We’re coming into the last two weeks of the regular season and things are as jumbled as ever in Atlantic Hockey. There was some thought that the previous weeks would help clarify things, but that’s not what happened. The difference between second place and ninth is just seven points, with all nine of those team holding a shot of a first round bye.

Niagara officially clinched the regular season title, but stumbled into it as they split a series against Robert Morris. The Purple Eagles have lost two league games this month after losing just one the entire season. It could just be a little hiccup or maybe the Purple Eagles are declining a little. Either way, things don’t get any easier for the Purple Eagles. Their last four games are against Mercyhurst and Air Force, both fighting for second place.

The Lakers are fell further behind the Falcons this weekend. The Lakers have gone 0-3-1 in the last four games, earning just the one point in a tie against Air Force. The Falcons meanwhile, have gone 3-0-1 in the last four and now hold a three point lead over the Lakers for second place. Air Force faces RIT and Niagara to close the regular season while Mercyhurst takes on Niagara and Robert Morris.

Don’t look now but AIC is making their playoff push. The Yellow Jackets are undefeated in their last six games, going 4-0-2 and are just two points behind Army for tenth place. While the Yellow Jackets won’t be able to make a dramatic climb up the standings, they could provide a serious challenge in the playoffs. They’ve allowed more than one goal just once in the last six games, and that was a 2-2 tie at Air Force.

Holy Cross, AIC, Sacred Heart and Army still have games in hand after games were cancelled due to winter storm Nemo. Holy Cross and Sacred Heart have two games to play while AIC and Army have one game each. These games could play a huge role for the Crusaders, who are right in the middle of the race. They are just five points out of second and are tied for fourth place

Monday, February 18th, 2013 - 2:10 pm | Atlantic Hockey