Backing up the Harvard attack was junior goaltender Jessica Ruddock, who made 26 saves on 28 shots.

Though most of the Crimson’s wins have been blowouts, the team felt a lack of focus, rather than a lack of conditioning, accounted for the smaller margin of victory.

“I don’t think it was because of fatigue,” Botterill commented. “Being on the penalty kill often makes you hungrier. This was a good lesson for us though. It shows that we need to focus on playing a consistent 60 minutes of hockey.”

Harvard will look to do just that in an important stretch of games this week. The Crimson begins its quest for a fifth straight Beanpot title against Boston University at Bright tomorrow and then hosts its biggest rival No. 4 Dartmouth on Friday.

Harvard 6, Niagara 0

The top-three point-getters for the Crimson—Botterill, Ruggiero, and Chu—turned in stellar three-point performances in Harvard’s shutout victory over Niagara (12-11-3) Friday night at Dwyer Arena.

The trio accounted for scoring the first three goals of the night. Ruggiero struck first for the Crimson at 9:35 in the first period. Botterill and Chu assisted on the play.

“I think the way the three of us played is representative of the rest of the team,” Chu said. “It’s a collective effort, and we only look good when the others are doing their jobs.”

Goals from both Chu and Botterill late in the first period brought the score to 3-0 and Harvard never looked back. Botterill finished with two goals on the night.

A combined effort from goaltenders Ruddock and freshman Ali Boe, who made 11 and 5 saves, respectively, produced the Crimson’s eighth shutout of the year. Jennifer Mascaro made 26 saves for the Purple Eagles in the loss.