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The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

IF, IF's and but's were candy and nuts it would be Christmas every day as well, ECACHL and Yale fans. The outcome of this game kinda validates my point. As I said before if you knock at the door enough you might sneak past one team like Yale did yesterday, but it's not likely any ECACHL team would sneak past another top program from one of the three elite leagues in college hockey.

As for Yale making the Frozen Four if they had a goalie and Backman? Maybe if it were an all ECACHL regional. Yale had better hope Brown isn't invited...:o

How many times did Maine score 7 on BC this year? How many times without their best offensive player?
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Backman would have helped, but he wouldn't have made them the best team in the country. He wouldn't be a first line forward on BC or Miami.

Really, Backman had 21 goals and 1.2 points per game. BC had ONE player with that many points per game or that many goals (Cam Atkinson), Miami had zero at those thresholds.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

He wouldn't be a first line forward on BC or Miami.

I just wanted to read this statement a second time to see if it would look any less ridiculous.

It didn't.

Good job, Yale. It's not easy putting up 7 on BC. I was hoping this was your year, but things just didn't break your way at the end. Also yet another impressive showing by BC.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

This being my last year of direct involvement with college hockey, I have enjoyed the annual mocking of the EZAC. It's all so predictable. Spring must be here. Yale's win over UND sort of took the steam out of some of it for a bit.

I have watched four years of ECAC and seen enough out of conference games against quality opponents (Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, BU, BC, UNH, Vermont) to have a feel for this subject.

The numbers don't lie in terms of the ECAC not winning the Frozen Four or even getting there, so no one is suggesting the ECAC produces elite teams that win national championships. But the gap between the so called elite teams in the NCAA and everyone else really seems to have closed over the years and we have all sorts of upset specials every year as evidence.

I can only tell you my kid's offensive numbers vs. CCHA or HE teams were lights out better than vs. ECAC teams. Two games vs. Michigan, two goals. Two games vs. BU, two goals. Multiple games vs. UNH and Vermont, multiple multiple point nights. When I asked him why, he said it was because every game in the ECAC, no matter who you play, is a grind every night. Every player on every ECAC team blocks shot, backchecks like his hair is on fire, there's grinding in all three zones and getting to the net for a goal-scoring chance is like running a gauntlet. Outside of Yale, which is a true run and gun team, the vast majority of ECAC teams (Cornell, Union, SLU etc.) play a hard, grinding, defensive game where it seems a 4-2 score is a blowout. My kid's games vs. HE and CCHA teams were much more wide open and SLU even won the odd one too. LOL.

I am not saying the ECAC is better than anyone but I am saying it's different. It's a hard league to play in and the coaches and players in the "EZAC" know it's anything but easy. That may not translate into championships and national respect, but I've enjoyed watching the ECAC battles for four years and I'm going to miss it.

My guy graduates this year but I know SLU would love for any teams from the WCHA, CCHA or HE come to Appleton for a visit any time and experience some North Country hospitality and an EZAC night.

Finally, if I'm not mistaken, SLU beat RIT and Boston College this season. Can the Saints come to Ford Field too? ;)
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

This being my last year of direct involvement with college hockey, I have enjoyed the annual mocking of the EZAC. It's all so predictable. Spring must be here. Yale's win over UND sort of took the steam out of some of it for a bit.

I have watched four years of ECAC and seen enough out of conference games against quality opponents (Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, BU, BC, UNH, Vermont) to have a feel for this subject.

The numbers don't lie in terms of the ECAC not winning the Frozen Four or even getting there, so no one is suggesting the ECAC produces elite teams that win national championships. But the gap between the so called elite teams in the NCAA and everyone else really seems to have closed over the years and we have all sorts of upset specials every year as evidence.

