Prior to its rematch with the Engineers, however, the Crimson will first receive a test from Union at Messa Rink on Friday.

Two seasons removed from its first national championship in school history, the Dutchmen (4-6-3, 1-5-0) have been plagued by inconsistency so far this season.

So far this year, Union has knocked off two ranked out-of-conference teams and tied another, yet the Dutchmen sit tied for last in the ECAC with just two points through six conference games.

Highlighted by an impressive win over then-No. 3/2 Boston University and a 5-5 draw with No. 12/11 Michigan, Union opened the year without a loss in its first five games.

But then the wheels fell off. The Dutchmen went on to drop six of their next seven contests, a stretch that included sizable losses to RPI and St. Lawrence by scores of 5-1 and 6-3, respectively.

Nonetheless, Union has looked much better as of late, even blowing out No. 13/13 Merrimack on the road, 4-0, its last time out. The victory came on the heels of consecutive home games against Brown and Yale where the Dutchmen held leads in the third period before eventually falling in overtime.

Although Union has significant ground to make up in the standings, a win over Harvard would certainly grab the league’s attention moving forward.

Likewise, a win for RPI in Saturday’s rematch with the Crimson would do the same.

Thus, Harvard will not be overlooking either opponent.

“We can’t walk in anywhere this year and grab a win,” Madsen said. “We’re going to have to work hard, and that’s kind of the identity we’re looking for.”

—Staff writer Jake Meagher can be reached at jake.meagher@thecrimson.com.