ECAC-West playoff format change

[spwood]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

Waah, waah, waah! Poor Platty and Elmira. Do you hear yourself, seriously?! They've owned that conference for eternity. I still think they'll have no problem getting to the final again this year no matter the format. This is exciting for the rest of the teams and not just the two spoiled brats at the top, for a change. It's probably way overdue. I'm willing to bet the top two schools probably put the nix on this format for several years before now. Good luck to "the rest."

If you'll reread my comment, my concern was adding another low SOS game to the top two teams' resume. I'm not really concerned that William Smith, Neumann, or Chatham are ready to beat Plattsburgh, Elmira, or probably even Oswego yet. It was more about two of those three teams are going to need an at-large bid to make the NCAA tournament and they now get an extra drag on their SOS.

[shelfit]

If you'll reread my comment, my concern was adding another low SOS game to the top two teams' resume. I'm not really concerned that William Smith, Neumann, or Chatham are ready to beat Plattsburgh, Elmira, or probably even Oswego yet. It was more about two of those three teams are going to need an at-large bid to make the NCAA tournament and they now get an extra drag on their SOS.

I wouldn't lump Oswego in with Platty and Elmira in any way, not even close to having the same level and history of successful hockey, but that's irrelevant at the moment. Don't most other conferences already have at least the top 8 teams making the playoffs? I'm not saying having 8 or more teams is a good idea, but those conferences that already have that number of playoff teams have the same SOS problem. Playing a Plymouth State or a Southen Maine type of team doesn't do a Norwich, Manhattanville or UMass-Boston type of team any good either. So welcome to what other teams have been dealing with for years.

[PSUChamps2001]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

I wouldn't lump Oswego in with Platty and Elmira in any way, not even close to having the same level and history of successful hockey, but that's irrelevant at the moment. Don't most other conferences already have at least the top 8 teams making the playoffs? I'm not saying having 8 or more teams is a good idea, but those conferences that already have that number of playoff teams have the same SOS problem. Playing a Plymouth State or a Southen Maine type of team doesn't do a Norwich, Manhattanville or UMass-Boston type of team any good either. So welcome to what other teams have been dealing with for years.

No. Only the NESCAC and NEHC take the Top 8.....the average is 5 for the rest of the world....

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

If you'll reread my comment, my concern was adding another low SOS game to the top two teams' resume. I'm not really concerned that William Smith, Neumann, or Chatham are ready to beat Plattsburgh, Elmira, or probably even Oswego yet. It was more about two of those three teams are going to need an at-large bid to make the NCAA tournament and they now get an extra drag on their SOS.

You're also getting another game to add to your winning percentage....

[spwood]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

You're also getting another game to add to your winning percentage....

Which we know is weighted more by the Selection Committee than SOS is... You're getting a bump up in a criteria that historically hasn't been looked on as favorably as SOS has, which is taking a hit...

[PSUChamps2001]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

Brought to you by the "Everyone deserves a participation trophy Committee"....

[shelfit]

Brought to you by the "Everyone deserves a participation trophy Committee"....

Ooh look, a shiny blue Participant ribbon! Now I have all the self-confidence I need for the rest of my life.

[shelfit]

And Cortland jumps into the playoff race with a 2-1 win over Buffalo to bypass Chatham in the standings! William Smith plays Elmira this weekend so a sweep tomorrow for Cortland would put them ahead of WS into 8th place.

[spwood]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

And Cortland jumps into the playoff race with a 2-1 win over Buffalo to bypass Chatham in the standings! William Smith plays Elmira this weekend so a sweep tomorrow for Cortland would put them ahead of WS into 8th place.

Now I understand.... we haven't been paying enough attention to the race for 8th place in prior years!

[spwood]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

After looking at the results for Neumann, William Smith, and Chatham, something astounding jumped out at me: William Smith hasn't given up more than 5 goals in a game all year. They have already played Plattsburgh, Elmira, and Utica. Pretty good defense. In a one game playoff.... good defense, hot goalie...

[shelfit]

After looking at the results for Neumann, William Smith, and Chatham, something astounding jumped out at me: William Smith hasn't given up more than 5 goals in a game all year. They have already played Plattsburgh, Elmira, and Utica. Pretty good defense. In a one game playoff.... good defense, hot goalie...

They are probably the best of those teams and Cortland too at this point in time although I'm sure Neumann doesn't see it that way since they're one spot ahead in 7th place. If Neumann doesn't falter, it will be interesting to see how the battle for 8th place works out. WS is the favorite right now.

[dhammond]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

So apparently now the ECAC is saying there will only be 6 teams in the tournament again. A reversal of an earlier tweet.

[Transplanted Tiger Fan]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

So apparently now the ECAC is saying there will only be 6 teams in the tournament again. A reversal of an earlier tweet.

...and further-removing even more question as to why this is a now-defunct conference.

[shelfit]

So apparently now the ECAC is saying there will only be 6 teams in the tournament again. A reversal of an earlier tweet.

I bet Yale and RPI are pretty upset about that news.

[gojackets]

Re: ECAC-West playoff format change

Which we know is weighted more by the Selection Committee than SOS is... You're getting a bump up in a criteria that historically hasn't been looked on as favorably as SOS has, which is taking a hit...

Are you really that worried about Plattsburgh SOS and that keeping them out of the tournament if they lose 1 game? Otherwise it seems like pointless whining.