March 14, 2004
INCH Power Rankings

Supposed to be just a rest area along the way to the semifinals for the top teams, this past weekend turned into a multi-car pileup as the likes of Boston College, Denver, Wisconsin and Cornell were upset.

Here's how the Inside College Hockey editors and staff rank the rest of the nation's top teams (along with movement since last week and a note). You can let us know what you think, including your name and hometown, and we'll share your thoughts below (some feedback may be edited).

No.	Team		Of Note
1.	North Dakota	–	It wasn't just a struggle for teams like BC and Wisconsin this weekend. The Sioux and No. 2 Maine both had to overcome two-goal deficits on Saturday.
28-6-3 (20-5-3 WCHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. Michigan Tech, 6-2; W vs. Michigan Tech, 4-3 ot. THIS WEEK: vs. Alaska Anchorage/Colorado College winner.
2.	Maine	–	Black Bears face BU Friday night, which could be the most intimidating matchup ever against a team with six regular-season league wins.
28-7-3 (17-5-2 Hockey East). LAST WEEK: W vs. Merrimack, 2-1; W vs. Merrimack, 3-2. THIS WEEK: vs. Boston University.
3.	Minnesota Duluth	1	The Bulldogs have already beaten Minnesota four times this season. So a fifth win against the Gophers in St. Paul on Friday shouldn't be that big of a deal, right?
25-11-4 (19-7-2 WCHA). LAST WEEK: L vs. Minnesota State, 4-3 ot; W vs. Minnesota State, 6-2; W vs. Minnesota State, 6-5. THIS WEEK: vs. Minnesota.
4.	Minnesota	3	If you sing the Rouser, say the "O" extra loud. The Gophers scored 24 goals in four straight wins against St. Cloud State.
24-13-3 (15-12-1 WCHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. St. Cloud State, 6-1; W vs. St. Cloud State, 7-3. THIS WEEK: vs. Minnesota Duluth.
5.	Boston College	2	The Eagles, the nation's last team to lose back-to-back games, have made up for lost time. Another L ends their season.
27-8-4 (17-4-3 Hockey East). LAST WEEK: L vs. Boston University, 3-2; W vs. Boston University, 4-0; L vs. Boston University, 4-2. THIS WEEK: Off.
6.	Michigan	2	For the second time in three years, the 12th seed throws a scare into the Wolverines in the first round of the CCHA playoffs. Ever seen a cat play with a nearly dead mouse?
25-12-2 (18-8-2 CCHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 2-0; L vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 3-1, W vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 5-2. THIS WEEK: vs. lowest remaining seed in CCHA Semifinals.
7.	Miami	2	Like veterans: Freshmen scored three of the RedHawks' six goals and rookie Brandon Crawford-West got the wins in goal in their first-round sweep.
22-12-4 (17-8-3 CCHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. Lake Superior State, 4-0; W vs. Lake Superior State, 2-1 ot. THIS WEEK: vs. second-lowest remaining seed in CCHA Semifinals.
8.	Denver	3	A disappointing weekend for the Pioneers, but it's tough to expect any team to win four in a row against their archrivals, let alone without their best player.
23-12-5 (13-10-5 WCHA). LAST WEEK: L vs. Colorado College, 4-3; L vs. Colorado College, 6-1. THIS WEEK: Off.
9.	Wisconsin	3	The Badgers are now the answer to the trivia question "Who did Alaska Anchorage beat to win its first WCHA playoff game and advance to its first Final Five?"