I can only tell you my kid's offensive numbers vs. CCHA or HE teams were lights out better than vs. ECAC teams. Two games vs. Michigan, two goals. Two games vs. BU, two goals. Multiple games vs. UNH and Vermont, multiple multiple point nights. When I asked him why, he said it was because every game in the ECAC, no matter who you play, is a grind every night. Every player on every ECAC team blocks shot, backchecks like his hair is on fire, there's grinding in all three zones and getting to the net for a goal-scoring chance is like running a gauntlet. Outside of Yale, which is a true run and gun team, the vast majority of ECAC teams (Cornell, Union, SLU etc.) play a hard, grinding, defensive game where it seems a 4-2 score is a blowout. My kid's games vs. HE and CCHA teams were much more wide open and SLU even won the odd one too. LOL.

I am not saying the ECAC is better than anyone but I am saying it's different. It's a hard league to play in and the coaches and players in the "EZAC" know it's anything but easy. That may not translate into championships and national respect, but I've enjoyed watching the ECAC battles for four years and I'm going to miss it.

My guy graduates this year but I know SLU would love for any teams from the WCHA, CCHA or HE come to Appleton for a visit any time and experience some North Country hospitality and an EZAC night.

Finally, if I'm not mistaken, SLU beat RIT and Boston College this season. Can the Saints come to Ford Field too? ;)

Amen, brother!!!! Well said.......we will miss seeing your smiling mug around the ECAC arena's and especially at Appleton.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Backman would have helped, but he wouldn't have made them the best team in the country. He wouldn't be a first line forward on BC or Miami.

That's a lie and you know it. Aside from playing in AH or CHA, anyone putting up numbers like Backman are legitimate and would translate to any league.

Having watched plenty of HE over the course of my time at BU and watching Yale this year, this Yale team could be competitive with any team in the country (and proved this year they were) because every single line has ridiculous chemistry. This team may not be the most talented team in the country, but every single guy buys into the system and plays his heart out. You don't get that on a regular basis at any of the big schools that recruit the top notch talent. Yale is one hell of a team and are coached like it.

Bravo, Yale. You did a solid job this season. We'll miss you, senior class, the most successful senior class in Yale history. Mr. Allain, you're beginning to show signs of being one of the best coaches in college hockey.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

As a neutral observer this weekend, I can honestly say Yale would have had a good chance to make the Frozen Four (out of any regional) if they had a goaltender. They appear to have four incompetent goaltenders on their roster. As someone who has seen 45 college hockey games in person this year and several others on television, I've seen better second string goalies than anything Yale had to throw out there. Nevin Hamilton (UML), Andrew Brathwaite (MC), Grant Rollheiser (BU) or Kain Tisi (SLU) was in goal for Yale tonight and they are moving on to Detroit. I should point out Muse let in a few softies, but Yale's three goalies let in at least 6 softies combined.

They are fast, skilled and can play physical. O'Neill, Arcobello, Little and Backman (saw Yale play earlier in year twice) all would be very good contributors to any Hockey East team.
 
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Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

This being my last year of direct involvement with college hockey, I have enjoyed the annual mocking of the EZAC. It's all so predictable. Spring must be here. Yale's win over UND sort of took the steam out of some of it for a bit.

I have watched four years of ECAC and seen enough out of conference games against quality opponents (Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, BU, BC, UNH, Vermont) to have a feel for this subject.

The numbers don't lie in terms of the ECAC not winning the Frozen Four or even getting there, so no one is suggesting the ECAC produces elite teams that win national championships. But the gap between the so called elite teams in the NCAA and everyone else really seems to have closed over the years and we have all sorts of upset specials every year as evidence.

I can only tell you my kid's offensive numbers vs. CCHA or HE teams were lights out better than vs. ECAC teams. Two games vs. Michigan, two goals. Two games vs. BU, two goals. Multiple games vs. UNH and Vermont, multiple multiple point nights. When I asked him why, he said it was because every game in the ECAC, no matter who you play, is a grind every night. Every player on every ECAC team blocks shot, backchecks like his hair is on fire, there's grinding in all three zones and getting to the net for a goal-scoring chance is like running a gauntlet. Outside of Yale, which is a true run and gun team, the vast majority of ECAC teams (Cornell, Union, SLU etc.) play a hard, grinding, defensive game where it seems a 4-2 score is a blowout. My kid's games vs. HE and CCHA teams were much more wide open and SLU even won the odd one too. LOL.

