The last time the Fighting Illini hockey team faced off against the Oklahoma Sooners, it was in the quarterfinals of last year’s ACHA playoffs in an all-or-nothing bout that sent Illinois on a run to the finals.

However, Oklahoma has only improved and is on the heels of a five-game winning streak. This weekend’s matchup between the No. 2 Illini (12-3) and the No. 8 Sooners (8-3-1) will feature two teams that could be headed for a playoff rematch.

“They pretty much returned everybody, and they’ve added a few players,” Illinois head coach Chad Cassel said. “I felt like it was one of the most talented teams we saw last year, and we were quite fortunate to beat them, actually.”

The difference in last year’s playoff game was senior goalie Mike Burda, who as Cassel recalls, “stood on his head.” Burda will be expected to repeat his playoff showing in order to give his team a chance to win against a talented Sooners offense, which scored 26 goals in its last series against North Dakota State.

While the Sooners’ attack should have its hands full with an Illinois defense that has only allowed 27 goals this season, the Illini will be skating on short rest for the first time this season after a 6-0 win at Illinois State on Wednesday. One of the major factors that could determine this weekend’s series could be the Illini’s ability to keep their starters fresh.

“I don’t think it’s going to be negative,” senior forward Tom Connell said. “I think it actually might work out for us a little bit better. Had it been a much for physical game, I think it might have hurt us. But I think it’s going to work out.”

Illinois dominated Illinois State on Wednesday, outshooting the Redbirds 60-15. Defenseman Brad Hoelzer netted two goals and an assist, and the Illini had the Redbirds under control the entire game. Despite shutting out Illinois State, the Illini yet again failed to start the game as strong as they finished it.

“It’s been our biggest problem all year,” senior forward Mark Ergun said. “Most of the games that have been close were because we got off to a slow start. It’ll probably be the biggest key of the weekend is to get on them real quick.”

Because the Sooners have a talented group of forwards who can put the puck in the net, the Illini could have difficulty if they do not play the first minutes of the game like they have played the last. Forwards Nicholas Power, Jarrod Yost and Blake Martin lead Oklahoma with eight goals apiece, while forward Brad McCabe has paced the Sooners with 15 assists. Cassel stressed that his team’s first- and second-period struggles have been littered with missed opportunities and good looks.

“It wasn’t lack of effort,” Cassel said. “We just need to start finishing.”