Murphy feels that goaltender Pam Dreyer, a recent first-time U.S. national team selection, has been the biggest reason why the Bears have been able to compete with Harvard. Dreyer made 48 saves in the first game, in which Murphy said her defenders often times were as effective as cones against Harvard’s first line. Dreyer made a whopping 22 saves in the third period of the second game.
Harvard goaltender Jessica Ruddock has made 47 saves between the two games, including a crucial second-period stop of Brown’s Kim Insalaco in the first meeting.
A Crimson victory would set up a meeting with either Dartmouth or Princeton in the league championship. The Big Green and Tigers split their two meetings this season. Dartmouth beat the Tigers 4-0 in January, and Princeton took the most recent contest 3-2. The game has crucial Frozen Four implications for Dartmouth, who is on the NCAA bubble right now, while Princeton is out of the Frozen Four picture.
Stone says Harvard will look to bring its best game regardless of the opponent on the ice. The players are ready to meet that challenge.
“We have a lot confidence in ourselves and each other,” said sophomore Nicole Corriero. “We’re ready for the upcoming weekend.”
—Staff writer David R. De Remer can be reached at remer@fas.harvard.edu.