For the ISU hockey team, there is something different about practice this week. Coach Al Murdoch has returned from the World University Games in Turkey.

The Cyclones (21-14) are busy this week preparing for a rematch of last year’s national title game in a two-game set on the road against No. 1 Lindenwood (26-2). This will be the last series for the regular season.

Murdoch has been keeping the practices intense while getting ready to take on the top team in the nation. He repeatedly reminds his team who their next opponents are.

“It’s a lot different,” Murdoch said. “You’ve got to take it to a higher level. In essence it’s playoff time.”

The Cyclones are heading into this weekend on an 11-game win streak. Win streaks such as this are important to Murdoch.

“The guys know how to play to win,” Murdoch said. “When you’re winning, you have fewer injuries. We’re pretty well injury-free right now.”

Murdoch wants the team to play more disciplined this time than they did last time against Lindenwood.

“We’ve got to stay out of the penalty box, that’s number one,” Murdoch said.

Murdoch thinks that the Cyclones are going to have to take about 40 shots per game this weekend. He said getting more shots on goal should wear down the goaltender and provide more opportunities to score.

Erik Hudson, who also returned from Turkey this week, said that the experience in Turkey was a dream come true but is focusing on Lindenwood now.

“It was a good trip,” Hudson said, “but now it’s time to get back to Cyclone hockey.”

Hudson was able to watch all of the Cyclone hockey games on the Internet while he was in Turkey and loved the way his team was playing.

“I can’t say enough about the guys here,” Hudson said. “It’s a big moment for us this year because we have playoffs coming up, and obviously we have nationals coming up and making a good push like this will solidify a spot at nationals for us.”

Earlier this season, the Cyclones were swept at home by Lindenwood. Hudson said that for the Cyclones to beat a skilled team like Lindenwood, they’re going to have to stick to their game plans.

The Cyclones take on Lindenwood at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Lindenwood University Ice Arena.