NCAA Hockey Conference Tournaments -- Part I

This is part one of a five part series previewing Conference Tournaments.  Two today, two tomorrow, and one Friday morning should set you off right!

We're going to look first at the Atlantic Hockey Tournament.  We're in the Quarterfinals here with some intriguing matchups.  Sort of a weaker conference, Atlantic Hockey features only one team ranked in the top 20... #19 Air Force.  The Quarterfinals will take place from March 9-11.  Matchups follow:

Via NY Daily News

(8) UConn Huskies @ (1) Air Force Falcons

-- Connecticut (15-17-4, 12-12-3)

-Previous Round: 2-0 vs. Canisius

--#19 Air Force Academy (17-9-7, 15-6-6)

-Previous Round: Bye

Air Force has won the previous two matchups in this series.  Connecticut, however, has improved of late and is coming off a sweep of Canisius.  Momentum doesn't matter as much coming into a series, but Air  Force would be well advised to not allow UConn to get a win in game one.  With the game in Colorado Springs, travel could be an issue for the Huskies.  Air Force in two games.

Via USCHO

(7) Robert Morris Colonials @ (2) Niagara Purple Eagles

--Robert Morris (17-15-5, 13-9-5)

-Previous Round: 2-1 vs. American Int'l (OT win in Game 3)

--Niagara (15-10-9, 14-6-7)

-Previous Round: Bye

Robert Morris is coming off a hard fought, down to the wire series against American International.  So far down to the wire, that game three went into overtime.  Niagara has swept the season series against the Colonials, look for that to hold true in the Quarterfinals. Niagara in two.

via Hankc

(6) Bentley Falcons @ (3) RIT Tigers

--Bentley (15-14-8, 13-7-7)

-Previous Round: 2-1 vs. Sacred Heart

--Rochester Institute of Technology

-Previous Round: Bye

Bentley fared much better in conference play than they did in non-conference.  The steady improvement through the season make Bentley a real threat to upset some of the top seeds.  First up is RIT, who Bentley swept in the season series.  I'm taking Bentley in a 2-1 dog fight.

via HockeyJoe.blogspot.com

(5) Holy Cross Crusaders @ (4) Mercyhurst Lakers

--Holy Cross (19-13-4, 15-8-4)

-Previous Round: 2-0 vs. Army

--Mercyhurst (18-4-4, 15-8-4)

-Previous Round: Bye

With their conference records tied, Mercyhurst got the tie breaker due to their 1-0-1 advantage over Holy Cross in the regular season.  I'm taking Holy Cross with the revenge factor.  Crusaders take the series 2-1.