Snow wrecked havoc across New England this weekend, causing cancellation of some games. Every team except for Holy Cross and Sacred Heart were able to play at least once this weekend. All it means is that the standings are even tighter than ever. And with just three weeks left in the regular season, every point is vitally important.

1. Niagara – The Purple Eagles have clinched a first round bye and are closing in on the regular season title. They need just three points and the regular season title is their’s. It’s a real possibility that they’ll have it wrapped up this weekend. While the Purple Eagles have struggle some recently, they are still clearly the best team in Atlantic Hockey. They are 11th in the current Pairwise.

2. Holy Cross – The Crusaders were unable to play this weekend because of the snow. They’ll play the home-and-home with Sacred Heart on Feb. 19 and 26.

3. Mercyhurst – The Lakers had a chance to separate themselves from the pack a little bit but failed to do so. They took just one point at home against Air Force. They’ll try again this weekend with two games against RIT.

4. Air Force – The Falcons earned a huge three points on the road at Mercyhurst. While they still trail the Lakers for second place, it could the deficit to just one point. While the top spot is out of the question, the Falcons can still finish in second. They host Canisius for two games this weekend.

5. UConn – The Huskies got a huge sweep of Bentley and are now tied for fourth. They outscored the Falcons 13-1 in the two games and look to be building momentum coming down the stretch. They have another big series with Holy Cross this weekend.

6. Bentley – The Falcons are reeling, loosing their last five games, scoring more than one goal just once. They picked the wrong time to start their downfall. They have a home-and-home with Army this weekend and need to get some points from the two games.

7. Robert Morris – The Colonials rebounded well from the beat down they suffered against Mercyhurst. They earned themselves two points in a weekend split with RIT. They have an even bigger challenge this weekend with a home-and-home against Niagara.

8. Canisius – The Golden Griffins became just the second Atlantic Hockey team to beat Niagara this season and only the second team to shut them out. Unfortunately, the Golden Griffins couldn’t keep the momentum as the Purple Eagles returned the favor the next night. They have another big series at Air Force this weekend.

9. RIT – The Tigers split two games at Robert Morris and are slowly creeping up the standings. Earning some more points at Mercyhurst this weekend would certainly help their cause.

10. AIC – The Yellow Jackets were only able to play once this weekend but shutout Army. They have have won two straight and have points in four straight games. They’re just five points behind Army for 10th place.

11. Army – The Black Knights struggles continue as they were shutout by AIC in their only game this week. Things won’y get any easier as they have a home-and-home with Bentley this weekend.

12. Sacred Heart – The Pioneers were unable to play this week because of the snow.  They’ll play the home-and-home with Holy Cross on Feb. 19 and 26.

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013 - 12:47 pm | Atlantic Hockey