SB Nation’s Women’s College Hockey Division I Poll: Topsy Turvy Tiers

Normally we only talk about the best teams in the country but this week we would like to make mention of the NCAA’s newest program, Long Island University, who got their first win as a program on Friday over St. Michaels.

In other news, this weekend showed there are clear tiers forming.  The top-4 are isolating themselves with the next four also gaining separation which will possibly make the end of the year less exciting.

1. Minnesota (10-1-1), 123 (8) — Last poll: 2

•  Last week: W 4-2 v Wisconsin (11/2), T 2-2 OT (1-0 SOW) v Wisconsin (11/3)

•  Coming Week: v Hamline exhibition (11/5)

The Gophers weren’t very gracious hosts to Wisconsin as they took five of six conference points and took sole possession of the top spot in this poll.  This week will only have an exhibition as they are the only WCHA team in action.

2. Wisconsin (10-1-1), 117 (3) — Last poll: 1

•  Last Week: L 2-4 @ Minnesota (11/2), T 2-2 OT (0-1 SOL) @ Minnesota (11/3)

•  Coming Week: No Games

When the Badgers dropped the first game of the weekend, it was their first loss in nine months. They will have a week off to recover and move on.

3. Cornell (4-0-0), 99 (1) — Last poll: 4

•  Last week: W 1-0 v Quinnipiac (11/1), W 3-1 v Princeton (11/2)

•  Coming Week: @ St. Lawrence (11/8), @ Clarkson (11/9)

The Big Red came up big beating two teams that figure to into the ECAC title race which pushed them up to the third spot.  This weekend brings a road trip that will give them a big test as they travel to Clarkson.

4. Northeastern (7-1-0), 95 (1) — Last poll: 3

•  Last week: W 2-1 @ Boston University (11/1), W 2-0 v Boston University (11/2)

•  Coming Week: v Holy Cross (11/8)

A weekend sweep is always good and it is better when it is against your rival.  The Huskies swept a Terriers team that was supposed to be their top competition in Hockey East, the four points put some big separation and earned them the title of the week’s ‘Belle’s of the Ball.’ The only game for them this is a Friday contest against Holy Cross.

5. Clarkson (7-1-2), 68 — Last poll: 5

•  Last week: W 4-0 @ Union (11/1), W 5-4 @ Rensselaer (11/2)

•  Coming Week: v Colgate (11/8), v Cornell (11/9)

The Golden Knights are mostly getting the results they need but have been struggling.  This week, they got the two wins but barely escaped against RPI. It won’t get any easier as the play host to Cornell which will give great insight into where the season might go in the ECAC.

6. Princeton (4-1-0), 63 — Last poll: 6

•  Last week: W 4-2 v Quinnipiac (10/29), W 1-0 @ Colgate (11/1), L 1-3 @ Cornell (11/2)

•  Coming Week: v Harvard (11/8), v Dartmouth (11/9)

Despite opening the week with a quality win against Quinnipiac the Tigers faltered in Ithaca which could spell trouble for them later.  Coming up is a pair of Ivies which include a Harvard team that has garnered interest

7. Boston College (9-0-1), 61 — Last poll: 7

•  Last week: W 5-2 v New Hampshire (11/1), W 5-2 v Providence (11/2)

•  Coming Week: @ Connecticut (11/9)

The Eagles are taking care of business and continue to lead Hockey East and look to continue that trend with a trip to the Nutmeg State.

8. Ohio State (7-3-2), 48 — Last poll: 8

•  Last week: W 4-3 OT @ Bemidji State (11/1), W 3-1 @ Bemidji State (11/2)

•  Coming Week: No Games

The Buckeyes have a flashy win but in the games they should win they have had issues, this week was being taken to overtime in Bemidji. They will also have a week off to regroup.

9. Minnesota-Duluth (6-4-2), 20 — Last poll: 10

•  Last week:  W 3-2 v St. Cloud State (11/1), W 6-0 v St. Cloud State (11/2)

•  Coming Week: No Games

Duluth is starting to recover from their own disastrous weekend in Bemidji  as they got another sweep.

10. Boston University (5-3-1), 8 — Last poll: 9

•  Last week: L 1-2 v Northeastern (11/1), L 0-2 @ Northeastern (11/2)

•  Coming Week: @ Providence (11/9)

Boston University came away with no points and did a lot of damage to their hopes of winning Hockey East, but their 37 blocked shots over two games show they can’t be taken likely and will be able to hang with the best of them.

Also Receiving Votes: Robert Morris 6, Harvard  3, Colgate 2, Mercyhurst 2