It was only fitting that the Icers' 4-3 win on Saturday ended with Penn State killing a penalty. In a weekend series with Buffalo State that Coach Joe Battista called a "dress rehearsal for nationals," special teams were the key to Penn State's success.

"Power plays are going to win us games, and penalty kills are going to save us games," defenseman Erik Lightner said.

The special teams did just that this weekend. In Friday night's 3-3 tie, the Icers scored once on the power play and once short-handed. During the victory on Saturday, Penn State converted on two power-play chances and killed a penalty in the final two minutes after Buffalo State had pulled its goaltender for a two-man advantage.

Despite the Icers killing a few of their own power plays by taking penalties, Battista was pleased with the team's performance.

"I think these guys are going to come out of this weekend with a ton of confidence," Battista said.

With the Atlantic Collegiate Hockey League and the American Collegiate Hockey Association tournaments coming up, the Buffalo State games were great preparation for the type of hockey the Icers will have to play to bring home a championship. Buffalo State is a physical team, with solid defense and excellent goaltending.

"This is the kind of game we're going to play four days in a row," Lightner said.

Battista agreed with Lightner and considers the weekend to be a perfect example of what the Icers can expect in the playoffs. Battista was pleased to come out of this series with a win and a tie. He said that Buffalo State's aggressiveness caused the Icers to lose their poise a bit in the first period on Friday night, but they overcame it to play two of their best home games of the season.

As the ACHL tournament approaches, this Icers special teams are on top of their game. The power play units are getting the shots, and the penalty-killing units are keeping the puck away from the net. As long as they can maintain their intensity and all-out style of play, the Icers are confident in their bid for a championship.