21-12-8 (14-7-7 WCHA). LAST WEEK: L vs. Alaska Anchorage, 3-2; W vs. Alaska Anchorage, 4-0; L vs. Alaska Anchorage, 4-1. THIS WEEK: Off.
10.	New Hampshire	–	UNH fans who snatched up tickets to the Northeast Regional can breathe a sigh of relief. The series win over Providence all but assures that the Wildcats will be there.
20-13-6 (10-8-6 Hockey East). LAST WEEK: W vs. Providence, 2-1; L vs. Providence, 4-3 ot; W vs. Providence, 1-0. THIS WEEK: vs. Massachusetts.
11.	Colgate	–	With the 2 and 3 seeds gone, Colgate might seem like a big favorite this weekend in Albany. Then again, it's the ECAC – anything can happen.
21-11-5 (14-6-2 ECAC). LAST WEEK: L vs. St. Lawrence, 2-1; W vs. St. Lawrence, 1-0; W vs. St. Lawrence, 2-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Clarkson.
12.	Michigan State	–	Only North Dakota (8-0-0) has a longer unbeaten streak than the Spartans (6-0-1).
24-14-2 (17-9-2 CCHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. Ferris State, 6-4; W vs. Ferris State, 5-3. THIS WEEK: vs. Northern Michigan.
13.	Colorado College	2	The Tigers' NCAA Tournament hopes upgraded from critical to satisfactory after weekend sweep at Denver propels CC to Final Five.
20-15-3 (11-15-2 WCHA). LAST WEEK: W at Denver, 4-3; W at Denver, 6-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Alaska Anchorage.
14.	Ohio State	–	6-foot-5 forward Dave Steckel is Big Man on Campus after scoring two goals and two assists in weekend sweep of Bowling Green.
23-15-0 (16-12-0 CCHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. Bowling Green, 3-2; W vs. Bowling Green, 5-2. THIS WEEK: vs. Notre Dame.
15.	Notre Dame	2	The Fighting Irish's first round series against Western Michigan was a real Paige-turner, as freshman Jason Paige scores the OT winner in Sunday's decisive Game 3.
20-13-4 (14-11-3 CCHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. Western Michigan, 4-2; L vs. Western Michigan, 4-0; W vs. Western Michigan, 5-4 ot. THIS WEEK: vs. Ohio State.
16.	Dartmouth	3	Back-to-back shutouts give the Big Green their third trip to the ECAC Semifinals in four years.
14-9-9 (10-5-7 ECAC). LAST WEEK: L vs. Rensselaer, 3-1; W vs. Rensselaer, 6-0; W vs. Rensselaer, 1-0. THIS WEEK: vs. Harvard.
17.	Massachusetts	NR	UMass, the popular pick to suffer a first-round Hockey East upset, had the smoothest ride as it returns to the FleetCenter.
18-11-6 (12-9-3 Hockey East). LAST WEEK: W vs. UMass Lowell, 6-3; W vs. UMass Lowell, 3-1. NEXT WEEK: vs. New Hampshire.
18.	Niagara	NR	Remember Joe Tallari's early season scoring slump? After Sunday's game-winning goal against Bemidji State in the CHA title game, no one will.
21-14-3 (14-6-0 CHA). LAST WEEK: W vs. Wayne State, 2-1; W vs. Bemidji State, 4-3 ot. THIS WEEK: Off.
19.	Northern Michigan	NR	No doubting Tuomas, as little-used backup goalie Tuomas Tarkki filled in for injured starter Craig Kowalski and stopped 68 of 71 shots in a sweep of Alaska-Fairbanks.
20-14-4 (13-13-2 CCHA). LAST WEEK: W at Alaska-Fairbanks, 3-1; W at Alaska-Fairbanks, 3-2. NEXT WEEK: vs. Michigan State.
20.	Holy Cross	NR	Think faith has no place in hockey? Think again, as Holy Cross and Sacred Heart will meet for the Atlantic Hockey title.
21-9-4 (17-4-3). LAST WEEK: W vs. American International, 5-0; W vs. Canisius, 4-1. THIS WEEK: vs. Sacred Heart.

