The Crimson went from being the No. 2 team in the country, four games away from a second consecutive national championship, to a team pondering an extended summer vacation.

"At times you stop and think about it," Botterill said. "But right now we are just trying to focus on this game. It just makes you more motivated and gives you extra incentive."

Dartmouth made its name in college hockey as a giant killer. At the time, Harvard was the giant.

Now the roles are reversed. Dartmouth is currently the best team in the nation and Harvard is the upstart looking for the upset.

"We are definitely the underdog," Botterill said. "It is a great position to be in knowing that we have nothing to lose."

The Crimson fell to its lowest position in the national rankings in three seasons after last Sunday's 3-1 loss to Princeton. It was Harvard's first loss to an unranked opponent in three years. But the Crimson rebounded like a champion, claiming its third consecutive Beanpot title with a 4-3 OT victory over No. 9 Northeastern Tuesday.

"We are feeling very confident after the big win Tuesday," Botterill said.

Harvard is taking nothing for granted, however, giving Dartmouth the respect the country's top team deserves.