When a team starts measuring its ability by its margin of victory, it must be good.

Two weeks ago the NIU hockey team defeated Southern Illinois by 5. Coach Bill Thorn said that wasn’t nearly good enough.

So when the Huskies faced SIU again last Saturday they pounded the Saluskis by 11, 15-4.

“Last weekend we played the way we should have,” NIU wing Mike Smigiel said. “We’re starting to gel at the right time.”

NIU (19-3-1) can secure a playoff spot with a win against conference foe Bradley Saturday night. A win also would give the Huskies sole possession of first place in the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association, as both teams currently are tied for first place.

The Huskies are looking to succeed in the game against Bradley.

“We just want to dominate all aspects of the game and come out with a victory,” Smigiel said.

But before the Huskies get their shot at Bradley, they will need to take care of business against Palmer Friday night. NIU already defeated Palmer 8-0 earlier this year, but Smigiel said they have been on a tear lately.