Last year's 14-8-6 record could have been much different had Plattsburgh State done a better job in the close games. The Cardinals finished 0-3-6 in games decided by a goal or less.

All that has changed so far this season as the Cardinals sport a 7-2 mark in one-goal contests.

"This year, we have been much more timely," Emery said. "We're getting the right goal or the right save at the key times. And, we have played smart when we have needed to.

"Defense wins championships and you have to stress defense even more at certain times in a game. We have been able to win the one-goal games this year and that's important.

"It takes skill, leadership, hard work and dedication to be successful."

Quarterfinals set

In Wednesday's opening round of the NCAA Division III Tournament, Trinity skated to a 7-3 win over UMass-Darthmouth and St. Thomas was a 4-1 winner over Wisconsin-Stout.

Saturday's quarterfinals are set, with Hobart at Plattsburgh State, Manhattanville at Norwich, Trinity at Elmira, and St. Thomas at St. Norbert.