Unfortunately, the Crimson may be crippled in back if sophomore defenseman Aaron Kim is slapped with a mandatory one-game suspension for his spearing major and game disqualification against the Eagles. His status is unclear at this time.

The offense has also experienced no shortage of effort. The rookies have stepped up and become instrumental in winning games. Freshman winger Rob Fried, who is still out due to injury, netted the game-winning goal over Dartmouth. Classmate Tyler Kolarik had a hand in a pair of game-winning tallies that secured victories over Colgate and the Terriers.

Despite a first-place ECAC prediction, St. Lawrence has not been living up to expectations. With only two wins in their pockets, the Saints are currently in a three-game tail spin after suffering defeats at the hands of rival Clarkson and reigning national champion North Dakota.

"Even though St. Lawrence is going through a rough time, they are still a good team," Moore said. "They made it to the Final Four last year, so we're not taking them lightly."

What hurts the Saints most right now is the absence of netminder Derek Gustafson. The 1999-00 ECAC Rookie of the Year and a top NHL draft pick, Gustafson jumped ship after last season to sign a contract with the Minnesota Wild. St. Lawrence's top sniper Brandon Dietrich was soon to follow, snagging a contract with the New York Rangers.

While St. Lawrence still boasts some offensive talent, as indicated by the fourth-best scoring offense in the conference, the Saints are lacking on the blueline.

St. Lawrence lost Dale Clarke and Justin Harney to graduation, leaving the team with only a handful of solid defensemen. The Saints' scoring defense, averaging 4.67 goals-against per game, is second-to-last in the conference.