That trio will put a lot of pressure on the Harvard defense. But the Crimson, which has held its opponent to one goal in its last three games, has been making some effective adjustments in the defensive zone.

"The defensemen and goalies have watched tapes of Duluth and we're prepared for their offense," Hagerman said. "We're going to try to break the puck out of the zone quickly and not let their forwards get too many shots close to the goalie."

The defense has been clearing the defensive zone more efficiently since Stone shifted senior Tara Dunn from the wing to the blueline. Dunn, who had never played defense before, has been handling the puck well in the defensive zone, finding open teammates at the wings to jumpstart the Harvard offense.

"Playing defense is something new, and I see the game in a different way," Dunn said. "My job is to bring my skills as a forward to the defensive zone to help break the puck out."

Perhaps more important for Harvard's recent defensive success has been the emergence of freshman goaltender Jessica Ruddock.

Ruddock, who missed the start of the season with an injury, is 4-0 as a starter. The rookie netminder is second in the ECAC in both goals-against average (0.82) and save percentage (.967).

On the other end of the ice, the Harvard offense will have deal with UMD sophomore Tuula Puputti between the pipes. Puputti, a member of Team Finland, leads the WCHA with a 1.69 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.