I am not saying the ECAC is better than anyone but I am saying it's different. It's a hard league to play in and the coaches and players in the "EZAC" know it's anything but easy. That may not translate into championships and national respect, but I've enjoyed watching the ECAC battles for four years and I'm going to miss it.

My guy graduates this year but I know SLU would love for any teams from the WCHA, CCHA or HE come to Appleton for a visit any time and experience some North Country hospitality and an EZAC night.

Finally, if I'm not mistaken, SLU beat RIT and Boston College this season. Can the Saints come to Ford Field too? ;)

Bob, you should send Shawn to SLU just so you have a reason to visit more often. Or better yet, maybe you and the missus could have another son or tow or adopt??;) Seriously, you, your family and your son are going to be missed!!
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Re: Bob McKenzie's last year of direct involvement--






Re: Bob McKenzie's last year of direct involvement--other than being the most respected hockey analyst in Canada,and having written arguably the best book on being "crazy" about hockey, he's always been the voice of reason on this board. Now it's just us. Let's try to be reasonable & moderate.
Note to Joe Marsh: check those sticks! It's in the book!
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

This being my last year of direct involvement with college hockey, I have enjoyed the annual mocking of the EZAC. It's all so predictable. Spring must be here. Yale's win over UND sort of took the steam out of some of it for a bit.

I have watched four years of ECAC and seen enough out of conference games against quality opponents (Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, BU, BC, UNH, Vermont) to have a feel for this subject.

The numbers don't lie in terms of the ECAC not winning the Frozen Four or even getting there, so no one is suggesting the ECAC produces elite teams that win national championships. But the gap between the so called elite teams in the NCAA and everyone else really seems to have closed over the years and we have all sorts of upset specials every year as evidence.

I can only tell you my kid's offensive numbers vs. CCHA or HE teams were lights out better than vs. ECAC teams. Two games vs. Michigan, two goals. Two games vs. BU, two goals. Multiple games vs. UNH and Vermont, multiple multiple point nights. When I asked him why, he said it was because every game in the ECAC, no matter who you play, is a grind every night. Every player on every ECAC team blocks shot, backchecks like his hair is on fire, there's grinding in all three zones and getting to the net for a goal-scoring chance is like running a gauntlet. Outside of Yale, which is a true run and gun team, the vast majority of ECAC teams (Cornell, Union, SLU etc.) play a hard, grinding, defensive game where it seems a 4-2 score is a blowout. My kid's games vs. HE and CCHA teams were much more wide open and SLU even won the odd one too. LOL.

I am not saying the ECAC is better than anyone but I am saying it's different. It's a hard league to play in and the coaches and players in the "EZAC" know it's anything but easy. That may not translate into championships and national respect, but I've enjoyed watching the ECAC battles for four years and I'm going to miss it.

My guy graduates this year but I know SLU would love for any teams from the WCHA, CCHA or HE come to Appleton for a visit any time and experience some North Country hospitality and an EZAC night.

Finally, if I'm not mistaken, SLU beat RIT and Boston College this season. Can the Saints come to Ford Field too? ;)

Thanks, Bob, for your always-objective comments. You, your son, and family will be missed.

Well, I'm just a hop, skip, and a jump from Albany, but will be away until April 13th. If Mike is still with the River Rats and they are still in the playoffs in mid-April, you and your family are welcome to stay here. Door's always open. That way, I can get you to sign your book (a great read IMO).

I still can't believe RIT made it to Detroit. It will be fun watching with my son on April 8th.

