A couple weeks ago, I looked back on the weekend’s games by grouping teams into Winners and Losers with a few intermediate levels in between. This time, let’s see if ranking the performances gives any better clarity.
1. Massachusetts
The Minutemen got a much-needed first win last Tuesday over Vermont and continued with a second against Quinnipiac. You can’t beat two-for-two. More on UMass in Wednesday’s column. (A shameless plug, true.)
2. Providence
The Friars only played one game and that was a nonconference tilt against Holy Cross, but they took care of business and that’s all you can ask. They’re now one game over .500 overall.
3. Merrimack
The Warriors defeated Boston College to take the season series before losing, 2-1, to New Hampshire. They’re now in fourth place with a 2-2-2 record against the BC/BU/UNH three-headed monster. Anyone want to claim now that they don’t belong in the national rankings? If so, step forward and collect your dunce cap.
4. New Hampshire
While the Wildcats did play some pretty atrocious team defense against Brown, resulting in the need for a miraculous two goals in the final two minutes to pull out a tie, they rebounded with a nice 2-1 win over Merrimack. A win in Hockey East and a tie outside of the conference isn’t too shabby.
5. Northeastern
The Huskies tied Vermont, giving them a win and two ties in their last three games. After a really tough start, that’s some major-league progress.
6. Maine
Sometimes it’s better not to play at all.
7. Boston University
Like the Wildcats, BU had to settle for a nonconference tie against Brown. A bit disappointing for the nation’s number two team but no reason to hide the sharp objects.
8. Boston College
More hot-and-cold games from the Eagles. A loss at Merrimack followed by a win over Vermont. You just know better times are ahead, but then again, that’s what you were telling yourself weeks ago.
9. Vermont
The Catamounts lost to UMass (last Tuesday), tied Northeastern, and lost to BC. One out of six points isn’t going to get it done.
10. Massachusetts-Lowell
The River Hawks lost twice at Minnesota-State, extending their losing streak to five games and dropping to 2-10-2 overall. Hey, it’s a young, rebuilding team and we knew there’d be times like this. Fortunately, the two wins are within Hockey East.
