Much to their chagrin, the Crimson has weathered the storm the past two years. Harvard has emerged victorious in its last two contests with the Big Red on the road, snapping an 0-5-1 cold streak at Lynah.

"We enjoy our rivalry with Cornell," captain Trevor Allman said. "It's a difficult place to play, but their crowd generates our enthusiasm as well."

Ironically, it's here at Bright Hockey Center where the Crimson has had most of its recent difficulties against the Big Red. Harvard has not posted a win over Cornell at home since downing the Big Red 4-2 during the 1994-95 season.

The most recent defeat came one month ago, a demoralizing 6-2 loss in front of a sell-out crowd (of mostly Cornell fans) at Bright.

Pumped up by a little derogatory bulletin-board fodder provided by my partner Mike Volonnino, the players and fans alike dominated the Crimson.

Signs reading "Lynah Rink East" and chants of "This is our house" echoed through the rafters, giving Harvard a glimpse of what Lynah will be like next week.

Not surprisingly, Mazzoleni did not appear enthused upon learning where he and his team would be heading next weekend for the quarterfinals, but his outlook remained positive.

"We'll have to regroup and go after it," Mazzoleni said.