“Obviously it’s a good sign that we played close games, but we have high expectations for ourselves,” Moore said.

Against the Black Bears, Harvard was unable to recover from giving up three goals in the first period, including one a scant 45 seconds into play.

Lannon said that the losses taught valuable lessons.

“You can’t afford to take nights off,” Lannon said.

On the plus side, the Crimson’s level of play during the following two periods against Maine was more indicative of the level at which the team has competed throughout the first half of the season.

“We can play with any team in the country when we’re playing our best,” Lannon said.

Harvard will attempt to erase the sting of defeat with a successful showing in the Showdown.

The last time the Crimson attended the Badger Showdown in 1997, Harvard lost to Wisconsin 6-3.

Over winter break last year, Harvard played in the Wells Fargo Denver Cup, recovering from a 2-0 shutout by UMass-Lowell to defeat Bowling Green 5-3 in the consolation game.

The combination of victories over both a hardy challenger as well as a weaker opponent would help set the Crimson back on track to dominate in the latter half of the season.

“We’re looking to bring a new level of consistency,” said Lannon.

—Staff writer Lisa J. Kennelly can be reached at kennell@fas.harvard.edu.