The Tigers played with unbelievable heart and intensity, but in the end, Maryland's offense was to much for Princeton to handle. The game ends as Maryland wins, 7-5.
Friday, November 20, 2009
7-5 game, 1:17 left
Sharkey cuts Maryland's lead to two with about one minute left. The Tigers refuse to go down easy.
Maryland takes a three-goal lead
With 3:39 left in the game, O'Donnell fakes out King and puts the ball on net. With the clock ticking away, Maryland is up, 7-4.
Maryland takes a three-goal lead
With 3:39 left in the game, O'Donnell fakes out King and puts the ball on net. With the clock ticking away, Maryland is up, 7-4.
6-4 Maryland lead, 7:34 left in the game
O'Donnell got her second assist of a game. She fed the ball to midfielder Ameliet Rischen, who snuck a shot past King.
Maryland up 5-4, with 13:13 left in the game
Midfielder Megan Frazer has given the Terps the lead after hitting a hard shot past King.
Tigers score again, tying the game at four
After another penalty-corner opportunity for Princeton, Reinprecht deflects the ball into the net for her second goal of the game. It's a 4-4 game with 17:28 left in the second half. The Tigers' offense has been jumpstarted.
Tigers bouncing back
At the 23:44 mark, after Cesan fed the ball in on a penalty-corner, the Tigers have scored to make the score 4-3. Katie Reinprecht deflected a shot into the net past Grater. Princeton is on the offensive again now.
Now it's 4-2 Maryland
Right after Maryland scored its fourth goal of the game, senior midfielder Kaitlin Donovan chipped the ball into the goal, cutting the Terps' lead to two.
Wow
After sophomore forward Kathleen Sharkey gets denied on a breakaway opportunity by Grater, the Terps went on the offensive quickly. Forward Nicole Muracco fed the ball nicely to forward Katie O'Donnell, who tapped the ball into the net, giving Maryland a 4-1 lead early in the second half.
Halftime stats
Maryland outshot Princeton 11-3 in the first half. The Terrapins also had nine penalty corners to the Tigers' three. King has three saves and all of them were crucial.
It's halftime
Princeton got a penalty-corner opportunity with about 25 seconds left in the first half. Senior back Kaitlyn Perrelle shot the ball hard after freshman forward Michelle Cesan fed the ball in. But Maryland's goalkeeper Alicia Grater makes a key save to end the half. Maryland has a 3-1 lead heading into halftime. I would love to know what head coach Kristen Holmes-Winn is saying to the Tigers right now. I expect Princeton to come out firing in the second half, being down by two goals in this semifinal matchup.
Maryland goes up 3-1 in the first half
Forward Katie O'Donnell controlled the ball in the circle and fakes out King, who had no chance on the shot. Maryland now has a two-goal lead with 11:50 left in the first half. Princeton calls a timeout.
Maryland takes a 2-1 lead
With 17 minutes left in the first half, Maryland takes a 2-1 lead after its sixth penalty-corner opportunity. The goal was scored by Thomas, her second of the game. The Tigers have been on the defensive for a lot of the half.
The game is tied at 21:26
On another penalty corner for Maryland, back Emma Thomas sails a shot over King and into the goal. Maryland is getting a lot of offensive pressure early on in the game. It was very important that Princeton got that early goal, but now it's tied, 1-1.
Tigers up early
At the 27:33 mark of the first half, the Tigers are on the board first after freshman forward Michelle Cesan deflects a shot into the goal. The Princeton goal was set up by a penalty-corner opportunity. Now, it's Maryland with a penalty corner after junior goalkeeper Jennifer King makes a diving save. Maryland's shot goes wide, and Princeton settles in on offense again.