Dropped out: Cornell, St. Cloud State, Bemidji State, Rensselaer

Bubble-licious: Bemidji State, Rensselaer, Harvard, Cornell, St. Cloud State

Feedback

Congratulations to the Seawolves from a very disappointed Badger fan. It was tough to watch, but Anchorage earned the win.. they beat us. I just hope that this does not take away from a very entertaining and successful season for UW... they still deserve a trip to the NCAA, but just barely.

Go Badgers and WCHA!

Tim, Madison WI

Let me start out by saying the Gophers ought not get overconfident ... remember, their last four wins were against (my team) a TERRIBLE Saint Cloud State squad. Sure, Gopher fans are going to say, "They moved the puck well and look at that offense". No, let's look at the Huskies defense. Now that's offensive. The best offense (U-M) in this case, is a BAD defense (SCSU). These are not sour grapes, rather an honest evaluation from a season ticket holder. Can the Sioux keep mo in their corner after an auspicious weekend? Can the Bullogs of UMD beat the Gophers for a FIFTH time this year? And can Denver, BC, and/or Wisconsin recover to prosper in the NCAAs? One more loss on the year and you are as done as a marshmallow on fire. I'm sure I'm not the only one that's happened to. What will it take to have these three playoff bystanders become happy campers?

Joe, Saint Cloud, MN

I hazard a guess that there were few college hockey fans this last weekend who didn't have elevated blood pressure....wow, east to west there were some sweet games and some outright shockers. Tip of the hat to B.U., Alaska-Anchorage, and C.C. just to name a few who actually practice the "never give up" mantra that young players should follow. Nice change from the actions of "role models" such as un-named NHL player. It was nice to see some pretenders knocked out of the picture in the various leagues (including the WCHA where those who just try to "peak" at the correct time got their just deserts).

I'll keep checking back to see what the potential brackets look like as I'm sure that this coming weekend will shake up the possibilities some more. I still think that Wisconsin is a legit Regional contender and I still hope to see them seeded, but St. Cloud State looks like they are just out of gas right now and Denver could do some damage, but if they are bumped from post season seeding it won't be the end of the world. While I'm sure B.C. is still going to get seeded, it was nice to see where they may have to end up playing the likes of the Gophers in the regional bracketing instead of at the Frozen Four after a cake-walk regional. I have to admit a guilty pleasure at seeing Michigan have to go through 2 WCHA teams to get to the Frozen Four as well this year (even if it is still a bracket played in the state of Michigan). I'd be way more impressed with a Frozen Four appearance by Michigan if they had to go through Wisconsin and UMD to get there! Having Maine and U.N.H. in the same bracket is also shaping up to be kind of interesting if it happens.

For now, as always, one just needs to keep cheering for the home team....Go Sioux!!!

Mike, Grand Forks, ND

For the record, I'm a Gopher fan but I also cheer for WCHA teams when playing non conference schedules, even UND, UMD, Wisc, etc. Need to keep the hardware at home!

Things I think I know...

I think BC started to believe how good they were. I would have thought the Maine sweep would have woke them up. If they don't wake up now, then it's all over.

I think we'll see 3 WCHA teams in the frozen four. Depending on how the brackets come out - Minn, UMN, UND. I also think Maine or BC will be the fourth, whoever _doesn't_ have to play a WCHA team.

I think UND will win it all. The Gopher's also have a chance if our freshman goaltender holds up.

I think if the Gophers beat UMD on Fri, that may be enough to bump us up and UMD down. This means the Gophs get the last #1 seed and UMD gets a #2.

I think the Gophs would rather play BC/Maine in the second round if we are stuck with a #2 seed. If they have to play UMD or UND, then anything can happen on any given night between these 3 teams.

I think what Alaska-Anchorage did was phenomenal. Gutty performance. Best of luck to them.

I think Wisc may be a tad overrated. Maybe just too young.

When the Gophs played UMD a month back, we didn't look too good. But we were without our captain (Grant Potulny) and Thomas Vanek. They were both hurt. I believe that Grant Potulny may be the heart and soul of the Gophs. His presence seems to pull everyone together (just what a captain should be ...)

Grant's younger brother Ryan just came back from injury and put up 5 goals (and a few assists also) in his first 3 games back. He just seems to be in the right place at the right time. He could be someone special, need to keep an eye on him.......

I think this message board seems to be dominated by WCHA folks. Is this typical or just because of the strength of the league this year?

(Another) Mike, Maple Grove (Minneapolis), MN

So, Minny would get the 1 seed and UMD the 2 if the goofers win, based on Minny finishing three spots lower in the standings, or only winning one of the five contests between them? That's like saying ND will be a 2 and UMD a 1 when UMD wins the championship over ND on saturday.

Mike - Duluth, MN

First congrats to Niagara for being the first team with an NCAA bid and beating a pretty solid (CHA standards) Bemidji State team.

And congratulations to the underdogs of the weekend (AA, CC, and BU). I don't think anyone would have predicted these teams winning thier weekend series. Now because of the WCHA upsets, it really shakes things up in the Final Five. Instead of Minnesota playing the play-in game they get an extra day of rest and as we all know anything can happen when UMD and Minnesota meet. Also, not to jinx the Souix, but their schedule just got alot easier (possibly Denver or Minnesota, now Alaska or CC).

