Dartmouth Preview

Two teams in desperate need of a win meet at 7 tonight as Clarkson (3-8 overall, 0-4 ECAC Hockey) faces off against Dartmouth (0-5) in Hanover, N.H.

The Golden Knights were 3-2 less than a month ago after a 4-1 win over St. Lawrence University in a nonconference game, but have lost six straight games. Clarkson has also lost nine straight road games, dating back to last season.

Dartmouth ended last year with three straight losses and has picked up that pace this season, starting 0-5.

Clarkson Coach George Roll on the Weekend

"Both teams' (Dartmouth & Harvard) records are probably not indicative to the way they have played, similar to us. Obviously, it is a key weekend for all three of us. Even though it is early, only four games in, none of the teams can dig themselves in any deeper. For us, it is just a matter of building some confidence and continuing to work, and maybe some of the puck luck will go our way."

Stat of the Night

This is yet another game where the start could speak volumes. Both of these teams have been winless this season when they don't lead after the first 20 minutes. Clarkson is 0-8 if it's not ahead after one period and Dartmouth is 0-5. The Big Green has been outscored 5-1 in the opening 20 minutes this year and has scored the first goal in just one game.

Who to Watch

Clarkson: Senior Tim Marks is the only Golden Knight with more than one goal against the Big Green. He has three career goals and one assist, but all three goals came in the same game on Nov. 3, 2007 at Cheel Arena. Senior Matt Beca has one goal with six assists. The other Golden Knights with career goals against Dartmouth are Jake Morley, Brandon DeFazio, Julien Cayer and Bryan Rufenach. Richie LaVeau is 1-0 against the Big Green, stopping 18 of 21 shots (.857) in a Clarkson win last year. Paul Karpowich played 28 minutes in relief of former Clarkson goalie Tim Potter last year, stopping 13 of 14 shots.

Dartmouth: Junior Kyle Reeds has the best numbers against Clarkson with two goals and an assist. Junior Adam Estoclet also has two goals for Dartmouth against the Golden Knights. Scott Fleming, Peter Boldt, Joe Gaudet and Evan Stephens each have two assists and Josh Gilliam has one goal and one assist. Goalie Jody O'Neill went 1-1 against Clarkson last year, stopping 56 of 62 shots (.903).

Last Meeting

Seniors Shea Guthrie and Chris D'Alvise each reached 100 career points in the same game as Clarkson used a four-goal third period to cruise to a 6-3 win at Cheel Arena on Feb. 20. Guthrie had two goals and D'Alvise added a goal and an assist.

Stats and Notes

Dartmouth has three sets of brothers on its team this season. Senior Joe Gaudet, the son of head coach Bob Gaudet, plays with his younger brother Jim. The other sets of brothers are Connor and Mark Goggin and Nick and Dustin Walsh. ... Clarkson has lost four of its last five games at Thompson Arena. ... Neither squad has impressive special teams numbers. Overall Clarkson is minus-five and Dartmouth is minus-three (that stat takes power-play goals scored and subtracts power-play goals allowed and the shorthanded goal differential). ... Clarkson has been outscored 22-7 in the second period of games this season.