Field Hockey Final Four
I'm currently sitting in the press box at Kentner Stadium at Wake Forest University. I am here for the semifinals of the field hockey NCAA Final Four between No. 4 Princeton and No. 1 Maryland. The game starts at 2 p.m. I will be blogging throughout the game, so stay tuned.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
4th quarter - 2:24: 6-3 Cornell
Timeout Cornell. Princeton tried to double the ball carrier but the strategy didn't work well. Senior long stick midfielder Charlie Kolkin knocked the ball out of Pannell's stick but Cornell middie Max Seibald picked up the ground ball. Fans are filing out of the stadium now. Kovler gets a goal with 1:32 left in the period on a feed from Tommy Davis.
4th quarter - 4:30: 6-3 Cornell
Cornell ball and the Big Red will hold and win having just picked up an EMO. Tough game to stomach for Tigers fans.
4th quarter - 7:36: 6-3 Cornell
The Big Red break their scoreless drought, and given how things have gone for Princeton that just might be it for the Tigers. Rocco Romero found the net on an assist from Rob Pannell. Cornell wins the faceoff and will likely kill clock from here.
4th quarter - 10:45: 5-3 Cornell
Princeton ball after the Tigers kill an EMO. A goal here would be really helpful for the Tigers. Princeton picks up an EMO as Jack McBride is slashed.
4th quarter - 14:41: Cornell 5-3
Myers with a HUGE save on Chris McBride following a fast break that Barnes initiated with a faceoff win to start the quarter. HUGE save for Myerse.
End of the 3rd Quarter
Kovler scores at the buzzer but it's called back. Apparently he let it go a little late. It would've been his first goal of the day. But the Tigers can't let a missed opportunity get to their head. Princeton hasn't given up a goal in 17:41 and the offense is starting to click.
3rd quarter - 0:28: 5-3 Cornell
Sophomore attackman Chris McBride gets a HUGE goal for Princeton unassisted following another huge Wiedmaier hit on Pannell. Cornell hasn't scored yet this half and the Tigers are beginning to make stuff happen on offense.
3rd quarter - 1:46: Cornell 5-2
Princeton freshman defenseman obliterates Cornell middie Rocco Romero. The game stops as Romero is escorted off the field. Cornell ball after the teams traded possessions following Davis's goal.
3rd quarter - 3:54: Cornell 5-2
Senior attackman Tommy Davis finally finds net for the Tigers on Princeton's third man-up chance of the quarter. Let's see if the Tigers can get something going here. Big Red wins the faceoff.
3rd quarter - 7:00: Cornell 5-1
Another Princeton EMO goes to waste. The Tigers couldn't get any good looks. After moving the ball around, MacKenzie took a shot from 10 yards directly in front of the goal and Myers saved it easily. If they don't get something soon, the Tigers are done.
3rd quarter -
Princeton gets a man up after a Cornell slash on Tiger attackman Chris McBride. But the Tigers waste the chance when junior midfielder Scott MacKenzie's shot isn't backed up.
3rd quarter - 11:50: Cornell 5-1
The teams have traded possessions this half, but neither has gotten any good looks at the goal. Princeton ball, looking to clear.
Halftime Stats
Shots: CU - 16 PU - 14
Penalties - CU 2/1:30; PU 0;0:00
Man-up Chances - CU 0-0; Princeton 0-2
Turnovers - CU 10; PU 10
Faceoffs - CU 5-8; PU 3-8
Clears - CU 9-9; PU 8-11
Saves - CU 3; PU 2 (this has been a key stat - the Tigers haven't worked Cornell goalie Jake Myers hard at all while Princeton goalie Tyler Fiorito is not having the best of days)
Halftime: 5-1 Cornell
Princeton is managing absolutely nothing on offense. Cornell is preventing the Tigers from shooting, and the few shots they do get are being saved without much trouble by Big Red goalie Jake Myers. On the other end, Cornell has gotten five goals from five different players. Princeton has made a few nice plays on the defensive end, but if the offense doesn't get it together the defense's work will be all for naught. Stats coming soon.
2nd Quarter - 2:41: Cornell 5-1
Cornell middie John Glynn blasts his way through Princeton short stick defensive midfielder Brendan Reilly and blasts one past Fiorito. This is getting out of hand. Princeton needs something quick on offense or this one could be over by halftime.
2nd Quarter - 5:27: Cornell 4-1
Rob Pannell feeds Jonathan Thompson on the doorstep and the midfielder puts it past Fiorito. The Tigers are in trouble right now.
2nd Quarter - 7:52: Cornell 3-1
Cornell ball in the Princeton zone. Tigers had their EMO kiled. Cornell cleared and the Tigers forced a turnover, but senior defenseman Chris Peyser threw an outlet pass to freshman goalie Tyler Fiorito that went out of bounds, returning the ball right back to the Big Red.
2nd Quarter - 10:42: 3-1 Cornell
Cornell is called for having 5 long poles on the field and the Tigers are a man up.
0:11 - First Quarter: 3-1 Cornell
Rocco Romero gets one back for the Big Red after Cornell killed a Princeton EMO. That one hurts, given how little time there was left. Credit Big Red freshman attackman Rob Pannell with the assist. The quarter ends with the score 3-1. Princeton doesn't want to fall any futher behind as Cornell could very well hold the ball on them again.
2-0 Cornell, 3:40 left in the first
Hello and welcome to Shuart Stadium on the campus of Hofstra University. Sorry about the late update - getting here was a bit of an adventure. The Tigers currently trail Cornell 2-0. Cornell's goals are from George Calvert and Ryan Hurley.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
12-8 Final Score
There is no question that this win is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, since the Tigers' last final four run in 2004. Princeton has now dispatched with three top-10 teams this season and is in prime position to earn an NCAA tournament birth. The Ivy League is as strong as ever this year, but the Tigers have definitely proven that they are capable of beating every league opponent and running the table.
4th quarter - 1:39
Princeton timeout. Syracuse scored a goal off the faceoff following Kovler's last goal. The Orange win the next faceoff, but turn the ball over when two Tiger defenders force a Syracuse player out of bounds.
4th quarter - 2:26
Kovler scores again. 12-7. A dominating win by the Tigers. Princeton has shut out the Orange for the last 14:49.
4th quarter - 3:45
Sgalardi puts the game on ice. He has two goals and two assists. The Orange find themselves in their second stretch of 14 minutes without a goal. An absolutely heroic performance by Fiorito in goal for the Tigers and equally impressive outings by junior defenseman Jeremy Hirsch and freshman defenseman Chad Wiedmaier.
4th quarter - 4:24
Princeton still leads 10-7. Princeton ball following a lazy Syracuse pass. The Orange are in serious trouble.
4th quarter - 9:26
Rich Sgalardi scores for the Tigers, following a slow and methodical possession. Princeton leads 10 to 7. This is the Tigers' largest lead of the game, and Syracuse has never led.
3rd quarter - 0:25
Chris McBride notches his first point with an assist to Kovler who scores on his patented left-handed laser. Tigers up 9-7.
3rd quarter - 2:11
Middie Dan Hardy finds attack Stephen Keogh who fires high and outside past Fiorito.
3rd quarter - 4:22
Princeton scores a man-down goal! Senior short stick defensive midfielder takes a feed from Tommy Davis and fires high past Galloway. The play started when Tiger SSDM Josh Lesko forced a turnover. Syracuse is playing with a little more bounce on offense but the Tigers are matching them step for step. 8-6 Princeton leads.
3rd quarter - 5:43
'Cuse middie Pat Perritt scores his second goal of the game, getting seperation in front of the goal with a slick spin move. 7-6 Princeton leads.
3rd quarter - 7:33
Scott MacKenzie finds junior attack Rob Engelke on the doorstep and Engelke fires it home for his first goal of the game. 7-5 Princeton leads.
3rd quarter - 9:09
Jack McBride scores his third of the game to put Princeton back on top. Barnes won the faceoff preceding the goal, and wins another one afterwards.
