Building a solid rivalry usually takes time. But the American Collegiate Hockey Association's No. 1 Icers (12-3-1) and No. 4 Illinois (14-5-1) have gotten to know each other rather quickly this season.

After three games, the Icers hold a 2-1 advantage. The two meet again at 9 p.m. today and 3:30 p.m. tomorrow at the ice pavilion. It is the first time the two teams will play in State College.

Illini Coach Bob Turngren said his team has since matured with the development of its freshmen. Line changes have also benefitted the team, as the top scorers have been spread around to different lines.

"We've been able to mix our lines up and spread the talent around," Turngren said.

He added both teams are evenly matched and should provide tough competition for each other. In the first series of the year at Illinois, the teams split two games.

"I think we can beat them on any given night," Turngren said, "but that's not to say we could beat them every night."

In its last game with Illinois, at the Chicago Classic on Nov. 26, Penn State limited the Illini to only 12 shots.

"It was quite a performance from our defense and goalie," Icer Coach Joe Battista said. "We hope to play a smothering defense."

Battista said he would like to continue that streak, but it could be difficult. The Icers are tired from four games over five days. To rest the players, Battista had an optional practice on Wednesday -- one-third of the team participated.

"A big part of our performance is up to whether we got a chance to recharge our batteries," he said.

Junior goalie Jeff Crispino, still bothered by an ankle injury, and senior goalie Derek Lecours will split the time in goal this weekend, Battista said.

After a blistering offensive effort by the Icers in an 18-1 pasting of Scranton on Tuesday, junior forward Rob Keegan and sophomore forward Rich Martha lead the team in goals with 14, while senior forward Cliff Graziano leads the team with 23 assists.