The game comes at an opportune time for the Big Green, which is finally firing on all cylinders.
The team has managed to present a balanced offense, as each of Dartmouth's four lines have scored this year. The Big Green's first offensive line composed of assistant captain Adam Estoclet '11, captain Scott Fleming '11 and Matt Reber '11 is now scoring consistently in every game. The team's tactics and plays have also drastically improved since October, when Yale topped the Big Green in the Ivy League Shoot-Out, 5-1.
The Bulldogs are a formidable opponent, however, and currently sit atop the United States College Hockey Organization's poll receiving 45 out of 50 first-place votes. The team also unanimously leads the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine's College Hockey poll, and has held a first place ranking for five weeks in both polls.
Yale holds both the nation's best record and the longest current winning streak, having won seven straight games heading into the weekend. Their last loss was in November against the U.S. Air Force Academy, when the Falcons bested the Bulldogs with four unanswered goals in a sensational third-period comeback.
While Dartmouth head coach Bob Gaudet '81 considers Yale a top offensive and defensive team, he remains confident that the Big Green can win the game with a determined effort.
"Yale is a very good team this year," he said. "They are very, very strong offensively and their defense is also very good. We are going to have to play an absolutely fabulous game."
The game could have far-reaching implications. The top two finishers in the ECAC gain an automatic playoff berth, and a win for Dartmouth would work to solidify its position as a serious contender in the conference as it gears up to start the regular season stretch.
The Big Green will surely watch out for a number of talented Yale players, including senior Broc Little, who currently rank third in the ECAC in points and leads the league in goals scored. Yale sophomore Andrew Miller leads the ECAC in assists.
Although the odds are stacked against the Big Green, Dartmouth has the potential to stir an upset. The team slipped from college hockey rankings early in December after a 6-5 loss to the University of Vermont, but has remained a troublemaker for its opponents with its balanced offensive attack. Dartmouth has scored the second most goals per game in the ECAC, behind Yale.
Dartmouth's defense also poses a physical threat. The team has the fifth best defense in the conference allowing a little more than two-and-a-half goals a game and has showed a unique ability to draw penalties against its opponents. The offense has been able to take advantage, capitalizing on its power play opportunities.
Dartmouth's goaltender, James Mello '12, has also become an integral part of the team currently ranked second in the ECAC in save percentage (.935) and fourth in the league in goals against average (1.93).
The Big Green will surely be playing on Friday with a chip on their shoulders after a tough loss to UVM ( 3-10-4, 1-6-3 Hockey East) and Mercyhurst College. The Bulldogs may need to be careful to avoid complacency after a victory against the Russian touring team and the College of the Holy Cross when they face off against Dartmouth.
After playing Yale, the Big Green will finish a two-game weekend set by facing Brown University on Saturday at Thompson Arena.