3rd quarter - 10:18
Kenny Nims aims and fires a perfectly placed shot to the outside corner, beating Fiorito. 5-5 now. Princeton is getting dominated on faceoffs and is struggling on clears.
3rd Quarter - 11:03
Pat Perritt fires a shot past Fiorito for his first goal of the game. Princeton's lead is back to 1.
2nd quarter - 2:36
The Orange capitalize on an extra-man chance. Kenny Nims sneaks one in by coming around from behind the goal and firing a shot between goalie Tyler Fiorito and the inside edge of the goal. Princeton leads 5-3.
2nd quarter - 3:38
Sgalardi to Kovler. It's no secret that these two like to connect. Sgalardi breaks down 'Cuse d-middie Jovan Miller off a nice dodge, draws the slide, then feeds a wide open Kovler who fires a low, left-handed shot into the goal.
2nd quarter - 10:25
Scott MacKenzie finds Tommy Davis who bounces a shot past Galloway for a man-up goal. The foul was drawn by Tyler Fiorito who took the ball coast to coast following a shot and drew a foul in the Syracuse box on Dan Hardy.
Second Quarter - 11:08
1:00 slashing penalty on Syracuse. Fiorito brought the ball all the way up to the Cuse net before drawing the foul. Big opportunity for the Tigers here.
2nd Quarter - 14:26
Two big saves from Fiorito on Syracuse's first possession. I wouldn't be surprised if the Orange speed things up here in the second.
End of First Quarter
3-2 Tigers. Good period for Princeton. The Tigers are yet to trail all game - every time the Orange tie the game, Princeton is right there with a response. Solid quarters from freshman defender Chad Wiedmaier, sophomore attackman Jack McBride and face-off man Paul Barnes.
1st Quarter - 0:26
Princeton middie Rich Sgalardi, the team leader in assists, finds junior middie Scott MacKenzie after drawing a slide. MacKenzie fires a low, outside shot, beating Syracuse goalie John Galloway. 3-2 Princeton.
1st Quarter - 1:17
2-2 now, after 'Cuse middie Matt Abbott feeds attackman Stephen Keough on the doorstep and Keough cashes in.
1st Quarter - 2:07
Princeton freshman defenseman Chad Wiedmaier obliterates Syracuse attackman Kenny Nims. After trading possessions once again, Jack McBride scores his second goal on a very similar play. McBride once again beat Sid Smith. The score is 2-1 Princeton.
Princeton 1 - Syracuse 1
Syracuse do-it-all middie Matt Abbott puts a slick spin move on Brendan Reilly and beats Fiorito high and outside. 4:45 left in the first quarter now, and Syracuse won the ensuing draw.
Princeton 1 - Syracuse 0
After the teams trade possessions, Jack McBride cashes in on his first shot coming around the back of the goal on Syracuse All-American defenseman Sid Smith.
1st Quarter - 11:30
Nice save from Princeton freshman goalie Tyler Fiorito. Syracuse was slowing things down on defense as well, which is a bit surprising considering the Orange's incredible talent.
1st Quarter - 12:39
Faceoff won by junior Paul Barnes and the Tigers have a solid first possession. The Tigers manage three shots, but appear to be slowing things down.
No. 5 Princeton vs. No. 2 Syracuse - April 4 2009
Hi and welcome to Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey for the men's lacrosse showdown between your No. 5 Princeton Tigers and No. 2 Syracuse Orangemen. As part of the Big City Classic - No. 1 Virginia just beat No. 11 UNC 11-10 and Hofstra plays Delaware following this game - today's contest marks the 25th meeting between Princeton and Syracuse. Syracuse leads the series 16-8, but these are historically two of the best programs in the country - the Tigers and Orangemen have combinbed for 15 of the last 21 NCAA titles.
