Hockey East news: All 11 teams to make conference tournament; flex games to count towards standings

On Tuesday, Hockey East announced changes to the format of its 2020-21 season. All eligible teams will now make the conference tournament and “all games played by Hockey East teams” will count towards the final standings.

Previously, the league designated “flex” games — matchups between Hockey East opponents that did not count towards the standings.

This means UConn men’s hockey’s opening series against UMass now counts. The Huskies earned 2/6 points that weekend with a shootout win on Saturday. UConn also picked up one point with an overtime loss to BC on Friday night and all three points with a regulation victory on Saturday.

In the traditional standings, UConn has six points — tied for third place with Northeastern. However, if Hockey East teams finish without an equal number of games played, the league will use percentage of points earned. By that measure, the Huskies are in fourth place at .500 (6 of 12 points earned).

Here’s a full look at the standings: