While NCAA basketball brackets are being busted across the nation, you might have a second option - the NCAA hockey tournament, which begins tonight. Four Hockey East teams are among the tournament's 16 teams, including No. 1 Boston University. The Terriers open the tournament Saturday in Manchester, N.H., against Ohio State.

There will be a few Maine connections to the NCAA Tournament, such as Portland resident Dan Bartlett, a forward at Princeton, and Ohio State's Zach Pelletier, a China resident who played at Waterville High.

(If I'm forgetting someone, let me know.)

Also, the New York Times takes a peek into Northeastern's program, coached by former Black Bears assistant/interim coach Greg Cronin.

If people think Tim Whitehead is the only Hockey East coach under fire, just look across the state line. Allen Lessels (a former PPHer and current UNH beat guy at the Manchester (N.H.) Union Leader) provides some perspective on the Wildcats' postseason struggles after a visit to the dentist.

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Just a few odds and ins from college and pro hockey ...

The Portsmouth (N.H.) Herald is reporting that Ryan Bourque, the son of NHL Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, has decided to play in the QMJHL instead of at UNH.

Former Maine goalie Jimmy Howard, who helped the Black Bears to the 2004 Frozen Four, is the Grand Rapids Griffins' nominee for the American Hockey League Man of the Year.

Nick Petrecki, a defenseman at Boston College, has decided to leave The Heights and plans to turn pro with the San Jose Sharks. Petrecki was a bit of a thorn in Maine's side each time the Black Bears faced the Eagles - in three games this season, Petrecki was called for 10 minutes in penalties and a game disqualification.

And finally, John Tortorella certainly didn't mince words after the New York Rangers lost a three-goal lead in a 5-4 shootout loss Thursday at Atlanta.

"I thought we sucked right on through the game," Tortorella said. "I think we're fortunate to get a point, very fortunate to get that."

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