GO EZAC!
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Yale (outside of their goaltending anyway) impressed me this weekend. They never gave up at all in the game today and that was the reason why they were able to keep BC on its heels in the final few minutes. I know this is obvious but the problem with Yale is that they don't have a good goaltender...and until they do get one they won't be considered a serious championship contender.
I do think Yale could hold its own in Hockey East. They'd be at the level of a UNH or Maine except with a better offense but worse goaltending/defense. Yale did show that they can skate with the big boys this weekend though, and were definitely a lot better than I thought. I do think it's remarkable though that a team with goaltending that horrible not only was able to beat UND yesterday, but was able to win the regular season title in the ECAC. I guess that's just a testament to how good their offense is and even how good they can be defensively (as they showed in the UND game). Even though he gave up only two goals to UND, Rondeau still looked a bit shaky and like he made a few "right place at the right time" saves. He definitely didn't have luck on his side today.
Also, another note, I know you were without your best player, but Yale fans need to stop playing the "IF" game. BC also has had injuries this season but was able to overcome them. One of our top defensemen (Wey) was out with mono for the weekend, and was out for a significant portion of the season, so we could play the "IF" game too. But we're not.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Yale (outside of their goaltending anyway) impressed me this weekend. They never gave up at all in the game today and that was the reason why they were able to keep BC on its heels in the final few minutes. I know this is obvious but the problem with Yale is that they don't have a good goaltender...and until they do get one they won't be considered a serious championship contender.
I do think Yale could hold its own in Hockey East. They'd be at the level of a UNH or Maine except with a better offense but worse goaltending/defense. Yale did show that they can skate with the big boys this weekend though, and were definitely a lot better than I thought. I do think it's remarkable though that a team with goaltending that horrible not only was able to beat UND yesterday, but was able to win the regular season title in the ECAC. I guess that's just a testament to how good their offense is and even how good they can be defensively (as they showed in the UND game). Even though he gave up only two goals to UND, Rondeau still looked a bit shaky and like he made a few "right place at the right time" saves. He definitely didn't have luck on his side today.
Also, another note, I know you were without your best player, but Yale fans need to stop playing the "IF" game. BC also has had injuries this season but was able to overcome them. One of our top defensemen (Wey) was out with mono for the weekend, and was out for a significant portion of the season, so we could play the "IF" game too. But we're not.

Yes, that is correct. Yale's style is wide open...they give up goals but the score more and with their forechecking and skating they can keep teams pretty well bottled up. We beat them and then lost to them 7-5 at Yale. The score was even after one but by the end of the game they just outchance most teams and I believe they had more goals per game than any other D-1 team this year....if not, it was right up there.

Patrick Wey is a great freshmen D-Man, but Sean Backman is one of the elite forwards in the country. I don't think anyone is saying that Yale was just one injured player away from being the best team in the country. This thread is about Yale (and Cornell) not being deserving of NCAA bids, and the point that many of us were trying to make is that is just plain laughable. If they had a competent goalie and Backman in the lineup, they could play any team in the country and make it a game. They deserved an NCAA bid, period. They came up short, but so did the team that this thread originator is saying got screwed by Yale making the tourney. Further, Backman would have almost definitely made a difference in a three game series against Brown and if not for that upset they were the favorite to get the autobid.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Yes, that is correct. Yale's style is wide open...they give up goals but the score more and with their forechecking and skating they can keep teams pretty well bottled up. We beat them and then lost to them 7-5 at Yale. The score was even after one but by the end of the game they just outchance most teams and I believe they had more goals per game than any other D-1 team this year....if not, it was right up there.

Patrick Wey is a great freshmen D-Man, but Sean Backman is one of the elite forwards in the country. I don't think anyone is saying that Yale was just one injured player away from being the best team in the country. This thread is about Yale (and Cornell) not being deserving of NCAA bids, and the point that many of us were trying to make is that is just plain laughable. If they had a competent goalie and Backman in the lineup, they could play any team in the country and make it a game. They deserved an NCAA bid, period. They came up short, but so did the team that this thread originator is saying got screwed by Yale making the tourney. Further, Backman would have almost definitely made a difference in a three game series against Brown and if not for that upset they were the favorite to get the autobid.