Both teams come into today's game 7-1. Syracuse's lone loss came earlier this year to Virginia by one goal. The sole Princeton loss was two weeks ago against Hofstra. The big things to watch in this game will be the performance of Princeton's young defense against Syracuse's vaunted attack and midfield, the battle on the faceoff x between Princeton middie Paul Barnes and a slew of faceoff men for The Orange, and Syracuse's superb extra man group against Princeton's relatively weak man-down defense.
Princeton will be wearing all-white uniforms, and Syracuse will be wearing all orange. We are about five minutes from gametime, so stay here for realtime updates.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Third Period Recap... Headed to Overtime
Princeton - 4
UMD - 4
Bulldogs score two in final 40 seconds, including one with 0.8 seconds remaining to tie game.
Second Period Recap
Princeton - 3
UMD - 2
Princeton played terrific hockey throughout most of the second period, adding goals from freshman defenseman Derrick Pallis and Wilson — on his second of the night — to take 3-1 lead. UMD answered back less than half a minute after Wilson's goal to close the gap to 3-2.
The Tigers came out strong in the second period and kept the pressure on Stalock and the Bulldog defense for almost all 20 minutes. Even after taking the lead, Princeton did not let up, even mounting a furious attack in the period's final minutes that almost resulted in a goal.
The game has been a remarkably clean one thus far, with just one penalty — a holding call on sophomore defenseman Taylor Fedun — in the second period and three for the game. Look for the physiciality and chippiness to pick up a bit as UMD looks to close the gap in the third period. If Princeton can avoid letting down like it did against Cornell a week agao tonight, the Tigers will be in good position to move on and face Miami (OH) tomorrow night.
First Period Recap
Princeton - 1
UMD - 1
UMD picked up the first goal of the game off a rebound following a wraparound attempt at 8:17. Kalemba was unable to control Travis Oleksuk's shot and Andrew Carroll banged it home to give the Bulldogs the early lead.
Princeton answered back with its first goal also coming off a rebound during a power play at 14:56. Sophomore defenseman Matt Godlewski's shot bounced off Stalock and trickled into the crease, where Wilson slid it into the UMD net to tie the game.
Though UMD is currently outshooting the Tigers 13-9, the teams appear evenly matched in the early going, and the intesnity picked up as the period progressed. Both squads — Princeton in particular — need to create more opportunities from the time they spend in the offensive zone if they want to take control of the game.
Keys to the Game for Princeton
1. Start fast. The Tigers are 17-3-1 this season when they score first. Often when Princeton falls behind early, the team struggles to get back into games. This will be especially crucial for tonight’s contest, as the Tigers are matched up against the nation’s hottest goaltender, Alex Stalock. If Princeton is able to get on the board early and keep the pressure up, however, the Tigers will have a good shot at pulling this one out.
2. Spread out the offensive production. Last weekend, the line of junior forwards Dan Bartlett and Cam MacIntyre and sophomore forward Sam Sabky provided all of Princeton’s scoring as Bartlett led the way with three goals. MacIntyre and Sabky each added on apiece. If Princeton is going to be successful tonight, the team will need contributions from all of its lines. If senior forwards Brett Wilson and Lee Jubinville are able to get going, the Tigers should be in good shape, at least on the offensive end.
3. Keep up the defensive intensity. While the Tigers have had a very strong defensive effort all season long, led by goalie Zane Kalemba, they failed to hold onto their a two-goal lead for the first time all season against Cornell a week ago tonight. If the offense is able to crack Stalock early, the defense needs to be able make that lead stand up.
Princeton v. University of Minnesota Duluth
Puck about to drop between the Tigers (22-11-1 overall, 14-8-0 ECAC Hockey) and the Bulldogs (21-12-8 overall, 10-11-7 WCHA)...
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, 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.
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.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Cornell Wins 4-3 in Two Overtimes
As both teams were starting to slow down in the second overtime, Colin Greening snapped a wrist shot past Kalemba at 10:06 to give the Big Red a 4-3 win. The goal sends the Big Red to the ECAC Final against Yale, while Princeton will have to fight for its NCAA Tournament life against St. Lawrence in the consolation game tomorrow.
