UMass’ Mike Pereira was named Hockey East Co-Player of the Week today in recognition of his hat trick against Providence and goal and assist against BU over the weekend.  It’s the first time this season he has won weekly honors.  He shares the award this week with Providence’s Tim Schaller who had a goal and assist against the Minutemen.  Joel Hanley was named a Top Performer.

Interesting stat in the release.  If a UMass opponent scores four against the Minutemen it’s time to pack up and head for the car bar.

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Unfortunately for UMass, Maine is not the #1 team in the country going into this weekend.  The Black Bears are #11 in this week’s USCHO poll.  Ferris State is your new #1.  Wait, what?!?  Yes, Ferris State is your new #1.  Teams #2 and #3 are playing as I write this as the Boston University Terriers and Boston College Eagles meet in the Beanpot finals for the 785th time or something.  Lowell comes in at #6 while Merrimack dropped a spot to #9 after only gaining a point in two games over the weekend.  The Bulldogs are tops in the USA Hockey/USA Today poll as well.

Here’s the current playoff situation:
7th New Hampshire, 20pts.  Games left vs UVM (2), at UMass (2), at Maine
8th Northeastern, 16pts.  Games left vs PC, vs Maine, at BU, vs BU
9th Massachusetts, 16 pts.  Games left at Maine (2), vs UNH (2), vs Mack, at Mack
(Northeastern currently holds the tiebreaker over UMass due to their 7 conference wins to UMass’ 6)

Playoffstatus.com gives the Minutemen a 47% chance of making the playoffs.

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The Collegian has their recap of the weekend’s games as well as the game notes.

College Hockey News’ Joe Meloni has his thoughts on Saturday’s loss in addition to his view that Northeastern has the advantage down the stretch due to their schedule.  I would agree.

USCHO says it’s do or die time for the two teams.