SB Nation’s Women’s College Hockey Division I Poll: Conference Chaos

They say familiarity breeds contempt.  Well it seems that inn women’s hockey it breeds losses for top teams as there were a few surprising results from conference rivals as we finally got everyone I action. Next week all of the metrics like PWR, KRACH and GRaNT will be active so the speculation will really begin.

1. Wisconsin (10-0-0), 120 (12) — Last poll: 1

•  Last Week: W 4-1 v Bemidji State (10/26), W 4-1 v Bemidji State (10/27)

•  Coming Week: @ Minnesota (11/2, 11/3)

The Badgers performed as expected and easily swept the Beavers. They now travel to Minneapolis for a pair that could determine the WCHA winner later in the season.

2. Minnesota (9-1-0), 100 — Last poll: 2

•  Last week: L 3-4 @ Ohio State (10/25), W 4-2 @ Ohio State (10/26)

•  Coming Week: v Wisconsin (11/2, 11/3)

Minnesota fell into a trap in Columbus dropping their opener before splitting the weekend.  The question is whether this makes the Buckeyes look better or the Gophers worse.  Up next they play host to the defending champion Badgers that will be their hardest test yet.

3. Northeastern (5-1-0), 85 — Last poll: 3

•  Last week: L 0-1 @ Providence (10/25)

•  Coming Week: @ Boston University (11/1), v Boston University (11/2)

Traveling in Hockey East can sometimes lead to some weird results and they Huskies fell victim to some unlucky reviews and a hot goalie as they fell by a goal despite a large lead in shots.  This weekend brings a home-and-home against rival Boston University that could clarify the direction the conference will go this year.

4. Cornell (2-0-0), 81 — Last poll: 5

•  Last week: W 6-0 v Robert Morris (10/25), W 3-0 v Robert Morris (10/26)

•  Coming Week: v Quinnipiac (11/1), v Princeton (11/2)

Big Red had a big weekend as they swept visiting Robert Morris and knocked them out of the poll. They will have a bigger test that will have big repercussions for the ECAC when they host Princeton.

5. Clarkson (5-1-2), 71 — Last poll: 4

•  Last week: T 1-1 OT v Lindenwood (10/25), W 7-0 v Lindenwood (10/26)

•  Coming Week: @ Union (11/1), @ Rensselaer (11/2)

Normally taking three of four points on the weekend is good but when you are hosting Lindenwood that isn’t acceptable. A shocking tie could hurt them down the road but the big win the next day will help. ECAC play starts for them and they should easily win both.

6. Princeton (2-0-0), 67 — Last poll: 6

•  Last week: W 3-1 v Syracuse (10/25), W 3-0 v Syracuse (10/26)

•  Coming Week: v Quinnipiac (10/29), @ Colgate (11/1), @ Cornell (11/2)

In a battle of orange teams Princeton came out on top keeping a scrappy Syracuse team winless and earned them the title of ‘Belles of the Ball.’ This week brings three conference games including trips to Colgate and Cornell which will be great early tests for a Princeton team that has thoughts of grandeur.

7. Boston College (7-0-1), 55 — Last poll: 7

•  Last week: W 5-1 v Holy Cross (10/25), T 3-3 OT v Maine (10/26)

•  Coming Week: v New Hampshire (11/1), v Providence (11/2)

After winning the season series against Holy Cross, the Eagles threw the game away on the ice taking a plethora of penalties and tied Maine who looks to fall at the bottom of the table this season. This weekend will be even tougher as Boston College has a pair of games against middle tier teams that have proven able to steal a game.

8. Ohio State (5-3-2), 39 — Last poll: 9

•  Last week: W 4-3 v Minnesota (10/25), L 2-4 v Minnesota (10/26)

•  Coming Week: @ Bemidji State (11/1, 11/2)

Splitting the weekend typically leads to more questions than answers and this was no different for the Buckeyes. The conference points could be a big help down the road and this weekend should give them a few more as they take on Bemidji.

•  9. Boston University (5-1-1), 16 — Last poll: T-10

•  Last week: W 5-2 @ Penn State (10/25), W 5-1 @ Penn State (10/26)

•  Coming Week: v Northeastern (11/1), @ Northeastern (11/2)

A trip to Happy Valley seems to be just what the doctor ordered for the Terriers as they swept the Nittany Lions handily.  The absence of Jessie Compher is still a concern but one they must put behind them as the face Northeastern for two games this weekend that are critical for both teams.

10. Minnesota-Duluth (5-3-0), 12 — Last poll: T-10

•  Last week:  W 4-1 v Mercyhurst (10/25), W 3-1 v Colgate (10/26)

•  Coming Week: v St. Cloud State (11/1, 11/2)

Despite trailing early the Bulldogs took care of business in both games winning the Ice Breaker tournament. The western Huskies will come to visit as Duluth aims to keep their place in the poll.

Also Receiving Votes: Robert Morris 8, Penn State 3, Colgate 2, Quinnipiac 1