The other match-up between Harvard and RPI this season went the other way. RPI took control of the game on November 27, builing a 3-1 lead in the third at Bright. However, Harvard tied the game on goals by freshman Doug Sproule and sophomore Stuart Swenson.

But tragedy struck in the final minute. Engineer Eric Healey's shot from the point went through traffic and beat Harvard junior netminder Tripp Tracy with 23 seconds left to give the visitors the 4-3 win.

"We've had two great games with them," Tomassoni said. "Those are two games that have had flow--they haven't been penalty-marred, penalty-filled."

Playoff Keys

For Harvard to defeat RPI in the quarterfinal series, it must do two things: stay out of the penalty box and forecheck well so that it can take advantage of its speed.

Too many times this season the Crimson has had to play shorthanded seven, eight, nine times a game. While the penalty killing units are operating at an impressive 85.7 percent rate, Harvard has tired out and been victimized at later points in the game following all those penalty kills.

Martins especially has to stay out of the sin bin. He is the victim of the most vicious assault of anyone in the league, and he unfortuanetely is sent to the penalty box far too often for retaliation (and phantom retaliation) penalties, depriving the Crimson of its best offensive weapon.

"Martins is the premier player in the league," Tomassoni said. "The abuse he takes out there no one should have to take. It's wrong."

Harvard's biggest strength is its speed. In Martins and juniors Brad Konik and Tom Holmes, Harvard has three of the quickest skaters in the league.

If the Crimson can get the forecheck going and send these players out on breaks, Harvard's offense should be fine. Harvard was back in peak form last weekend even though it lost to league-champion Clarkson due to some sensational Clarkson goaltending.

"We need to use our speed and beat their defensemen, because we can do that if we concentrate," Coughlin said.

So the playoffs are here.

If Harvard wins this weekend, it's off to Lake Placid. If it loses, then the season's over.

Let the games begin!

HARVARD