"(Friday) is another in a long line of big games," Fredonia State head coach Jeff Meredith said. "As the season comes to a close, the implications to the playoff race are certainly huge."

The Blue Devils have 13 points, the Golden Eagles 11 points, and the Potsdam Bears 10 points with two games left for each. Only the Blue Devils can still catch Buffalo State, which has 16 points and in fourth place, while Cortland, with 8 points, needs to win twice and get help.

The top six teams make the conference tournament.

"We feel we are playing pretty good hockey this time of year and are really looking forward to getting down to Brockport and playing," Meredith said. "I think both teams come into the game with momentum and are evenly matched."

The Blue Devils and Golden Eagles played to a 3-3 tie at Steele Hall earlier this season.

Fredonia State closes its regular season Saturday night by visiting Geneseo.