"We can't afford any letdowns," Owens added. "We're not the greatest team, and every time out we have to play our best."

After Northeastern next Monday night in the Beanpot consolation, the remaining games are all Ivy League competition, including a contest with Penn, which upset Harvard earlier this season.

"The rest of the schedule is not so tough," Purdy said. "No more Providences, Boston Colleges, Browns, and thank God, no more B.U.'s."

An ECAC committee will select the top four teams in the east from a roster including Harvard. Clarkson, B.U., Brown and New Hampshire. "There are probably a couple of other teams you can't count out of it yet," Trainor said.

Fire Hydrants

With a 14-1 record, top-ranked B.U. is first in line for the number one playoff berth, with New Hampshire close behind. If Harvard could reel off ten straight wins, the Crimson might get a third chance to knock off the Terriers.

"I thought we played well, although at times we were a bit sloppy," senior Kevin Burke said optimistically yesterday. "But we'll see B.U. again in the ECAC playoffs."