But Minnesota also boasts an impressive roster, led by freshman netminder Noora Raty who is ranked second in the country with a 0.99 goals-against average and a .962 save percentage. On the offensive end, junior Emily West is seventh in the nation with 22 points.

The Golden Gophers are coming off a dominating sweep of No. 4 Clarkson, shutting out the Golden Knights, 4-0 and 2-0, last weekend.

To skate with Minnesota, Harvard will have to play a complete game.

“Over the past few games, we’ve been coming out with a slow start and picking things up after the first period,” Kessler said. “We know that with Minnesota, we can’t wait until midway through the game to pick it up. We have to go out strong.”

“We need to keep in mind that we’re going to play our game,” Buesser added, “not how they want us to play.”

Though it would be a major boost for the team if it was to win this weekend’s set, the Crimson is not approaching Minnesota differently than it has any other team this season. The focus of its practice and strategy is to play the game out to its full potential, approaching every team it faces as if it were its biggest competition.

“Whether or not we’re playing a ranked team, we’re going for a win,” Kessler said.