Yale's decent when playing against the grind style. Once they find a team that plays their game, though, they have difficulty. I think that's why I picked BC to win yesterday's game. Boston College has a bunch of mites that will skate around Yale, and they're not used to that. Heck, look at the shallacking RPI gave Yale this year (yes, I know, we didn't pass the first round, yadda yadda yadda). Yale did OK in the ECAC, but they weren't national championship material.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Yale's decent when playing against the grind style. Once they find a team that plays their game, though, they have difficulty. I think that's why I picked BC to win yesterday's game. Boston College has a bunch of mites that will skate around Yale, and they're not used to that. Heck, look at the shallacking RPI gave Yale this year (yes, I know, we didn't pass the first round, yadda yadda yadda). Yale did OK in the ECAC, but they weren't national championship material.

Oh my goodness. I wish you'd stop with this.

I really like the direction RPI is headed right now, and I'm hoping we see them get back to where they belong - as a major player in the ECAC and beyond - ver soon. But RPI cannot "skate circles around" Ylae, as you've said over and over, and Ylae is not just "decent when playing against the grind style." BC won because they're a bit better than Ylae, especially in net. The same can be said about a lot of good teams.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Further, Backman would have almost definitely made a difference in a three game series against Brown and if not for that upset they were the favorite to get the autobid.

Backman shouldn't be the difference between the #1 seed and the #11 seed in the ECAC, no matter how good he is. A team with Yale's capabilities, even without Backman, should be able to handle a team like Brown in a 3 game series at home.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Yale's decent when playing against the grind style. Once they find a team that plays their game, though, they have difficulty. I think that's why I picked BC to win yesterday's game. Boston College has a bunch of mites that will skate around Yale, and they're not used to that. Heck, look at the shallacking RPI gave Yale this year (yes, I know, we didn't pass the first round, yadda yadda yadda). Yale did OK in the ECAC, but they weren't national championship material.

I echo Tim's comments. I saw both RPI and Yale this year and Yale was far better. We beat Yale once too, but they were better than us. Offensively, transition wise and skill-wise they were hands down the best in the ECAC and one of the better I have seen nationally. RPI is headed in the right direction and hope they can keep their underclassmen from leaving as I would imagine a few might be thinking about it.

BC was better and I don't think Yale recovered mentailly from giving up a 150 foot shot. They had a few bad turnovers on defense and their goaltending was absolutely awful, but they were a threat to score every time they were in BC's zone, they had some beautiful goals and they still scored seven against a great skating, highly skilled team.

As an aside, really enjoyed watching BC play too. Frankly, I have no idea how we beat them, but we did!:D
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Backman shouldn't be the difference between the #1 seed and the #11 seed in the ECAC, no matter how good he is. A team with Yale's capabilities, even without Backman, should be able to handle a team like Brown in a 3 game series at home.

We also ran into a hot goalie against Brown. We pummeled 40+ shots each night against that goalie. We won territorial play very clearly against that Brown team.
 
Re: The EC-Easy Conference strikes again...

Oh my goodness. I wish you'd stop with this.

I really like the direction RPI is headed right now, and I'm hoping we see them get back to where they belong - as a major player in the ECAC and beyond - ver soon. But RPI cannot "skate circles around" Ylae, as you've said over and over, and Ylae is not just "decent when playing against the grind style." BC won because they're a bit better than Ylae, especially in net. The same can be said about a lot of good teams.

In his partial defense, RPI did thoroughly and methodically pound Yale twice this season by playing their game. They didn't "skate circles around" them, but they did deliver two very convincing wins.

The difference really was the lack of solid goaltending. If they'd had a go-to-guy, they could have been favorites for a national championship rather than simply a contender.
 
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