Men's hockey to battle for playoff position

It's never good when the difference between a win and a loss is determined by something as uncontrollable as an injury. Unfortunately for the men's hockey team, injuries could be the deciding factor in the outcome of its season.

With senior right wing Casson Masters only available on a part-time basis for this weekend's games, the Tigers' top scoring line will be hindered. The high-scoring forward went down with a knee injury two weeks ago, a loss that has been felt by Princeton (12-8-5 overall, 6-8-4 Eastern College Athletic Conference).

Another big gap is the one left by junior defenseman Michael Acosta, who is out with a knee injury. His presence in the back has been sorely missed for three weeks now, but he should return by next week.

As for the remainder of the team, it too has encountered its share of injuries, some of which could still linger Friday.

"(The injury situation) is persisting," head coach Don Cahoon said. "Of course we'd be better if no one was injured, but we'll have to survive with what we have; most of the bumps and bruises are back in the lineup."

Due to this rash of injuries, the Tigers have scaled down their training regimen.

"My biggest concern is energy level," Cahoon said. "Right now, less is more."

This weekend's matchups will play a major role in the outcome of Princeton's season. The team is currently tied for eighth place with Dartmouth (11-10-4, 7-9-2) in the ECAC and is only two points ahead of tenth-place Vermont (9-17-2, 6-10-2).

Top 10

The top 10 of 12 teams make the ECAC playoffs and, though the Tigers should be in no danger of failing to make the tournament, the possibility still remains, and they need to win at least one game this weekend. With one more win going into next weekend's games against eleventh-place St. Lawrence and cellar-dweller Union, the team would be all but assured a spot in the playoffs.

If they get hot, however, Princeton could easily win all four games and hit the tournament on the upswing. Four wins would place Princeton in definite contention for one of the higher positions in the league, since all but the top two teams are within reach of the Tigers in this season defined by balance in the league.

"There's so much parity," Cahoon said of the league. "Every team in this league is capable of beating any other."

It is exactly this parity that the team should be wary of this weekend. An even game with Dartmouth or Vermont could be won by either team. Hopefully for the Tigers, however, the difference over this indistinct line will be determined by the play of the team and not hinge upon injuries.