The ECAC West playoffs started out in wild fashion on Wednesday, as Neumann came from two goals down in the third period to beat Utica, 4-3, in overtime. What a thrilling way to start the post season.
The two semifinal games this weekend could very well follow similar exciting paths. No lead will be safe until the final buzzer sounds at Playland and the Domes.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 51-24 (.680)
{predicted winners bolded}
No. 3 Hobart at No. 2 Manhattanville
Hobart won both games last weekend against the Valiants in convincing fashion. That is a sting Manhattanville has carried all week long. Has it refocused the team, or placed doubts in their mind? Personally, I think it is the former and expect Manhattanville to rally on Saturday at Playland Ice Casino. However, Hobart is playing with renewed confidence behind goaltender Nick Broadwater, who has proven in the past that he can steal a game any night.
No. 5 Neumann at No. 1 Elmira
Neumann has to worry about running out of steam Saturday after playing in a very emotional overtime game at Utica, but the Knights have been in this exact situation before during their championship run in 2009. Elmira has played the best through league play all season long, and achieved its preseason goal of hosting the playoffs. Now the Soaring Eagles need to just keep the train moving down the track.
