Live from the Hockey East Semifinals

Hockey
Joe Meloni

BOSTON – Twenty minutes from the opening faceoff, neither Boston College nor New Hampshire is particularly well represented in the stands.

I watched this event from the stands in 2007, when UNH outlasted UMass in double-overtime, and I have to say it’s not as special from the press box. But the energy is still the same.

In the press room before the game, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was on the television. It’s unfortunate that hockey isn’t as widely followed or covered. But the lack of casual fans and national press coverage prevents the event from becoming the charade that its cousin on the hardwood has turned into.

At stake in the first game is seeding the national tournament. Both BC and UNH are locks for the 16-team field, but a loss today’s game will cost the Wildcats a No. 1 seed. The Eagles are likely a No. 2 unless they win the tournament.

If the Wildcats win the tournament, they will get a top seed and likely end up in the Northeast regional in Worcester. A fall to a No. 2 could force UNH to Colorado Springs, Colo., or Albany, N.Y. With its current standing as a No. 1 the Wildcats probably wouldn’t end up in the Midwest regional in Madison, Wis, if they fail to win the tournament. Top-seeded Michigan, the favorite in the CCHA Tournament will end up there if they win tonight and tomorrow. UNH would not fall beyond the overall five or six spot, so it’s unlikely that the Wildcats would have to head to Madison.

Last night, Minnesota defeated St. Cloud State in the first game of the WCHA Final Five. The Gophers essentially locked up a spot in the tournament, and almost guaranteed that a third Hockey East team will not receive a bid. The UM victory improves the PairWise standing of Minnesota State – the Gophers defeated Minnesota State in the WCHA Quarterfinals – so Boston University and Vermont must either win the conference tournament or make a serious case for themselves between now and Sunday morning when the committee reveals the brackets.

I’m heading up the box now. More From the Press Box after the first period …