Sideline Dispatches: Mar 21, 2009

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Game ends in Tie 2-2.

Five minutes of scoreless overtime later, the game ends in a tie. That means that Princeton is headed to the NCAA Tournament, since they are mathematically ensured of a bid due to the way the pairwise rankings will shape up at the end of the day. You cannot say enough about the way the Tigers battled on less than 24 hours of rest against a very game St. Lawrence team. Princeton had the puck pinned in the St. Lawrence zone for the second half of the extra period, making it difficult for the Saints to pull their goalie. Hats off to Gadowsky on earning his second consecutive NCAA bid.

The teams will have a shoot out now which DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING IN THE ACTUAL STANDINGS. PRINCETON HAS ALREADY WRAPPED UP THE TIE. THIS IS JUST FOR THE FANS IN ATTENDANCE.

St. Lawrence pulled its goalie with thirty second left

Saints put goalie back in with 13 seconds because of icing.

OT, 0:50.

Less than one minute remaining. Princeton is in to the NCAA tournament with a tie.

OT, 1:54.

The extra period is more than half over. No great chances to speak of so far. Icing on St. Lawrence.

OT, 3 minutes left.

St. Lawrence cross goes in front of the net but is untouched. Miskovic can't get all of a slap shot. Lines change. Bartlett shoots wide left.

Overtime Again

Here we go. Five more minutes. If the game is tied, Princeton has a great chance of making the NCAA Tournament but they want the win.

Interesting...

Interesting situation developing here. Because of their PairWise ranking, Princeton can grab an NCAA bid (theoretically) with a tie, but St. Lawrence cannot. We are heading to a five minute overtime, but as it nears a close, the Saints may pull their goalie in order to prolong their season. If they do, Princeton could be gifted an empty-net goal that clear the uncertainty and guarantees an NCAA berth. Tough decision for St. Lawrence head coach Joe Marsh.

There will be a shootout following the overtime, but that is just for fun. On the schedule this will go down as a tie if the overtime ends scoreless.

Third Period Over, Game Tied 2-2, Overtime Again.

The game is tied 2-2 after three periods. After not going to overtime for over two seasons, Princeton is going to an extra period for the second game in a row. The teams are on a two minute break right now.

Third Period, One minute remaining.

Shot from St. Lawrence is blocked by Princeton and covered up by Kalemba. Good hit from Jubinville. Shot from St. Lawrence hits the side of the net. Wilson's pass goes untouched. One minute Remaining.

Third Period, 3:39.

Sabky misses a cross from MacIntyre. Then Magnowski's slap shot is saved by Petizian. Shot from Lohry is blocked by Petizian. He had a great opportunity. Shot by Pallis deflected over the glass. Great stretch from Princeton.

Third Period, 5:30.

The puck is deflected just above Kalemba's net. Strong start to the power play for St. Lawrence. Good defensive play by St. Lawrence on a Kramer short-handed rush. Point blank shot from Saints misses the net. Penalty killed. Then a good chance from Godlewski but he's stopped by Petizian.

Third Period, 7:43.

Shot from Pederson deflected and just misses the net. Penalty on Fedun for obstruction.

Third Period, 8:25.

Godlewski and Wilson both had great opportunities on the power play that went high of the net. St. Lawrence killed the penalty but Princeton looked much better than previous power plays.

Interesting...

Interesting situation developing here. Because of their PairWise ranking, Princeton can grab an NCAA bid (theoretically) with a tie, but St. Lawrence cannot. We are heading to a five minute overtime, but as it nears a close, the Saints may pull their goalie in order to prolong their season. If they do, Princeton could be gifted an empty-net goal that clear the uncertainty and guarantees an NCAA berth. Tough decision for St. Lawrence head coach Joe Marsh.

Third Period, 10:46.

Shot from Miskovic is blocked by Kalemba and the penalty is killed. Tie up in the right corner of Princeton's defensive zone that ends in a penalty on Jared Keller. Princeton could use a good power play right now.

Third Period, 13:14.

