Harvard’s last victory over Providence didn’t come easily either—a 4-3 overtime win in the 2001 ECAC quarterfinals.
Deraney contends that such history means nothing since Harvard is so improved this year.
“Right now, the way they’re playing, it’s going to take a perfect effort [to win],” Deraney said. “They’re the hottest team in the country right now. We’re just going to try to compete the best we can and play Providence-style hockey and see if it’s going to be good enough.”
Harvard will attempt to overcome Providence-style hockey by playing to its strengths.
“We just have to keep focused and know that we’re probably the fastest team in the country,” Hagerman said. “If we can keep our speed going and keep the puck to the outside we should be in pretty good shape.”
—Staff writer David R. De Remer can be reached at remer@fas.harvard.edu.