vs. Alaska (2/15-2/16)

[TommyG]

We’d be nowhere near the top 16 in pairwise if we played in any conference outside of Atlantic Hockey or WCHA. It’s not that we aren’t capable of beating top 10 teams, it’s that we wouldn’t be able to compete week after week with avg to above avg competition. We literally play at least 2 out of every 6 games against the worst programs in the country. Despite these advantages we still have played inconsistent hockey the entire 2nd half.

I’m so right.

Have you watched any games from the other conferences lately? The NCAA instituted rules and interpretations specifically against the WCHA style of play. The WCHA has ignored those. Certain teams have adjusted their style, and it shows in the out of conference records. BG would do fine in every other conference. They wouldn't have near the injuries they've had this year either. Also, being in a conference like the NCHC, a team can be just above .500 for the year, and still make the tournament. There's a much larger margin of error.

We’d be below .500 in the NCHC.

[AZIce]

We’d be below .500 in the NCHC.

There's no way to know that.......We are 2-0 against WMU and they are 3 games over .500 in the NCHC. We are 5-0-1 against Top 10 teams.

Under Bergeron, BG shows up against teams they perceive are better than them.......it's the teams that they think they are better than that trip them up.

The NCHC schedule might hold the interest of the players better and the more open style might suite some of our forwards better than the clutch, grab and interfere of the WCHA. Kruse is skating a gauntlet out there in the WCHA. The amount of cheap shots he takes all over the ice, especially away from the play....before and after the whistle is crazy. NMU took a whack, shove or crosscheck at him every chance they could a few weeks ago.

That said BG would rather have a new CCHA than be in the NCHC. Miami seems to be souring on the Nacho a little, so maybe a crack of light there. You can't do a new CCHA without Western though. BG, Miami, WMU and Ferris would be the needed basis. Then 2 more from RMU, Mercyhurst, LSSU or NMU and you are in business. Doesn't work without Miami and Western though.......which has been and still is the stumbling point.