This is a team that knows that it’s good, yet knows that it can improve. After each of Harvard’s last four wins, coach Ted Donato ’91 has pointed out significant stretches of play that his squad will have to address moving forward.

But that, perhaps, highlights the scariest thing about this team: its best hockey seems to be ahead of itself.

The offense is just starting to work in high-caliber junior forwards Greg Gozzo and Colin Blackwell off injured reserve. Reigning co-Ivy League Rookie of the Year Sean Malone is waiting in the wings.

The Crimson’s freshman skaters, meanwhile, are just getting acclimated to the college game. Rookie forwards Seb Lloyd and Jake Horton are poised to make big strides on the third line. Defenseman Wiley Sherman will continue to develop a skill set to complement his 6’7” frame.

Harvard hasn’t appeared in the national tournament since 2006 and hasn’t won a Beanpot since 1993. With a challenging conference schedule and a hungry BU team in the Crimson’s way, it’s far too early to tip this team as a favorite to break either of those streaks. The college hockey season is a volatile and capricious beast.

For now, though, fans can appreciate the team’s quick start. The squad’s recent play has evoked memories of a time when there was no doubt which sport was “Harvard’s sport.” Maybe by the end of the year, I’ll have a different answer for that girl’s question.

—Staff writer Michael D. Ledecky can be reached at michael.ledecky@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @MDLedecky.