The performance of Hockey East teams this season is under scrutiny as they struggle to align with their rankings in national polls. The latest USCHO.com rankings position Connecticut as the top team from Hockey East at No. 11. The Huskies currently boast a record of 12-6-3 overall, leading the conference standings with an impressive 8-4-1 record. Despite this, the National Collegiate Percentage (NPI) Index ranks them lower at No. 29, raising questions about the integrity of their ranking.
Boston College, which is second in the league standings, is also facing criticism. It is ranked No. 17 nationally, one slot above Connecticut, but the NPI Index suggests that both teams may not be deserving of their positions. Maine is ranked No. 16 in the poll, despite having a below .500 record in league play, while the NPI places it even lower at No. 29. Boston University is barely hanging on in the No. 20 spot, yet is ranked No. 26 by the NPI.
The situation is equally troubling for Northeastern, which has lost five consecutive games, including a sweep at the hands of Vermont last weekend. Despite this, the team received votes in the poll but is ranked No. 33 by the NPI. Massachusetts, currently at the bottom of the league standings, also garnered votes for the poll but holds a No. 42 ranking in the NPI, with an overall record of 10-10 and a 3-7 record in Hockey East.
The NPI Index does highlight some teams that may not be overrated. Providence is positioned at No. 14 in the poll while ranking No. 13 in the NPI. New Hampshire, which is tied for seventh in the league standings with 15 points, is fourth among those receiving votes, which would place them at No. 24 if the rankings expanded to 25 teams. The RPI Index ranks New Hampshire at No. 23. With fewer conference games played than their competitors, the Wildcats have the opportunity to improve their standing, or potentially fall further behind.
The struggles of Hockey East teams could lead to a challenging postseason, particularly as the strength of western teams continues to dominate. The top six teams hail from the Big Ten and NCHC, each boasting multiple representatives in the top 10 of national rankings. With limited non-conference games remaining, the prospect of Hockey East only securing a single spot in the NCAA Tournament is increasingly plausible.
As the season progresses, there is hope that some Hockey East teams will find their footing. The next two months are critical, culminating in a potentially chaotic conference tournament where many teams may face win-or-go-home scenarios. The landscape of college hockey is shifting, and Hockey East will need to adapt quickly to remain relevant in the national conversation.
Christopher Walsh, founder and publisher of Alabama Crimson Tide On SI, has covered college sports extensively. His insights into team performances and rankings provide a valuable perspective on the current state of Hockey East and its challenges moving forward.
