It’s down to the nitty-gritty in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, as teams are entering their last full month of hockey before postseason play begins.

The No. 8 Cyclones start the crucial month of February hockey on the road for a rematch against No. 11 Lindenwood. Puck drop will be at 7 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.

Both teams met in the national championship last season, when the Lions topped Iowa State 2-1 to win it all. They faced off again in October, and the Cyclones were able to pull out a sweep.

Iowa State is coming off a sweep over Robert Morris, which could prove to be turning point after going through a five-game losing skid. 

Last weekend, the Cyclones had to overcome an adverse lineup with a handful of players out due to injury, sickness and the 2017 Winter University Games. But things are now looking up for the projected lineups this weekend.

“Guys are getting closer to full health,” coach Jason Fairman said. “We will see. We are closer than we were last week.”

“Today, I skated for the first time,” said Aaron Azevedo, who was out with an injury. “I think I’ll be back this weekend, hopefully.”

Azevedo’s return is perfect timing heading into a matchup with a skilled team like the Lions.

“They have the toughest strength of schedule,” Fairman said. “And they’re always there at the end of the year, regardless of what their record is, so I would expect nothing less.”

To defeat the Lions, it’ll be key for the Cyclones to stay strong in the neutral zone and prevent the Lions from getting a quick transition.

“If we can maintain the possession, we will be all right,” Azevedo said. “And keep shooting the puck. We need to keep getting shots, and that paid off last weekend, so hopefully we can continue it onto this weekend.”

The Cyclones are currently No. 1 in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League (CSCHL) standings and sit in the top 10 in the ACHA, which is exactly where they want to build from in order to continue their quest for the three titles within their reach: the regular season, playoffs and national championship.

“February is always important; it’s the last handful of games that determine rankings and playoff positions,” Fairman said. “We want that CSCHL regular season title.”