Started the weekend as a possible top 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. After getting swept in two close games, PSU is … still a top 4 seed via NPI. The results did not negatively impact the championship hopes at all. Whatever regional matchup they draw will be the ultimate arbiter.
Denver won in OT tonight, but has been trending toward the bubble. If they continue to skate poorly and lose their way out of the tournament, Loveland becomes a much less scary regional. Of course, most fans of the Nittany Lions probably prefer placement in Albany or Worcester to ease travel. NoDak is trending toward a top seed and I’m sure the NCAA would love to place them in Sioux Falls. That would be a very, very hostile environment for any 2, 3, or 4 seed to emerge.
in reality, PSU has five weeks to:
—iron out the defensive misplays and mishaps
—improve B1G seeding
—earn an NCAA top seed (likely by winning or losing the B1G title game
—get smarter about penalties. The kid got tossed in two straight games for grabbing face masks. It’s ok in the last seconds of a game you’ve won, but not in the first period of a titanic struggle. Hopefully the lesson is learned.
— get healthy, specifically Cerrato. Getting Fink back has been great, and the team has improved as the season has progressed. But if we are being honest, we played the first half without a top player, and now we will play the second half without a top player. The top two lines at full health will be an absolute handful for almost every team. That’s what makes PSU a contender.
— pick a goalie to carry the postseason weight. Both are capable, but a decision will have to be made, and the backup will have to accept it and be prepared to step in and bail the starter out if necessary.