THE JOCK BLOCK

Struggling to Stay Alive: As the women's team continues to destroy the nation, the oft-neglected men's hockey squad has been fighting for a playoff berth all season. It will all come down to final games against Vermont (Friday, 7:30 p.m.) and Dartmouth (Saturday, 7 p.m.). Bright Hockey Center; free with student I.D.

Free, Back, Breast and Fly: It might be tough to convince a Harvard student, who probably doesn't even know that our swim team is competitive, to check out swimming and diving. But when it because clear that the beasts of the East will be out in full force on Saturday, maybe it's worth a stop-by. It's the men's Eastern Championships at Blodgett, all day, all weekend. Free with student I.D. Bring your own Speedo.

They're Getting Pretty Good: With rookie sensation Paul Pierce complementing the talented Antoine Walker, the Celtics have their firs solid start since before Dee Brown even knew how to pump his sneakers. This Friday Check them out at the FleetCenter as they battle the troubled and injury-riddled Denver Nuggets. 7p.m., T-North Station.

New Yawk, New Yawk: And if you promise you can avoid a third and fourth hot dog of the weekend, go back to the FleetCenter on Sunday to watch the Bruins do battle with the New York Rangers. The 3p.m. matinee start should get you back in time for the Simpsons.

Mom, Please! And if your parents brought the car or you're in the mood for a schlep, hook on over to the Worchester Centrum for Saturday's "Discover Stars on ice," featuring Scott Hamilton, Kristy Yamaguchi and Tara Lipinski. They say it's really cool in person. 7:30 p.m., tickets $32-$58.