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NCAA Hockey: Bubble Teams Jostle for Frozen Four Spots
20 Feb
Summary
- Selection day for the NCAA men's hockey tournament is about a month away.
- The NPI formula, replacing PairWise rankings, impacts at-large bids.
- Regional games are set for March 26-29 across four U.S. cities.
The NCAA men's hockey tournament field is solidifying as selection day approaches next month. Sixteen teams will ultimately earn a spot, with six automatic bids awarded to conference tournament champions and ten at-large bids determined by the new NPI formula. This system considers factors like strength of schedule and overtime outcomes.
Regional tournaments are slated for March 26-29 across four U.S. cities: Albany, New York; Loveland, Colorado; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Worcester, Massachusetts. The prestigious Frozen Four championship games will take place on April 9 and 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Currently, teams like Michigan State, Michigan, North Dakota, and Western Michigan are strong contenders for top seeds. Other teams such as Penn State, Quinnipiac, Providence, and Denver are in good positions but must maintain their performance. Numerous teams remain on the bubble, with their NCAA hopes dependent on strong finishes in remaining regular-season games and conference tournaments.
