College Hockey:This Week in the ECAC East-NESCAC: Mar. 4, 2010
Well the first week of the conference playoffs definitely did not disappoint in terms of the level of play and excitement that sudden death hockey brings to any and all arenas.
There were favorites who won comfortably; there were upsets by visitors who came ready to play; and there were three 2-1 games decided in overtime that clearly demonstrated the old adage about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
This week the final four for both conferences are set. The hosts are the top seeds. Norwich once again is hosting the ECAC East championship, while Bowdoin — and its new Sid Watson Arena — hosts the NESCAC title weekend for the very first time in search of their first conference title.
For both conferences, the top two seeds are into the final four and the other home ice seeds were upset in the quarterfinals, showing the great balance among the teams in both conferences. Anything can happen in a one-and-done tournament, so it may not be about being the best team but more about the team that is playing its very best right now — when it matters most.
This is what everyone started playing and prepping for way back on Nov. 1, when the first practices began in earnest. There is no question that everyone will be ready to play and leaving the maximum effort on the ice. Passing Bowdoin head coach Terry Meaghers pillow test shouldnt be an issue this weekend.
When you finally go to sleep at night after a game and put your head down on the pillow, can you honestly say as a player and a teammate that you left everything on the ice and performed to the best of your ability that day? asked Meagher. If the answer is yes, then you should sleep well. If no, you need to step it up the next time out and focus on being the best you can be for the entire 60 minutes or more.
Theres no question that players this week will leave it out on the ice, most likely for the last time this season. But depending on the outcomes, there probably wont be a lot of good nights sleep while wondering about what might have been for three teams that ultimately dont skate with the championship trophy.
Heres a look at the semis and likely final matchups for the two conferences.
ECAC East Final Four (Hosted at Norwich)
No. 6 New England College at No. 1 Norwich
Regular season result: Norwich won 6-2 at home in a game where they took the lead on a late second period goal and scored three in the third for the final differential.
Preview: The Cadets like home cooking as their 14-0-2 record would indicate. They have outscored their opponents 133-37 this season, so not only do they have firepower, they dont give you much on the back end either. The FAT (Fast Attack Trio) line of Forkey, Anderson and Thomas is one of the best in the country, but the Cadets have a lot of other weapons and great balance from all four of their lines.
For NEC, Alex Muse has had a terrific season and several of the seniors on this team would clearly like nothing better than to knock off their long time rival. Aaron Harvey is going to have to be a big game goalie if the Pilgrims are to have any chance in this one, as the Northfield faithful will create a very hostile environment for the visitors.
Prediction: Norwich wants the title back and would like to enter the NCAA tournament as conference champions. Overall, its been an up and down year for NEC and while last weeks win at Castleton should boost the confidence, the Cadets have just too much depth and talent for the Pilgrims to post another upset in Northfield this weekend.
Score? Norwich 5, NEC 2.
No. 5 Skidmore vs. No. 2 Babson
Regular Season Result: Skidmore defeated Babson 4-3 on the road in a game where the Thoroughbreds took an early 3-0 lead and held on against the Beavers, who narrowed it to the one goal differential with an extra-attacker goal in the final minute of the game.
Preview: I thought we had some great chances after a bad start, said University of Massachusetts-Boston head coach Peter Belisle. They are a very good hockey team and [Zeke] Testa is very, very good in goal. If they get that kind of performance from him this weekend at Norwich, they will definitely challenge again for the championship.
Testa did not play in the regular season game between the two teams but has been a fixture in the Babson net down the stretch. For Skidmore, they will need to have playoff-caliber goaltending and continue to get big goals from Alex Mykolenko and Matt Czerkowicz. Both teams like to skate and move the puck so this one shapes up to be a track meet, meaning both teams will get good chances putting a further premium on the guys between the pipes.
Prediction: There is a lot to like about the way Babson plays at this time of the year. They have won two titles in the last four years and will be poised to challenge again this year. Zeke Testa is the difference this time around and the Beavers create the final between the two top seeds on Saturday night.
Score? Babson 4, Skidmore 2.
Projected ECAC East Championship Game: No. 2 Babson at No. 1 Norwich
Regular Season Result: The teams skated to a 3-3 overtime tie at Babson. Despite being outshot by almost a 2-to-1 margin, the Beavers held a 3-2 lead in the third only to be tied by a last minute goal by the Cadets Blake Forkey.
Preview: I think this is the game everyone expects to see on Saturday night, said Beacons head coach Peter Belisle. Both of these teams are very talented and the goaltending for both is excellent which should mean a close game.
Overall, Norwich has been exceptional anywhere they have played this year. But they have been especially good at home. Babson actually has a better record on the road than at home and has played more games away from campus this season.
Terry Woods, Chris Wood and the rest of the Beaver forwards are going to have to attack the size and speed of the Norwich defenders in order to get good opportunities on goalie Ryan Klingensmith. The power play, which clicked for two of their three goals against Norwich, will need to be effective here if the Cadets find themselves in the box.
The formula for Norwich doesnt change much from what has worked all season. Pressure, pressure and more pressure on the opposition by rolling four lines and moving the puck quickly in transition will create good offensive chances that will challenge Zeke Testa.
Prediction: The number one seed and top ranked team in the country didnt get to that lofty plateau by accident. The Cadets will reclaim the crown from last years champions in a hard fought title game. The home ice does matter in this one and the game is ultimately closer than the final score projects.
Score? Norwich 5, Babson 2.
NESCAC Final Four (Hosted at Bowdoin)
No. 6 Hamilton at No. 1 Bowdoin
Regular Season Results: Back in early February, the Polar Bears surrendered an early tally at home and then ran off six unanswered goals, including two shorthanded, on their way to a 6-1 victory.
Preview: There is something that just seems right about the NESCAC championship weekend being hosted at a rink named after a legend in college hockey, Sid Watson. I am sure he will have the best seat in the house watching the festivities in his arena.
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