Does it get any better before the NC$$ DIII finals???
Who's going?
Where are you staying, eating, partying...???
Any predictions or comments on the games/match ups?
My reading of the schedule says this is a tournament, where the two winners of day one play, and the two losers play.
This sets up a possible second day matchup of Elmira/Plattsburgh and Middlebury/Amherst. Two intraconference matchups that don't count in the conference standings.
wouldn't we all be better served if the second day was simply Amherst/Elmira and Middlebury/Plattsburgh? Wouldn't that be more compelling than watching these teams play their own conference opponent? Does anyone care who "wins" the trophy?
While "winning" this tournament will certainly be a nice resume booster with two wins against quality teams like the winner will play, i think the most important thing each of the four teams will find out is where they match-up against the teams they will be competiting with for the Pool C slots and the National title.
I'd put Plattsburgh or Amherst as the early favorite but I guarantee you each of the four coaches would probably say a different team if asked who they think is going to win the tournament.
Keep in mind this tournament could produce four ties too and we will still have a team that finishes "first" and fourth"...
should be a great four games for anyone who gets to go to the tournament. Middlebury is a top notch facility and a great host for an event like this. I'm excited to be able to watch/listen to the games. My only gripe is the games are on Sunday/Monday...whats the deal with that?!
I actually know the answer to that one. the Middlebury Men's team also hosts a New Years Weekend tournament, and when the women's event was moved from November to January, there was a conflict with Friday and Saturday.
Does it get any better before the NC$$ DIII finals???
Who's going?
Where are you staying, eating, partying...???
Any predictions or comments on the games/match ups?
Nope.
Me.
Marriott, ?, ?
Plattsburgh will take home the trophy.
Not Amherst because Krystyn isn't there anymore?
Not Amherst because Krystyn isn't there anymore?
Their D is improved and amazingly their weakness seems not getting consistent goal play.
I project the winner of Amherst/Plattsburgh will win the weekend, but as for goaltending I think Midd has the edge.
Agreed. Here is my prognostication for the weekend:
1. Elmira vs Middlebury-Last year Elmira dominated Midd in two games and lost both. This matchup is the classic ECAC-West vs NESCAC, basically size versus speed. I haven't seen anyone at EC filling the shoes of Coady, Huntley, or Cubberly, so on paper this looks like a good bet for a Panther victory. Call it 3-1 Middlebury.
2. Amherst vs Plattsburgh-Amherst's victory in the NCAA quarters wasn't so surprising, but the ease with which they dispatched the Cardinals was truly shocking. As good as Amherst's players have been, I think their biggest weapon is Coach Plumer. He figures out ways to beat you, and based on last season, he has obviously figured out how to beat Plattsburgh. On the other side of the coin, Plattsburgh seems to have survived the graduation of a monster class, and is ready to pick up where they left off. One of these teams is going to need a great game in net to survive, and right now the best bet for that would be HU and the Lord Jeffs. Call it 3-2 Amherst.
3. Elmira vs Plattsburgh-based on my prognostication this will be the third place game. Whether its for third or first, what a great opportunity for the Midd and Amherst faithful to be able to watch these two slug it out. I'm leaning towards the Cardinals in this one. Call it 4-2 Platty.
4. Amherst vs Middlebury-Amherst won three of their four matchups last year, and clearly has developed the ability to forecheck the Panthers into coughing up the puck. However, looking at the last two games played (NESCAC championship and FF semi) each team scored a total of 6 goals, but more importantly, all 6 Jeff goals in those two games came on the power play. If Midd can stay out of the penalty box, their goaltending will keep them in it. But, if push comes to shove, I'll call it 2-1 Amherst.
If I am right, EC goes home with two losses and is basically finished in the pool C derby. Sorry Prez.
I wouldn't throw Elmira under the bus just yet.
EC's rookie goaltender Lauren Sullivan, leads the conference in both goals against and save percentage.
EC has 5 players listed in the top 16 point scorers in their conference tied only with "Blowout RIT"
EC holds the # 1 position in the conference with defenseman scoring.
EC has 2 frosh in the top 5 in freshman scoring in the conference. Again "Blowout RIT" dominates in this category.
and... EC is # 1 in the conference with a 90.6 penalty kill ratio.
Just sayin....
I wouldn't throw Elmira under the bus just yet.
EC's rookie goaltender Lauren Sullivan, leads the conference in both goals against and save percentage.
EC has 5 players listed in the top 16 point scorers in their conference tied only with "Blowout RIT"
EC holds the # 1 position in the conference with defenseman scoring.
EC has 2 frosh in the top 5 in freshman scoring in the conference. Again "Blowout RIT" dominates in this category.
and... EC is # 1 in the conference with a 90.6 penalty kill ratio.
Just sayin....
Unfortunately the two biggest stats on the year for Elmira are this:
vs Plattsburgh (L 4-3 (OT), L 3-2)
vs Manhattanville (L 3-2)
Now things can obviously change if Elmira takes a game or two at the Classic but if they get swept I agree with Spike, it's ECAC West title or bust or the Soaring Eagles will be missing the NCAA's for only the second time in their nine year program history.
I know...just wearng my heart on my sleeve I guess.
They don't call me "5 4 Turteling."
This is a great venue to show these teams what they need to work on for the rest of the season. That's about it. Platty has won quite a few of these, and it doesn't really make too much of a difference (remember last year?)
Should be some great hockey though...
I dont care what Plattsburgh does, just as long as they beat the Soaring Sparrows...yet again!