Hockey East 2020-2021

[Snively65]

Of course they're winging it. It's even worse in some of the college basketball leagues (NBA too). Longstanding scheduling protocols are out the window, at least for this year, so I'm not going to criticize the league office or anyone else under the circumstances. Just happy to get any kind of season in.

Agreed with all of the above.

 

[boblav1]

Governor Baker to announce that large venues, including Fenway Park and TD Garden, will be allowed to reopen starting March 22 with reduced capacity


Governor Baker to reopen big venues to events on March 22; Fans can return to Fenway, TD Garden...
Opening Day at Fenway Park isn’t far away, and now it looks like there will be baseball fans in the stands to witness it — along with fans at TD Garden and Gillette Stadium.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Of course they're winging it. It's even worse in some of the college basketball leagues (NBA too). Longstanding scheduling protocols are out the window, at least for this year, so I'm not going to criticize the league office or anyone else under the circumstances. Just happy to get any kind of season in.

Your post started out strong, started to sputter by dragging hoops into it, then veered into enabling those in charge not to do their jobs better, and finished by setting crushingly low expectations.

Remedial viewing of this video required to avoid the consequences of a low expectation culture ...

 

[Split-N]

I get it that you don't have a high opinion of Mr. Metcalf and that's certainly your prerogative. But if we really expect the league office to be able to produce a schedule that is rational, certain, and predictable in an irrational, uncertain, and unpredictable year, then maybe we should give them some loaves and fishes and demand that they solve world hunger.

 

[J.D.]

If anyone has a clue on how they might set the schedule for next weekend here will be games played after tomorrow night:

PC 22
UMass 21
UConn 21
UNH 21
BC 20
NU 19
MC 18
UML 15
Maine 14
BU 13
UVM 12

The three opening round playoff games are on Wednesday March 10. Curious which teams if any are scheduled for two games next weekend.

 

[RENCEB]

I'm scratching my head; how can Maine at 3-9-1 have a higher HEPI than Merrimack at 5-11-1? Maine has beaten UConn, PC and a moribund UVM team, while Merrimack has wins over UMass, PC, BU and 2 over a down UNH Team. REALLY smacks of "winging it".

 

[ericredaxe]

I'm scratching my head; how can Maine at 3-9-1 have a higher HEPI than Merrimack at 5-11-1? Maine has beaten UConn, PC and a moribund UVM team, while Merrimack has wins over UMass, PC, BU and 2 over a down UNH Team. REALLY smacks of "winging it".

Maine is now 3-10-1 and behind Merrimack. Maine also has had no home games so who knows if home / away are weighted somewhat differently in whatever the formula is.

 

[The Zlax45]

Maine is now 3-10-1 and behind Merrimack. Maine also has had no home games so who knows if home / away are weighted somewhat differently in whatever the formula is.

Of course, Hockey East won't release the formula to the public because that would MAKE SENSE!

 

[J.D.]

So UMass can play at home next weekend? If that's the case the only team they haven't played is Maine. And the only team BC hasn't played is UVM. Seems like easy scheduling decisions...

 

[Chuck Murray]

So UMass can play at home next weekend? If that's the case the only team they haven't played is Maine. And the only team BC hasn't played is UVM. Seems like easy scheduling decisions...

I doubt Commish Press Release will care about UMass and/or BC scheduling "logic" when:

* UVM has only played against six (6) of their 10 potential HEA rivals
* BU has only played against seven (7) of their 10 potential HEA rivals

FWIW Part Two - UNH hasn't played a single game against either UVM or BU so far SO ...

... using HEA scheduling logic, UNH will be playing BC on Friday, and UMass on Sunday

 

[J.D.]

Right but I would think they can make it work in both ways. For example, UNH playing BU. Guy who told me BC would be playing single game against UMass is saying BC will either be playing NU for one at home or two against UVM at home. UVMs last six games have been at home.

With the seeding coming into focus now and all teams playing, this has to be their most challenging scheduling decision. Not just opponents but again with the odd # of teams. Does PC not play at all since they will have 22 games after tonight?

 

[J.D.]

At the same time, BU-UML probably makes more sense to get those teams more games. Where as maybe UNH only plays one game against someone else. Time to pick out of a hat.

 

[jjmc85]

Has anyone thought of what happens if a team gets a positive test during the Hockey East Tournament and needs to take a break? Do they forfeit? Would be a shitty way to lose, and not that great of a way to win either TBH.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Has anyone thought of what happens if a team gets a positive test during the Hockey East Tournament and needs to take a break?

I haven't given it the slightest bit of thought until now. I'm sure Zlax has, though ...

Do they forfeit?

I would imagine so.

Would be a ****ty way to lose, and not that great of a way to win either TBH.

Honestly, the time for "breaks" is over - barring extreme circumstances (and nothing we've seen yet in 2021 has hit that threshold). The season is over in a matter of days for most teams by then, and a week or two, maybe three for a small handful of teams. There will be no spectators I'm assuming.

So, virtue signaling aside ... why exactly would there "need" to be a "break"?!?!?

 

[Drew S.]

Has anyone thought of what happens if a team gets a positive test during the Hockey East Tournament and needs to take a break? Do they forfeit? Would be a ****ty way to lose, and not that great of a way to win either TBH.

I don’t think the tournament is that meaningful this year with everything going on. If teams have to forfeit it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

 

[Chuck Murray]

I don't think the tournament is that meaningful this year with everything going on. If teams have to forfeit it wouldn't be the end of the world.

Maybe that's how you feel as a "fan", but let's not confuse that for how players and coaches are going to feel about it. And I guarantee you, if any team feels even remotely the way you do about it, it will be very apparent, and they will lose (and likely badly) very early in the tourney.

For what it's worth, based on comments from players and coaches alike in recent weeks, I expect one of those "Gosh ain't we lucky to just be here, no big whoop" flameouts to be UNH.

 

[jjmc85]

I agree with Chuck on this one. I think the players care. Think of all they sacrificed for this season. All the testing and restrictions and social distancing. Covid has taken away everything from them that would usually be fun about college. Even if it happens to a team that I don’t particularly like Im going to be heartbroken for anyone who needs to forfeit.

Also as a fan of a team who has never won a conference tournament but has a shot this season, I’d feel cheated if UMass got the autobid based on a forfeit. I’d rather them win it on the ice.

I hope it doesn’t happen. If it does and they can’t reschedule, then I hope they reseed so the highest remaining team gets a bye.

 

[Drew S.]

BC declined to play in a bowl game this year. I’m sure that there are a lot of mixed emotions for players and coaches. There definitely are some want to win and there are likely quite a few who just want it to be over with. There is no right or wrong way to feel on this one.

For whoever does win I don’t think it will ever be viewed as the same as winning a trophy in a normal year, and that must factored in some.

 

[J.D.]

A lot of these players lost the chance at a national title last year. So ya this means a lot to them. Doesn't really matter how fans view this year.

 

[J.D.]

As a BC fan, declining to play in a middling bowl game is not the same as being able to compete for a national championship. One of the biggest things about a bowl game is the stuff you get to do off the field during bowl week. That wasn't an option this year.

As for potential positive tests during tournament play, whoever tests positive is out. But if enough guys are testing negative leading up to the game you play the game. Some people on here will have a heart attack after reading that take but that's how I feel.

It won't be exactly the same as winning in a normal year but let's say a team like UND wins. I won't hold it against them. They were supposed to be a great team and have been.