The Illini hockey team expects to have an extra boost this weekend.

Conference rival Lindenwood (13-11-2) is coming to the Big Pond this weekend to take on Illinois (19-13-1), while former Illini hockey players return for Alumni weekend. Head coach Nick Fabbrini, an Illinois hockey alumnus himself (2004-2008), hopes it creates motivation for the team.

“(Having the alumni) gives a little boost,” Fabbrini said. “It’s nice for these guys to see everybody who has come before and build the program into what it is (today).”

This series will not only serve as an opportunity for Illinois to showcase its talent in front of alumni, but also provide a shot at redemption.

Earlier this season, Lindenwood swept Illinois, outscoring the Illini 7-1 in the series. Fabbrini said Illinois came out flat in the first game and gave up too early in the 5-0 loss, but played a more competitive second game, losing 2-1. The Lions have struggled with consistency, going 6-8 since its series with the Illini.

Regardless, Illinois took a few things away from its first encounter with Lindenwood and looks to use them to its advantage this time around.

Backup goaltender Zev Grumet-Morris will be in net this weekend while Joe Olen competes at the World University games. Grumet-Morris had a chance to experience what Lindenwood is capable of in the team’s first meeting. He said the Lions are a fast and talented team that will present a tough challenge for the Illini.

Nonetheless, Grumet-Morris thinks Illinois will be prepared for the weekend matchup — he said having multiple individuals with scoring capability combined with the team’s speed and defensive willpower will propel it to victory.

“If we just continue with the things we’ve been doing the last two weekends,” Grumet-Morris said. “We’re going to be put ourselves in a really good position to win.”

Illinois has gone 3-1 in its last four games, all at home.

During this stretch, the Illini have enjoyed successful special teams play. In the Illini’s last four games, their penalty kill has been 83.3 percent successful. On the other end, the team’s powerplay percentage has been 20 percent. In last week’s series against Oklahoma, Illinois was successful on three-of-nine powerplays.

Along with staying consistent on special teams, Fabbrini wants the Illini to minimize their mistakes. Fabbrini has harped on this the entire season, but this weekend will be important. He said Lindenwood is good at capitalizing on those mistakes.

“We know they’re a good team,” Fabbrini said. “We’re going to have to be at our best if we want to beat them.”

Beating Lindenwood will have an important impact on the Illini’s CSCHL record. With the league tournament two weeks away, Illinois wants to carry as much momentum possible into tournament play. But taking down Lindenwood in front of some of Fabbrini’s former teammates may be even sweeter.

“I’m excited to show them that what we’ve got going on down here, continuing the great tradition that we built here together,” Fabbrini said.

Matt can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter

@MattGertsmeier.