There were only six Atlantic Hockey games played last week, along with three non-conference games, but there were still some major shake ups in our power rankings. Even with the shake ups there is still one constant: Niagara. For the fifth consecutive week the Purple Eagles top the power rankings.

1. Niagara – Even with the weekend off, the Purple Eagles are without a doubt the best team in Atlantic Hockey at the moment. They’ve won six straight are 7-0-2 in their last nine games. It’s the second longest active streak behind only Boston College (10-0-0). The Purple Eagles host Sacred Heart for two games this weekend.

2.Holy Cross – The Crusaders had a 2-0 lead after the first period at Brown but couldn’t hold on as they fell 3-2. They host Robert Morris for an important two game series this weekend.

3. Robert Morris – The Colonials had the weekend off but move up in the power rankings thanks to other teams struggles. They travel to Holy Cross this weekend.

4. UConn – The Huskies appear to have found their groove. They’ve won four of the last five games and swept Air Force last weekend and have confidence heading into this weekend’s games against Canisius.

5. Bentley – The Falcons split a two game series with Mercyhurst last weekend but their offense just continues to click. They lead the nation averaging 4.27 goals a game and have been held to two or fewer goals just twice this season. They host Army on Thursday and travel to Dartmouth on Saturday.

6. Mercyhurst – The Lakers victory over Bentley last Friday is their only win in the last four games. The Lakers have yet t play a game at home, a string of 11 straight games. They won’t play at home until Dec. 7 and 8. Of the Lakers first 17 games, 14 of them are on the road. They travel to Air Force on Friday.

7. Air Force – The Falcons are struggling. They sit in unfamiliar territory in ninth place in the standings. They’ve lost three straight and host Mercyhurst on Friday and RIT on Sunday.

8. Army – The early season darlings seem to have cooled off, winning just once in the last four games. They travel to Bentley on Thursday and host AIC on Saturday.

9. Canisius – The Golden Griffins continue to play great defense, limiting opponents to just 2.00 goals a game, second lowest in Atlantic Hockey. But they need to get a more consistent offense. They travel to UConn this weekend.

10. RIT – The Tigers have struggled so far this season but may be gaining some confidence after two straight ties. They face another struggling team in Air Force this week.

11. AIC – The Yellow Jackets haven’t been able to carry the confidence from their win over Quinnipiac, having not won since. They scored just twice last weekend against Canisius. They travel to Army on Saturday.

12. Sacred Heart – The Pioneers are still winless.

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012 - 6:51 pm | Atlantic Hockey