With three regular season games remaining, the Owls (15-11) face the simplest yet most daunting of tasks.

They have to win all three.

“These last games are absolutely must-wins,” Roberts said. “Looking back to where we were a year ago and we’re in the same spot. Last year, no one’s heart was into it and this year guys can’t wait to get to the rink every night. We know we’re going to win. The mentality is completely different to where it was in the past. We all feel so good about it. Instead of being desperate and panicking, we’re excited and motivated. “

With more stifling opposition looming in a Feb. 8 bout with top conference rival Rowan University, Temple will first have to take care of Millersville (13-5-1) Friday.

Temple handed the Marauders a 6-2 defeat in the season opener on Sep. 15 on the road. The Owls will need lightning to strike twice if they are to remain in the playoff hunt.

With an 11^th place spot in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Southeast Region rankings, the Owls will need to win out in order to salvage a top-ten ranking, as well as their season.

“We need to make a statement at Millersville,” Roberts said. “It needs to be a win and a statement on the scoreboard. We’re going to play every second of the game like it’s overtime no matter what.”

Each of Temple’s final three games will be at home, with a visit from Monmouth University on Feb. 9 being the season finale.

Junior goalie Chris Mullen will start Friday, Roberts confirmed.

Temple’s first test in Millersville is set to start at 9:30 p.m.

Senior ice hockey forwards Chris Brennan and Chris Johnson are both out for the remainder of the academic semester due to injury, coach Jerry Roberts said.

Brennan will sit out due to mild concussion symptoms resulting from a hit taken last week in a 6-2 loss against the University of Maryland. Brennan has a history of concussion-related problems and is being treated with caution this time around as a result.

“He had a doctor appointment this past week and we’re going to give him some time to relax,” Roberts said.“Every injury he has gets a little more serious than the one before. With his history, we want to make sure we aretaking on the proper precautions.”

Meanwhile, Johnson has had complications in dealing with what Roberts termed the “early stages of arthritis” in his back.

“There are long-term concerns for him in life beyond hockey with his back so that’s something we’re concerned about,” Roberts said.“He’s going through a rehab program over [winter break].”

Barring any setbacks, the two seniors are projected to return after the academic break.

Heading into tomorrow’s matchup with top conference rival Penn State, Temple will be looking to gain momentum tonight when it takes on Monmouth University.

The Owls are coming off of a 6-2 loss to the University of Maryland on Nov. 30.

“We made sure in practice this week that we were more aware of our play and how we’re doing instead of worrying about the opposition,” coach Jerry Roberts said.“We know we’re going to go out there and take steps towards making progress and getting to where we need to be.”

The Owls (12-8) are 5-5 in Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association play, while Monmouth (5-4) sits at 1-3 in the conference.

Heading into a tough matchup tomorrow night with the ice lions of State College, Roberts knows this one is a must-win.

“It’s not so much about the scoreboard as much as it is playing the right way and making sure we’re prepared properly tomorrow,” Roberts said.“We can win this game tonight by one goal and feel like we aren’t prepared going into tomorrow. We’re looking to do the right things tonight that’ll help tomorrow.”

Junior goalie Chris Mullen will get the nod in net for both weekend games. Senior forwards Chris Brennan and Chris Johnson are both ruled out for the rest of the semester due to injury.

Game time is set for 8:30 p.m.

-Andrew Parent