Cheap penalty on Brett Wilson. Princeton needs to hang tough here to stop the Saints' momentum.

Goal

The Tigers were treading water. Kalemba made some incredible saves in the last few minutes, but the Saints were palying too well not to net one eventually. HUGE kill for the Tigers coming up...

St. Lawrence goal ties the game 2-2 at 14:12.

The Saints were playing too well to be kept out of the net for long. Goal by Derek Keller.

Third Period, 14:35.

Incredible arm save by Kalemba when he is sprawled in front of his goal. St. Lawrence is controlling the pace of play right now. An even better kick save by Kalemba on a St. Lawrence shot.

Third Period, 15:44.

Princeton 2-1.

Glove save by Kalemba off a Drewiskie shot. A cross from St. Lawrence off the face off just rolled across the ice right in front of Princeton's net but no one can put a stick on the puck. Kalemba blocks a shot from Vermeulen and then another St. Lawrence shot goes over the net. Scary sequence for the Tigers who ice the puck to stop time and change lines.

Third Period, 18:22.

Lohry tries to get a shot off on a wraparound but is stopped. Then the puck is sitting in front of the net but Princeton can't punch it in. One of the line judges just got nailed by a puck but appears to be alright.

Third Period Starts

Princeton controls the faceoff and we're off...

Second Period Stats

Shots: St. Lawrence 11, Princeton 9

Goals:

Dan Bartlett, assisted by Mark Magnowski at 1:16.

Penalties:

Bollig and Drewiskie for St. Lawrence

Godlewski for Princeton

Second Intermission

It is worth noting that most college hockey analysts predict that Princeton can secure an NCAA bid even with a tie - yes, you can tie the consolation game. That means that the Tigers are twenty minutes away from prolonging their season, as long as they are not outscored by two goals this period.

The second intermission's entertainment? A sled race between a pair of Princeton students (both named Nick) against a pair of students from St. Lawrence (both named Zack - you can't make this stuff up folks). In a slugfest not unlike today's game, the Nicks went up early, the Zacks battled back, but in the end, the Nicks were simply too strong. Hopefully this race will prove a accurate omen as we head to the third.

Side Note: Has Matt Christopher ever written about intermission sled racing? If not, I suggest something like, "The Boy With the Grippy Feet."

Second Period Over, Princeton leads 2-1.

The second period ended in a flurry. After Gadowsky's timeout, the pace of play was much faster. Princeton has to be happy with the way the game has gone so far. The Tigers have generated chances from each line and have hit two pipes in addition to their two goals.

Second Period, 0:42.

Good defensive play be Princeton and then a save by Kalemba. Then Princeton has a chance but Petizian makes a glove save. The speed of play has picked up in the last 90 seconds.

Second Period, 2:13

Gadowsky calls a time out with 2:13 left in the second period. He is probably telling his team to stay focused until the intermission. Princeton doesn't want to give up its 2-1 edge before the end of the period.

Second Intermission

It is worth noting that most college hockey analysts predict that Princeton can secure an NCAA bid even with a tie - yes, you can tie the consolation game. That means that the Tigers are twenty minutes away from prolonging their season, as long as they are not outscored by two goals this period.

The second intermission's entertainment? A sled race between a pair of Princeton students (both named Nick) against a pair of students from St. Lawrence (both named Zack - you can't make this stuff up folks). In a slugfest not unlike today's game, the Nicks went up early, the Zacks battled back, but in the end, the Nicks were simply too strong. Hopefully this race will prove a accurate omen as we head to the third.

Side Note: Has Matt Christopher ever written about intermission sled racing? If not, I suggest something like, "The Boy With the Grippy Feet"

Second Period, 3:03.

Princeton 2-1.

Good start to the penalty kill for Princeton. Kalemba blocks a shot on the right side from Devergilio. Kalemba then chooses to play a puck and almost pays for it but Princeton recovers to clear the zone. Incredible stick save from Kalemba. Penalty killed by Princeton.

Second Period, 6:14.

