NCAA Hockey Tournament Hopes Hang in the Balance as Upsets Rock the Nation

Strategic Insights -

As the second round of the conference playoffs comes to a close, the NCAA hockey tournament hopefuls are left wondering what could have been. Last year's top seeds in the WCHA advanced with ease, but not so this year. Notre Dame shocked Michigan, and the CCHA's top four seeds are now vying for league titles. Meanwhile, Hockey East saw two major upsets, with Boston University losing to Merrimack and Maine topping New Hampshire.

Wisconsin, ranked 11th in the RPI and Pairwise rankings, is now facing a stiff competition for a spot in the 12-team NCAA tournament field. With only four guaranteed at-large spots, the Badgers must win the WCHA tournament or rely on other teams' upsets to secure a spot. "The real crux in the whole thing is Maine," said University of Wisconsin hockey coach Jeff Sauer. If Maine were to win its tournament, it would throw another team into the mix and potentially change the selection committee's calculus.

Sauer remains confident about Wisconsin's chances but notes that winning the WCHA tournament is key to improving their seed and positioning. Similarly, Colorado College coach Don Lucia believes that winning a game over the weekend would guarantee a spot in the NCAA tournament. However, both coaches are privately hoping for an East Region assignment to avoid Western powerhouses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wisconsin (24-13-1) is ranked 11th in the RPI and Pairwise rankings, leaving a considerable gap between them and the next team.
  • The WCHA could get four teams into the NCAA tournament, including the winner of the Minnesota-Duluth vs. St. Cloud State semifinal play-in game.
  • Automatic berths for conference champions and tournament winners may limit at-large spots to four, pushing other teams one rung down on the National Selection Committee's ladder.
  • Winning the WCHA tournament would be essential for Wisconsin to secure a better seed and improve their chances in the NCAA tournament.
  • Maine's success in the Hockey East tournament could throw another team into the mix, potentially affecting the NCAA Selection Committee's calculations.
  • Wisconsin and Colorado College are privately interested in being assigned to the East Region to avoid Western powerhouses.

Statistics:

  • Wisconsin is ranked 11th in the RPI and 11th in the Pairwise rankings.
  • Four teams from the WCHA could advance to the NCAA tournament.
  • There are potentially eight automatic berths in the conference championships and tournaments.
  • The NCAA Selection Committee has only four guaranteed at-large spots.
  • Only 12 teams will be selected for the NCAA tournament field.
  • 11.30 a.m. Sunday is the announced time for the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal.

Sources:

  • University of Wisconsin hockey coach Jeff Sauer.
  • NCAA Division I ice hockey committee chairman and St. Lawrence coach Joe Marsh.
  • Colorado College coach Don Lucia.