than a department store the Monday after Father's Day
11.	North Dakota	1	Best way to feel better heading into this year's WCHA playoffs: a trip to Madison. Two wins, without having to visit Houghton or Anchorage.
12.	Harvard	2	Others' losses have opened the door for Crimson to sneak into field of 16. Now, they've got do to their part.
13.	Ohio State	2	Ohio State's trip to Nebraska-Omaha began the Buckeyes' 5-6-3 end of the season. They hope for different results at the Blue Jackets' house.
14.	Michigan State	2	With hat trick Saturday, Jim Slater's definitely back. And the Spartans seem to be peaking at the right time.
15.	Denver	2	You'd think Denver-North Dakota would make for a great first-round series, but they're 12-15-7 combined since Jan. 1.
16.	Providence	6	What's worse than depending on others to determine your NCAA Tournament fate? How about waiting three weeks to find out?

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