Eastern Thoughts: Northeastern's Zacher has been one of the best in the nation

Plus, more things I think from the ECAC, Hockey East, and Atlantic Hockey. Also: The B10 and NCHC seemed primed for the most NCAA bids

Photo: Northeastern

Lawton Zacher has been one of the top goaltenders in the nation through the first month of the season, and his play has been a major factor in Northeastern’s early success.

This issue (#604) features my weekend observations from across the Eastern conferences — Hockey East, the ECAC, and Atlantic Hockey.

In addition to a closer look at Zacher and Northeastern, this edition also includes thoughts on:

• BU’s struggles without Cole Eiserman, though the bigger concern might be their inability to keep the puck out of their own net.

• UMass Lowell’s Mirko Buttazzoni, who was ejected in a bizarre incident on Saturday night.

• Dartmouth’s perfect 2-0 start, winning games in two very different ways.

• Union’s impressive numbers — but are they legitimate contenders in the ECAC?

• RIT making me eat my words by taking my preseason power rankings and shoving them right back at me.

• Hoping Mercyhurst can pull out of this slump for veteran coach Rick Gotkin.

• And finally, a deeper look at the NPI and why Hockey East might be staring at just two or three NCAA tournament bids come March.

Don’t forget, if you’re a subscriber, make sure you’re linked to my subscriber chat in the Substack app. I provide updates there in between newsletters. Yesterday you would have received notes on the Spengler Cup selection process as well as the two players selected.

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