Coming off a three-game losing the streak, the No. 12 ISU hockey team hopes to bounce back against No. 8 Robert Morris on Friday and Saturday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.

The Cyclones (6-3-1) split the two-game series last year against Robert Morris.

The Eagles have not lost a game in regulation this season, losing only one game in overtime. That being said, ISU coach Al Murdoch feels Robert Morris has not played a team as fast or as tough as his.

“Our players are getting better each and every day,” Murdoch said.

Murdoch said his team needs to improve passes and finish on power plays.

The Cyclones have been struggling on the offensive side in recent games. Murdoch said this may be due to the skill of opposing goalies.

“Teams tend to get up for Iowa State,” Murdoch said. “They know the history of the program.”

After last Friday’s loss to the North Iowa Bulls, senior goalie Paul Karus was looking for the Cyclones to have “another hard week at practice” and for the team to continue to work on consistency and focus.

In last season’s series, sophomore forward J.P. Kascsak completed a hat trick on his birthday. It may not be his birthday this weekend, but he wouldn’t mind having a repeat in front of the home crowd.

“I’m definitely going to try,” Kascsak said of scoring another a hat trick. “No sense trying to get too tricky.”

Kascsak credited the hat trick to the congruity in his line.

“We work the puck well,” Kascsak said. “We’re all dynamic guys.”

The Cyclones may be struggling offensively as of late, but Murdoch has plans to change that.

“We want to fill the net,” Murdoch said of the Cyclones’ need for some offensive power. “We need to go every time.”

Iowa State and Robert Morris face off at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.