“Dom’s the kind of player as a linemate that you want to make space for on the ice,” sophomore winger Rob Fried said. “Once he gets a little bit of room with the puck, he’s dangerous.”

Moore was touted as a possible Hobey Baker candidate going into this season. But numbers to support these expectations have not fully materialized due to other teams keying their defense to stop Moore.

Before entering the playoffs, Moore was held without a goal in five consecutive games. With the advent of the ECAC tournament, however, he elevated his play and regained his scoring touch.

“Dom has definitely stepped up the last two weekends,” captain Peter Capouch said. “It’s nice to have him leading the offense.”

Such leadership will be instrumental if the Crimson is to defeat Maine this Saturday in the first round of the NCAA championship.

Against the Black Bears’ second-ranked team defense in the Hockey East conference, Moore will have to assert his presence early and often.

With his recent success, rumors have circulated regarding a possible early departure to the NHL. Moore was drafted in third round to the New York Rangers in the 2000 draft.

Moore appears to be committed to finishing his education and to furthering Crimson success on the ice, allaying Harvard’s fears of an early exit to the pros.

“I’m planning on returning next year and winning a championship,” Moore said.

But before any thoughts of next year emerge, Moore and the Crimson must focus on their next opponent, in Harvard’s first tournament appearance since 1994.

“We’re riding a pretty good streak now,” Moore said. “We’re a confident team. We’re hoping to carry our flag and do some damage on Saturday.”