With that said, this should be one of the best weekends in college hockey with (I believe) 5 conference tournaments to be decided. The WCHA probably has the most at stake this weekend for every team. More upsets from CC or Alaska could mean an extra WCHA team in the NCAAs and the winner of the UMD - Minnesota game most likely has a #1 seed stake.

The nice part is that after this weekend the seedings will be alot more clear for the NCAA tourney, but alot could change between now and then. Very exciting stuff this week.

GO DOGS!!!!!!! and good luck to the rest of the WCHA teams.

Mike - Duluth, MN

First of all, what a GREAT start to the conference playoffs. Congratulations to all the winners (especially the gophers). You guys got to be thanking Alaska-Anchorage for that "upset" of (over-rated) Wisconsin. Now you dont have to play UND til the Final Five championship game. That is, if your team can beat UMD (0-4 against this year) this weekend. And Mike in Maple Grove, even if the Gophs do beat the Bulldogs it's hard to justify seeding them in the NCAA tourney ahead of a team with a better record that they beat 1 in 5 games this year. Dont you think? That's all. Good luck to ALL WCHA (best conference in college hockey) teams in the NCAA tourney and GO BULLDOGS!!!

Ryan in Duluth

Congrats to UMass. Everyone around hockey east chose them to get swept by Lowell but they did the opposite. They earned the win this weekend from great play by all lines, something that people have critisized them for in the past. However, out of all of the people who are getting
praise this for weekend no one has mentioned Tim Warner. A junior goaltender who found out he was starting just 2 hours before thursday nights game stopped 2 out of 3 breakaways in the first 10 minutes, and prevented the Lowell team from breaking open the game. He then went on to save 39 shots, only to allow 2 goals in the last 5 minutes when it didnt count. Then the next night he allowed only 1 goal on 22 shots to lead UMass to a sweep. This kid was a backup who hadn't played more than 70 minutes all year and he stepped in for the 2 most important games all season for the Minutemen and played far beyond expectations. He's my player of the week.

Sam, Amherst, MA

The last time I chimed in I said WI had not arrived yet and Anchorage
proved that point. I also said neither UMD nor WI could knock off
MI....well, the 4X4 predicitons have a great bracket possibility in Grand
Rapids. Fans are complaining about MI having home ice year after year but
they are also saying that the WCHA is so strong this year. Both factors go
head to head. You better hang on to your tickets for that regional....it
will be fun!!!

NoDak has a cake walk in the Colorado Springs regional. Maine's powerhouse team matching up in Manchester, NH with a possilbe show down with UNH will surely sell tickets. And finally, putting BC in with two time defending champion Minnesota makes sense because BC was No. 1 for so long this year. MN has been as low as #10 but has now climbed back to respectful status.

FEAR THE GOPHER.....enjoy the action.....On to Boston !!!

Jerry, Shoreview, MN (the State of Hockey, Miracles and home of the late
great Herb Brooks)

Congrats to the UAA Seawolves, they earned it. The Badgers may make the NCAA's and win a regional game, but not much more. UND and UMD are the favorites to win it all. Remember that all the freshmen and sophomores on the UW team will be seasoned veterans in two years when the regional is in Green Bay, and the Frozen Four is in Milwaukee. We finally get the home ice path that Minnesota, Michigan, and the Boston teams have always enjoyed.

Jerry, Madison, WI

I'm so happy Minnesota doesn't have to be a part of that Thursday play in game! Our reward, Minn Duluth who has put it to us this year in a bad way! Hopefully playing at the Xcel center will mess them up mentally so we can (most likely) play North Dakota Saturday for the Championship! I respect those two teams immensely! Sandelin has done a phenomenal job recessitating that UMD program and Blais is one of the top 3 or 4 coaches in the nation. Watch out for CC (the play in game winner?) to mess with NoDak on Friday afternoon! Hey! If anybody is heading down to the Xcel energy center for the WCHA final five? If so, I am and if interested we could hook up for a barley pop at one of the local establishments. I'd say upstairs at McGovern's is the best place to be!

Mike (Lakeville, MN)

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