The Crimson could really benefit from this switch because Harvard Coach Mark Mazzoleni has already made great strides to improving the team’s schedule. Last year, Harvard faced the University of New Hampshire. This year, Mazzoleni cashed in his CCHA connections to set his team up for a one-game showdown at Michigan. Five more extra games could represent a major step forward in Harvard’s renaissance.

“I do wish we were able to play more games because it would definitely help come the playoffs,” Capouch said.

Of more immediate concern for the Crimson is the freedom to not have to play games the Friday and Saturday before the Beanpot Tournament, which is on consecutive Mondays. Harvard’s Hockey East rivals—Boston University, Boston College, and Northeastern—always had this luxury and it only served to make the Crimson even more susceptible to a first round defeat.

Consider this: before the Beanpot this past year, Harvard hosted its archrival Cornell and Colgate in as brutal a pair of games as the Crimson has on its plate. Then, it had the privilege of playing the No. 2 team in the nation in the Eagles on Monday night. B.C., determined to end the Terriers six-year title reign, may have won anyway, but a tired Harvard limping into the Fleet Center stood even less of a chance.

This year, Harvard is slated to face the Big Red at Lynah Rink in the weekend before the Beanpot.

Now, the weekend before the Beanpot every year the Crimson will be at home with the Friday night game most likely reserved for Brown, Harvard’s travel partner and the new permanent doormat of the ECAC. While Harvard may have to play Thursday and Friday, there will not be a game on Saturday, meaning the team will get the same two days of rest its opponents will have.

“Only having to play one game before the Beanpot should help quite a bit,” Capouch said.