While Stempniak is a forward of average build who relies on speed, Jessiman is a 6’5 beast along the boards who is also able to clog the middle. In last year’s games against the Big Green, Welch often took the lead in matching Jessiman’s physical play, something he will be expected to continue when he returns to the Harvard lineup on Saturday.

Mazzoleni believes the key to success against Dartmouth hinges less on controlling Stempniak and Jessiman and more on limiting mistakes, like the penalties which gave Brown two five-on-three advantages—and one goal—in the season-opener.

“We have to pay attention to our own business, because if we don’t, we’re very beatable,” Mazzoleni said. “It’s not like we’re the Montreal Canadiens. We have skilled players, but I’d bet they have as many skilled players as we do. At times our kids forget, you’ve got to get it done with hard work. Take a look at what Brown did to us last weekend.”

And a look at that eminently forgettable performance is, Mazzoleni hopes, all the motivation his team needs on its first road trip of the season.

“If I have to motivate nine seniors and eight juniors, then we’re in trouble,” he said. “I talk about it all the time with them. Either they buy into it and do it, or they don’t. If they buy into it, they could be a pretty good team.”

—Staff writer Timothy M. McDonald can be reached at tmcdonal@fas.harvard.edu.