With Greg Held still sidelined with a thumb injury, senior Ed Bursich filled his void on a line with C.J. Patrick and Joe Bassett in this weekend's victory and tie with No. 6 Delaware. Alon Eizenman, who usually centers a line with Bursich and Travis Dorsey, was transplanted to a line with Rob Shaner and Neal Price.

Dorsey was paired with a reconfigured Rich Podulka and Todd Dakan line. Finally, on the fourth line, freshmen Joe McArdle and Kyle Jordan and sophomore Chris Riley rounded out Penn State's lineup.

All of the circus-like juggling could be jarring to a team.

But it doesn't take long for new linemates to grow accustomed to each other, according to Bassett.

"At first the chemistry is mixed up," Bassett said. "But it's kind of refreshing to have a new guy on the line. I know me and C.J. had a lot of fun playing with Eddie this weekend."

Battling injuries

Banged up and battered, the No. 3 Icers escaped both games without a blemish on their record. Patrick, Bassett, Bursich and Eizenman all played with nagging injuries.

And Penn State did it without the services of captain Buff Shuttleworth. The backbone of the Icers' defense watched both games while serving a two-game suspension.

The Icers have not practiced with a full squad in more than three weeks. Fortunately, they will have the opportunity to heal their wounds when they get a week off prior to the start of the American Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament.

"That (break) could be the best medicine we could have," Battista said.

With only four games remaining, the Icers get their last chance to make a serious bid at the No. 1 ranking this weekend. The 10 teams headed for the ACHA Tournament have already been chosen. How they will be seeded, however, will be determined a week from Thursday in the final poll.

Penn State faces No. 5 Ohio this weekend and non-league foe Seneca the following weekend. Ohio has not lost in three months -- its last loss came to No. 10 Western Michigan on Nov. 6. The Bobcats are anxious to avenge early season losses at Happy Valley when they were swept by scores of 4-2 and 2-0 Oct. 16-17.

Ohio knocked off No. 2 Michigan-Dearborn 2-0 Saturday and tied the Wolves 1-1 Friday. If the Icers could muster a win or two at Ohio, they might steal the No. 2 spot from Michigan-Dearborn.

Despite its injuries, Penn State must bear down for the Bobcats.

"We can't use (injuries) as an excuse," Bassett said, "especially against Ohio. I think we're going to have to play two of our best games of the season."