Previewing the Quarterfinals

Tonight Union will play Game 1 of a best of three series against rival RPI.

I've talked to a few people and everyone seems to agree. Despite RPI's strong play recently, this was the preferred match-up. For anyone who has been at Messa Rink for an RPI-Union game, you know how crazy the crowd gets. Now imagine that in a playoff series. The place was rocking last season when Colgate came, I can't imagine how crazy it is going to be tonight.

Now from a match-up stand point, RPI won't be easy. Yes, Union has dominated the series this season. They have won all three match-ups by a combined score of 15-4. They have scored at least a power play goal in each game, and scored two in two of the three match-ups. But RPI has been playing a lot better since Jan 14th, the last time these two teams squared off.

Since that game, RPI is 6-4-2, and an impressive 5-0-1 on the road. Last week they knocked off 6th seeded Clarkson in three games. Their one loss in the series came in triple overtime. And let's not forget, it was RPI who beat Cornell to help Union win sole possession of the Cleary Cup, a night after Union failed to accomplish the feat.

I'm not saying RPI should be the favorite, simply that this looks like it is going to be a great series. I would not be surprised if this series went to three. In fact, I almost expect it to. We might even have another multi-overtime game, as both teams have struggled to score in the extra frame this season.

Basically this series has the makings of a classic. Anyone who can should make their way over to Messa Rink each night this weekend.