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Another look at the Hockey East Standings shows UMass-Lowell still holding strong in 4th place. In fact, Blaise MacDonald's River Hawks seem to be solidifying their place in the upper tier of the conference.
Even the coach himself tells me he "doesn't really believe his young squad is the 13th best team in the country" as one poll has them (14th in the other), but there's definitely something special going on with this roster dominated by Freshman and Sophomores. If nothing else, the Hawks have a great opportunity to hang on to that 4th spot and clinch home-ice advantage for the opening playoff round.
Assuming pre-season favorites UNH and BC notch the top two spots, the rest of the seeds are up for grabs. Boston University's Terriers can't seem to regain their bite. Maine's Black Bears appear lost in the wilderness. Northeastern is holding strong in second place, but the Huskies are just as likely to return to the pack as they are to stay where they are now. UMass is a threat to climb into the top four, but can't seem to find any consistency. Providence has a few games in hand on the River Hawks, but as we saw this weekend, the Friars aren't any better or worse than UML.
Which leaves us with a Lowell squad that's getting stronger as the year goes on. The kids don't seem as young anymore. The goaltending tandem is as good as it gets. The crowds are growing, making a visit to Tsongas Arena not as welcoming as it used to be. Combine those factors, and you have a growing confidence that bodes well for post-season hockey in the Mill City.
Not saying the River Hawks have home ice (or even a playoff spot) sewn up. Just saying that as the Boston Bruins struggle to stay in the post-season chase and the Lowell Devils can't seem to climb out of the cellar, our best chance to see playoff hockey is in the college ranks.
That's the view from here...how do you see it? Do you now believe the River Hawks are for real? Will BU and Maine continue to struggle or is it only a matter of time before they turn it around? Is Northeastern for real? Who will win the conference...UNH or BC?
Poll question is pretty easy to answer... Devils are dead last in their division with 11 points to make up on Springfield in addition to having to leap-frog Manchester and Worcester?? Stick a fork in them...
Bruins still have a shot but not unless they can play with a whole lot more consistency (and if they can somehow change any remaining Montreal games to games against, say, the Capitals).
The 'Hawks keep getting better and better and a weekend with 2 OT games (including one that you both tie and win with about a second on the clock) tells me they have what it takes in playoff-style games (well, that and the outstanding goaltending). Wish I'd have been able to stay for the GW OT goal but we took my 17-month old to the game and she could only last 2 periods LOL. Trying to raise her as a River Hawks fan as early as possible though!
As for the standings... I think it finishes this way:
1. BC
2. UNH (could finish #1 but need to play better "D" - giving up too many goals)
3. UMass-Amherst
4. UMass-Lowell (easily could flip-flop w/UMA)
5. Northeastern
6. Providence
7. BU
8. Maine (could get up to 6th/7th- playing better)
9. Vermont
10. Merrimack