Cross from St. Lawrence but the Saints can't get a stick on the puck. There is a bit of a mix up on the ice right now. The refs called a penalty on Princeton but they can't figure out who to put in the penalty box. As it stands, Matt Godlewski has a two-minute minor for elbowing.

Second Period, 7:00.

Good shift from Princeton. Gadowsky is mixing up the Princeton lines and it seems to be working.

Second Period, 9:30.

Princeton 2-1.

Great skating by Sabky to keep the Tigers onside. The Saints kill another penalty. The teams start mixing it up near the St. Lawrence goal after the power play ends.

Second Period, 11:31.

Holding Penalty on St. Lawrence's Jacob Drewiskie. Princeton has its third power play of the period.

Second Period,

Good defensive play by St. Lawrence to prevent any Princeton players from getting a stick on Sabky's cross. The teams are back at even strength.

Power Play

The Saints are playing reckless hockey. Down 2-1 to a tired team, they cannot afford to keep giving up power plays. Hopefully the Tigers can capitalize.

Second Period, 15:17.

St. Lawrence penalty on Brandon Bollig for boarding. Tigers have another power play.

Second Period, 15:18

Cam MacIntyre hits the post on a breakaway and less than twenty seconds later Bartlett finds a pipe. The Tigers are firing on all cylinders right now.

Second Period, 17:16.

2-1 Princeton.

Bartlett's wrist shot is blocked by Petizian and then his cross goes across the ice. Princeton got the kind of start they wanted in the second period.

Goal

The power play woes are over! The Tigers were 0-5 last night and 0-16 in three games against Union, but they finally tally a man-advantage goal tonight. Coach Gadowsky said yesterday that all his team needed was for one to find the net on the power play.

Another side note: There is not a forward in the country playing better than Dan Bartlett right now.

Bartlett scores again, Princeton leads 2-1 at 18:44.

Bartlett scores with 30 seconds left on Princeton's two-man advantage. Bartlett now has seven goals in the ECAC Tournament.

First Period Stats, Game Tied 1-1

Shots:

St. Lawrence 15, Princeton 13

Goals:

P Dan Bartlett at 4:59, unassisted

SL Matt Generous at 9:58, assisted by Rick Carden

Penalties on Miskovic and McBride in the last minute so Princeton will start the second period with a 5-3 advantage.

First Period Over

1-1.

Princeton deflection is stopped by Petizian. Penalty on St. Lawrence: Brock McBride. Another St. Lawrence penalty on Zach Miskovic. Both of the Saints' All-American candidates are in the penalty box. Princeton will start the second period with a two man advantage for 1 minute, 53 seconds.

1st Period Recap

All things considered, the Tigers cannot be upset with the first period result. The longer this game goes, the less their double-overtime game looms over their heads. Princeton had some nice chances, and will have a golden opportunity to take the lead early in the second period - they will have a 5-on-3 power play on fresh ice when play resumes. Head coach Guy Gadowsky will undoubtedly have his team ready to come out firing.

Side note: The Albany Times-Union Center has a dance-off between periods. No talent and terrible music, but it gave me a great idea: "Step Up 3: Takin' it to the Ice"

First Period, one minute remaining.

1-1.

Shot from Devergilio is blocked by the Tigers defense. Shot from Jared Ross goes high of the net. Ross takes another two slap shots from the point. Kalemba covered up the last one. Princeton kills the St. Lawrence penalty. St. Lawrence had multiple chances on power play.

First Period, 4:21. Game tied 1-1.

Shot from Kaiser goes just wide of the net. Slap shot from Kaiser saved by Petizian. Shot by Ritchie on the near post is blocked by Petizian.

Penalty on Jubinville for hooking.

Penalties

This is Princeton's second penalty in the last five minutes. Because of last night's game, the Tigers are already shorthanded. They cannot afford to keep taking minors. This is the nation's most disciplined team, and they need it now more than ever.

First Period, 5:55.

