In fact, the team hasn't swept a weekend set at home against a ranked opponent since two dramatic overtime wins against rival Ohio back in late October.
As it stands, Delaware is currently ranked 20th and probably won't make the 16-team tournament, barring an impressive weekend against the Icers.
With that in mind, Battista knows his team can't take the Blue Hens lightly.
"Delaware [views] us like we do Ohio, we're the bullseye on their schedule. They look at us as that chance to make or break their season," Battista said.
The Icers recent offensive struggles have been well documented. Out of the eight goals the team scored in the last weekend set against Delaware, seven were scored by Icer defensmen.
"Doesn't matter who scores the goals come playoff time, it's just about getting the win," captain Kevin Jaeger said.
With Nationals less than a month away, Battista expects the Blue Hens to play with a great sense of urgency.
"Their one and only hope of getting into the national tournament is beating us," he said.
This weekend also signifies the Icers annual Alumni Weekend. Former Icer captain Josh Mandel will receive the Bob Johnson Award tonight.
Tomorrow, Battista, along with former teammates John Grainda and John P. Surma, will be formally inducted into the Icer Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Nittany Lion Inn prior to game two.
Also, during the second intermission of tomorrow's game, the team will recognize the 1980 MACHC Championship team, as well as the 1990 and 2000 championship teams. The annual alumni game will follow the Icers game at 6:15. As for the games that count, the Icers would love to take both at home before traveling to play No. 4 Illinois.
"We certainly had better play hard ... we can't afford another bump in the road," Battista said.
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