Preview: Harvard Crimson at Princeton Tigers

PRINCETON, N.J. (Interstat) — A critical ECAC Hockey series with postseason implications begins Friday when the Princeton Tigers host the Harvard Crimson in a women’s NCAA Division I matchup at Hobey Baker Memorial Rink.

The Tigers (21-8-2) enter the weekend series with a superior record and sit higher in the conference standings, but the Crimson (14-13-4) have proven to be a formidable opponent in recent weeks. The teams split their two regular-season meetings, with each winning on home ice. Princeton took a 3-1 decision on Jan. 16, but Harvard answered with a 3-2 victory on Feb. 7.

That recent result adds a layer of rivalry intensity to Friday’s contest, as Princeton seeks to defend its home rink and avenge the narrow loss. The Tigers are coming off a 3-2 win over Brown on Feb. 14, powered by a standout performance from forward Issy Wunder. The junior winger recorded two goals and an assist in that game, part of a torrid stretch that has seen her tally four goals and two assists in her last five outings. Her nine shots on goal against Brown underscore her role as Princeton’s offensive catalyst.

Harvard counters with its own hot hand in center Ella Lucia. The sophomore is riding a four-game point streak, including a goal and an assist in the Crimson’s most recent game, a 3-2 win over St. Lawrence on Feb. 21. Lucia also scored the game-winning goal in Harvard’s 3-2 victory over Princeton earlier this month, making her a focal point for the Tigers’ defense.

The matchup in goal will be pivotal. Princeton’s Uma Corniea, who made 31 saves in the win over Brown, will likely face Harvard’s Ainsley Tuffy, who stopped 27 shots in the victory over St. Lawrence.

With both teams scheduled to meet again at the same venue Saturday, Friday’s game is crucial for establishing momentum in the tight ECAC race and securing valuable pairwise ranking points ahead of the conference tournament. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. EST.