Preseason Power Rankings: Previewing teams ranked No. 48-45

Let’s continue my preseason power rankings, looking at the teams I have ranked No. 48-45. Today’s newsletter (#587) has storylines, analysis, and a bold prediction for each of the following teams:

• Bentley (AHA)

• Princeton (ECAC)

• Bemidji State (CCHA)

• Lake Superior (CCHA)

Remember, you’ll be able to keep track of ALL of our rankings by using this page:

The page will be updated with national and league-by-league rankings as more teams are released.

(48) Bentley

Storylines

• Bentley is coming off a remarkable season under second-year head coach Andy Jones. The Falcons won the AHA Tournament and played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in its history last season. The Falcons nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history, taking Boston College to the wire before the Eagles scored the game-winning goal with 1:17 left in the third period.

Analysis

As longtime subscribers know, when I put together these preseason power rankings, I stick to the math. There are times when I look at the result and say, “that doesn’t make much sense,” but I trust the numbers to determine the order. If I strongly disagree with a result, I explain it in my analysis.

Bentley looks pedestrian on paper. The Falcons appear to have a below-average defensive corps. The forward group boasts four solid top-six forwards but lacks depth underneath, and the goaltending picture is murky after Connor Hasley transferred to Arizona State.