Shot by McBride deflected by Kalemba but St. Lawrence can't come up with the rebound. Princeton kills the St. Lawrence penalty. Only one shot on goal for the Saints during the power play. Shot from Godlewski deflected by Petizian.

Goal

That goal was exactly how the coach drew it up - faceoff win, shot from the point. The Tigers' breathing room just evaporated, and the 9;23 remaining in this period are critical.

St. Lawrence scores to tie the game 1-1 at 10:02

Goal by Matt Generous on a slap shot off a face off.

Penalty on Sabky at 9:23. Princeton will need to hang tough.

First Period, 11:08.

Shot from Bartlett blocked by Petizian. Then Alex Curran shoots high of the net on a short-handed attempt. Petizian makes a glove save off a deflected Cam Ritchie slap shot. Good opportunity for the Tigers. Another shot from Ritchie is blocked by Petizian.

The teams are now at even strength.

Bartlett

You cannot underestimate what junior Dan Bartlett has been for this team in the playoffs. That was his team-leading 15th goal of the season, but more importantly his sixth of the playoffs. He has scored in all 5 of the Tigers' postseason games and is truly emerging as a leader for Princeton.

First Period, 13:38.

Slap shot form Cam Ritchie deflected by Petizian. Princeton has picked up its intensity.

Penalty on St. Lawrence: Kevin Devergilio for tripping.

Goal from Dan Bartlett, Princeton leads 1-0 at 15:01 in First Period

Dan Bartlett puts a wrist shot through Petizian's legs to give the Tigers an early lead. It's Bartlett's sixth goal in the ECAC playoffs.

First Period, 17:42.

First good look of the game from Jubinville stopped by Petizian. Jubinville tried to jam the puck in from the side of the net.

First Period Begins

St. Lawrence controls the opening drop. Early shot from Miskovic is easily gloved by Kalemba.

Goal

Talk about a huge goal. The Tigers entered this game with the intention of keeping it close early to neutralize the ill effects of yesterday's marathon. But to take a lead this early into the game is monumental. The Tigers obviously cannot afford to lay off, but this gives them much needed breathing room - literally and metaphorically.

Starting Lineups

Princeton (wearing white and orange)
LW Marc Hagel
C Kevin Kaiser
RW Brandan Kushniruk (C)
LD Brad Schroeder
RD Matt Godlewski
G Zane Kalemba
St. Lawrence (wearing red and white)
LW Kevin Devergilio
C Brock McBride
RW Mike McKenzie
LD Zach Miskovic
RD Jared Ross
G Alex Petizian

Princeton vs. St. Lawrence ECAC Tournament Consolation Game

Hello and welcome to the Times-Union Center in Albany, New York for this afternoon's game between the No. 9 Princeton Tigers (22-11-0 overall, 14-8-0 ECAC) and the No. 14 St. Lawrence Saints (21-12-4). The winner of the game will almost certainly earn an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament while the loser will be sent home empty-handed.

Both teams suffered heartbreaking losses last night. The Tigers were up 3-1 late in the third period against Cornell before allowing two goals in the final two minutes, 52 seconds. Riley Nash scored the equalizer for Cornell with less than one minute remaining. The game went into the second overtime period before the Big Red's Colin Greening scored the sudden-death game winner to give Cornell a 4-3 win.

St. Lawrence lost in equally gut-wrenching fashion to the ECAC regular season champions, Yale. The Saints were up 3-2 with one minute, 28 seconds left in the third period before Yale scored two goals in a 22 second span to take home a 4-3 victory. The game winning goal was scored by the Bulldogs' senior captain, Matt Nelson.

With both teams having little time to recover from last night's disappointment, this game could be won by the team that starts out with more energy. The Saints have one big advantage on Princeton, having played the earlier game yesterday. As a result, St. Lawrence had an extra four hours to recover for today's all-important consolation game. Princeton has responded well to adversity all year and will have to gut out one final victory in order to solidify a bid in the NCAA tournament.

With both teams' NCAA tournament hopes on the line, it promises to be an exciting and intense game at the Times-Union Center.

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