All three have big body frames, long reaches and soft hands. They are strong on the wall, solid defensively and creative around the net.

“We can get over the puck down low and create a lot of 2-on-1s, when before we were trying to go 1-on-1,” Bernakevitch said. “That’s the difference for us now.”

In other words, they are the kind of players coaches love to have on their team, and hate to see on the other side.

Bernakevitch (6’1) is the shortest player on the line, and Maki (195 pounds) is the lightest. That size gave Vermont fits all weekend, as they neutralized UVM’s top scoring line of Jeff Miles, Chris Smart and Brady Leisenring. UVM coach Kevin Sneddon ’92 said they were Harvard’s most valuable line.

Bernakevitch’s strong play of late mirrors his performance down the stretch last season, when he returned from an injury to score the game-winning goal in the Crimson’s ECAC semifinal win over Dartmouth. That was the only point he recorded during two ECAC tournament games, but his overall play was strong enough that he earned a spot on the all-tournament team.

With four postseason points already to his credit, he might be a repeat selection if Harvard advances to Albany. The Crimson will certainly be counting on his contributions.

—Staff writer Jon Paul Morosi can be reached at morosi@fas.harvard.edu.