The Crimson cannot afford to make mistakes when facing off against RPI on Friday, especially defensive mistakes. The Engineers, who picked up a 5-2 win over Army last week, are traditionally a fast-paced team that pounce on defensive breakdowns. It will be important for Harvard to find its legs early in the game if it wants to shut down the RPI offense.

"Our problem in the last few games was that we came out too slow in the first period," freshman center Dominic Moore said. "This weekend we definitely should focus on trying to get a fast start because the start sets the tone for the game. It takes 60 minutes to win a hockey game, and we've only been playing about 20 each."

But Engineers' junior forward Brad Tapper and sophomore forward Matt Murley are going to do their best to penetrate the Crimson blue line.

Murley (3 goals, 11 assists) and Tapper (17, 3), whose 20 points have netted him a pair of ECAC/CCM Player of the Week selections, are Rensselaer's most potent offensive threats.

But RPI's one weakness is play in its defensive zone. With a strong and daring offense, the Engineers rely on their ability to score goals to win games. But if the Crimson can hold RPI's offense at bay, Harvard's forwards can attack. RPI Senior goaltender Joel Laing leads a sturdy defense with a .900 save percentage, and a lackluster 3.85 goals-against average.

"We've got to make sure we do the little things right defensively so we shut them down," Moore said. "But because they are so offensive, we have a better chance of penetrating their defense and getting some chances."

Union may prove to be the most surprising game of the weekend.