Classification: Prologue: Dan Olsen IBM Global Services Client Services Representative East Fishkill, NY / Building 504 2J5-21 Ph: 8-532-5259 / (914) 892-5259 FAX: 8-532-7588 / (914 )892-7588 Mail: IBMUSM00(DOLSEN) or [log in to unmask] Epilogue: Regards, Dan Olsen It's that time of year again. For the past three years, Clarkson and Vermont have provided their fans with the ECACs marquis matchup. This year, both the Knights and the Catamounts have had their ups and downs (mostly downs on both accounts). Both teams have been looking up of late and this Saturday, the two ECAC powerhouses will meet again in what has been one of the best rivalries in the league of late. Clarkson enters the game on a 3 game winning streak including wins over nationally ranked Cornell and UNH. Their league record of 5-4 leaves them in eighth place, but their overall record of 12-7 is much more impressive. The Knights seem to be struggling against weaker opponents for some reason (Yale, Union, Colgate), and beating up on the better competition (Princeton, RPI, Cornell). In Clarkson's 12 wins this season, each has come by at least 3 goals. Clarkson is lead by the nation's second leading scorer Todd White and All American goaltender Dan Murphy. Murphy has been on a tear of late and has even looked impressive in his losses (over 50 saves in a loss to Miami). Chris Clark has been Clarkson's suprise player of late, scoring in each of his last five games, including a hat trick effort. Clarkson will first visit Hanover, NH to meet the Big Green of Dartmouth on Friday. Vermont enters the game on a 5 game winning streak of their own, including a win over ECAC leader Princeton University. Their league record of 6-3 leaves them in fifth place, but their overall record of 12-5 has earned them a place in the top 10 of most National Polls. Vermont is led by the All American pairing of Martin St. Louis, the nation's third leading scorer, and Eric Perrin. Tim Thomas has been the Tim Thomas that all of the ECAC has learned to fear of late. The Cats will play the Saint Lawrence Skating Ain'ts on Friday at Gutterson. PREDICTION: Somebody help me here. Both goaltenders are hot, both teams have regained their scoring punch. The one thing I do know is that Gutterson will again be rocking on Saturday night. Expect a physical game as usual. I think (and hope) that Clarkson's depth will reap it's rewards this weekend and the Knights will pull out their first "close" victory of the season. HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.