“We want to make sure that we’re sharp and getting chances every time we go out on the power play,” Ford said. “Those are big situations that can change momentum in the game, and scoring a big goal on a power play can [do just that].”

Harvard’s most recent matchup also came against the Dutchmen, in which the Crimson fell just short, 4-3.

Despite the loss, Harvard put up a fight against a top team that gives it hope against Princeton.

“We played [Union] pretty tight and I think everyone was feeling as good as you can out of a loss,” Criscuolo said. “We put a lot of pressure on them, and we’re pretty excited to get into the game on Friday against Princeton and put some pressure on them.”

With 10 games left in the season, Harvard is searching for wins in order to improve its playoff standing.

Eight of its remaining matchups are against conference opponents. A win against the Tigers would halt the team’s current four-game losing streak and do much for its position in the conference.

“It’s a big game for us,” Ford said. “We’re battling here in the standings trying to secure a top-eight spot in the league and get home ice in the first round of the playoffs.”

“Princeton is one of the team’s we’re competing with, so that’s a big two points for us, and we’re excited about the game on Friday,” Ford added.

—Staff writer Kurt T. Bullard can be reached at kurtbullard@college.harvard.edu.