The Big Ten Men's Hockey conference is known for its competitive play and unique standings system. This article delves into the intricacies of how the standings are determined, including point allocation, tie-breaking procedures, and the impact of shootouts.
Point System and Overtime Rules
Beginning in the 2020-21 season, the Hockey Commissioners Association implemented a standardized point system for all leagues that use shootouts. This decision followed the NCAA's mandate for 3-on-3 overtime in all games.
- All conference games are worth three points.
- A team that wins in regulation receives three (3) points, while the losing team receives zero (0).
While nearly every Division I college conference now uses shootouts to break ties after overtime, the NCAA uses Win-Loss-Tie (W-L-T) for record keeping and does not recognize shootout "wins" as wins.
A game is considered a "tie" for both team and coach historical records after overtime ends without a goal scored. Shootouts are used only to determine points in league standings.
For this reason, records will continue to be displayed as W-L-T with Overtime Wins (OW), Overtime Losses (OL), and Shootout Wins (SW) following to display total point calculations.
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Tie-Breaking Procedures
At the conclusion of the regular season, teams are ranked by the number of points accumulated. If two (2) or more teams are tied for first place, they will be declared Regular Season Co-Champions.
In the case of co-champions, the #1 seed will be determined by the tiebreaking procedure outlined below:
- If two (2) or more teams played a four (4)-game series during the regular season and the teams have the same win-loss records for those series, the same number of WCHA (League) wins and the same number of WCHA (League) losses, the team having the least number of goals scored against it in the four (4)-game series shall have the higher rank.
- If two (2) or more teams are still tied after applying the provisions of (A), (B), (C), and (D), the team having the greatest "winning margin" during the regular season will have the higher rank.
- Shootout wins used during the regular season will not be counted in the determinations.
NOTE: In the case of ties among three (3) or more teams, the criteria above will be used in order, beginning with (A), until a team (or teams) is (or are) separated from the other tied team (or teams). At that point, the procedures are re-started to break the "new" tie and determine recipient of the higher seed.
Big Ten Tournament Structure
The Big Ten Tournament will have a different look. The quarterfinals, previously played as best-of-three series over a weekend, will now be single-elimination games played on Wednesday (March 11) to open the tournament.
Single-elimination semifinals and the ensuring championship game will be played on consecutive Saturdays on March 14 and March 21 at campus sites.
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As in past years, the tournament champion receives the conference’s automatic berth into the NCAA postseason.
NCAA Tournament Changes
Change is coming to the NCAA Tournament as well, specifically with the selection criteria used in determining the field. The NCAA Percentage Index (NPI) will replace the Pairwise, a rankings system that had been in use for years.
Among the items NPI takes into consideration are winning percentage, strength of schedule, quality wins, and overtime contests.
Team Overviews from the Previous Season
Here is a look at several Big Ten teams based on their performance:
Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Maroon and Gold fell to the University of Massachusetts in the first round of the NCAA Fargo Regional in overtime.
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The Gophers open up the campaign at home against Michigan Tech.
2024-25 Record: 26-7-4 (15-5-4 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Adam Nightingale
Top Returners: Charlie Stramel (9-18-27), Matt Basgall (6-20-26), Daniel Russell (13-12-25)
Michigan Wolverines
The Maize and Blue advanced to the fourth Frozen Four appearance in the past three years.
Michigan fell to Penn State in the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten Tournament.
2024-25 Record: 18-15-3 (12-10-2 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Brandon Naurato
Top Returners: TJ Hughes (15-23-38), Michael Hage (13-21-34), Garrett Schifsky (11-11-22)
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State returns three of its top six point getters. The Scarlet and Grey will look to return to the NCAA tournament for a second straight season.
2024-25 Record: 24-14-2 (14-9-1 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Steve Rohlik
Top Returners: Riley Thompson (17-16-33), Davis Burnside (14-19-33), Max Montes (14-12-26)
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State had a stellar season as the Nittany Lions advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four where they eventually fell to No. 3 (nationally-ranked) Boston University.
2024-25 Record: 22-14-4 (9-11-4 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Guy Gadowsky
Top Returners: Aiden Fink (23-30-53), Reese Laubach (15-15-30), Dane Dowiak (12-8-20)
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin put together a below average season a season ago as the Badgers fell to Ohio State in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Wisconsin opens up the campaign against Lindenwood on Oct. 3.
2024-25 Record: 13-21-3 (7-16-1 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Mike Hastings
Top Returners: Quinn Finley (20-20-40), Gavin Morrissey (9-23-32), Kyle Kukkonen (10-9-19)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame concluded the Jeff Jackson era with a loss in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament to Michigan State.
The Irish will open up the season inside Mullet Arena when the Navy, Green and Gold travel to face Arizona State in the Icebreaker Tournament on Oct. 10.
2024-25 Record: 12-25-1 (4-19-1 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Brock Sheahan
Top Returners: Cole Knuble (12-27-39), Danny Nelson (13-13-26), Axel Kumlin (6-15-21)
Conference Standings Overview
Understanding the Big Ten Men's Hockey standings involves knowing the point system, tie-breaking procedures, and tournament structure. These elements combine to create a competitive and exciting landscape for college hockey fans.