WTF???

[min \'97]

One other thing about Mankato is that they rotate their two goalies, Volp and Jensen.  I have no idea who will start next Saturday, but either one looks like a big sieve (GAA: 2.89 and 3.54; SV%: .914 and 0.888, respectively) when compared to LeNeveu...

[Tub(a)]

Well, the WCHA is like the QMJHL, making a Canadian Junior Hockey comparison :-P

Basically, it is a high scoring league where goalies are plastered every night (See Mankato's 9-6 victory over CC) and scorer's stats are inflated. Let's see how Mankato handles smaller ice, a stifling d, and the best goalie in the country.

[Tom Pasniewski 98]

My point here was not the second round matchup as the Committee never put that in writing and it's next to impossible to achieve.  I meant that the Committee could have avoided a repeat of the HE conference championship game until the Frozen Four as was done with the other three major conferences.

[Larry72]

It's nice to see as this thread moves along that once most of us got the frustration out, we look at what needs to be done against MSU-Mankato to WIN.  MSU_Mankato seems to be dominated by a run and gun offense, defenseman who don't know what to do in the defensive zone, and only OK goalies that are left hung out to dry a lot of the time.  Some other facts:

- Their top scorer is 5-9 170lbs - Interesting fodder for Murray and McRae.
- After their top two scorers, the next guy has about 1/2 the points and scoring drops off from there.
- Their best goalie has a GAA that would place #8 in the ECAC at 2.89.
- Their goalie who has played the most games has a GAA that is BELOW the ECAC goalie Stat Chart on USCHO, a mere 3.54.
- Yes, the beat CC 9-6.  But they got blown out 8-1 the night before.
- They have one shutout all season.  

It wouldn't surprise me that people out there are looking at CU's stats, especially our out of conference stats and thinking...does Cornell ever give up more than 2 goals?  Not this year.  And what about those 9 shutouts.  And 4 lines who can score.  

We'll see you all in Providence!   LGR!!!

[Melissa\'01]

ok. since the bracketing is done, it is time to have some fun with fan polls. found the following and admittedly stuffed it a bit. Cornell was the overwhelming pick to be the first #1 to lose and the East the overwhelming "easiest" bracket. had to improve the %'s somewhat.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=198

[Josh '99]

The East now has received the most votes for being both the easiest and toughest region.

[Chris]

An interesting statistic- Goal Differential by period.

The Mavs are -12 in the 1st, +11 in the 2nd, and +14 in the 3rd.
By contrast Cornell is +30, +33, and +17.

[jason]

At this moment, the front page of ESPN's college page has a picture of Lenny and a bunch of links to articles about the NCAA tourney, including one highlighting how Cornell did not get rewarded for its no. 1 overall rating:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/index

[Eileen]

ianmccaw@admin.umass.edu

[CrazyLarry]

I've seen some comments on the USCHO page that Mankato lacks depth, they run long shifts, and don't go more than 2 lines deep, really.  Since we're physical, this should be a big problem for the Mavericks.  Also, their number one goalie got pulled in the consy yesterday.  Could mean some trouble (or just a lack of focus in the consy).

Also - Record at home (Olympic Ice): 15-2-3
Record on the Road:  5-6-6

This ain't a home game for them...

[jy3]

not to get away from the analysis, but here is an article on the selections and seedings:
http://espn.go.com/ncaa/s/2003/0323/1528332.html

[AdamGanderson]

On the above mentioned front page, they state that Colorado College is the nation's top team.  I guess they don't check the pairwise rankings as often as we do....



Post Edited (03-23-03 23:50)

[Melissa\'01]

unless they are referring to poll rankings ...

[AdamGanderson]

Moy's rather lucid explaination of how the brackets worked out, and the first post-announcement mention of the "bonus points" on USCHO:

http://www.uscho.com/news/2003/03/23_006598.php

[Cornell in Boston]

I agree completely!  Let's show those other arrogant programs just how good we are!  When we get to the frozen four through 2 "real" teams, then people will know why we're number one!