Second OT, 12:37.
Slap shot from Pallis stopped by Scrivens. Nash has been spending a lot of time on the ice for the Big Red. It will be interesting to see if he gets tired.
Second OT, 16:01.
Shot from Cornell deflected and hits the right post. Cornell shot just deflected over the net. The Big Red just had multiple scoring opportunities with Nash on the ice. Nash's line is giving Princeton all kinds of trouble.
Second OT, 18:29.
Sabky's shot hits Scrivens and then lands on top of the net. Unbelievably close to going in. Glove save by Kalemba on the other end.
Second Overtime Set to Begin
Here we go...Princeton controls the face off. Nash gets off a shot but Kalemba easily deflects it away.
First Overtime Recap, Game tied 3-3
What regulation play lacked in excitement, the first overtime made up for in a flurry. Back and forth hockey was the norm, as both teams peppered the opposing nets with shots, forcing Kalemba and Scrivens to come up with save after save.
Princeton's best chance came on a two-on-one break, but Princeton's shot was not high enough, and was blocked by Scrivens' outstretched pad. Cornell had multiple opportunities from close to the net, but Kalemba stood tall, making saves with every piece of his equipment to keep the Tigers in the game. Though Princeton came out a little sluggish in the first few minutes of overtime, the team quickly recovered to play some of its best offensive hockey of the game.
At this point, the game will come down to which team has more gas left in the tank.
First OT Stats:
Shots: Princeton 10, Cornell 10
No penalties
OT, 0:44.
Kalemba makes a glove save of a Sean Whitney shot. Cornell's next shot goes wide right of the goal. Kalemba blocks away a shot off a two-on-one Cornell break. Shot from Princeton blocked by Scrivens, and the Tigers can't capitalize on the rebound. Less than one minute remaining with the score still tied 3-3 in OT.
OT, 3:53.
Glove save by Kalemba off a Gallagher shot. Kalemba makes a diving save off a Patrick Kennedy shot. Cornell has had the puck in the Princeton zone for a minute now.
OT, 5:01.
Play still going back and forth. The pressure keeps rising but both teams appear to be maintaining their composure.
OT, 7:24.
Shot from Kennedy goes wide for Cornell. Arhontas undercuts a Cornell player. Kalemba stops a Krueger shot from right in front of the net. INCREDIBLE Save.
OT, 10:53.
Shot from Riley Nash goes over the right side of the net. Then Jubinville has a chance but Cornell makes a nice defensive play to prevent a shot.
Fedun's shot is blocked by Scrivens. The Tigers just had three opportunities to score but Scrivens blocked them all. Very exciting hockey right now.
OT, 14:00.
Bartlett almost steals the puck in front of the Cornell net. Scrivens lays out to block a point blank Princeton opportunity. Had the shot been a foot higher, it would have gone in the net. Scrivens then jabs the puck away from his net after the faceoff. Princeton has picked up its play.
OT, 15:48.
Lohry trips trying to bring the puck into the offensive zone. Shot from Pederson goes over the net. Multiple shots from Cornell then go just wide of the net. Princeton is toeing an incredibly thin line right now. The Tigers will need to do a better job of clearing their defensive zone to turn things around.
OT, 17:30.
The puck bounces around in front of the Princeton goal but Cornell can't capitalize. The Tigers finally clear their defensive zone. Cornell looks much sharper in the beginning of the extra period.
Overtime Begins
Cornell controls the opening faceoff, let's see if Princeton can recover from its third period collapse.
Regulation Recap
Princeton appeared to be headed to the ECAC Tournament final, up 3-1 against Cornell with less than 3 minutes to play in regulation. But the Big Red would not go away. First, it was Barlow scoring a four-on-four goal to bring Cornell within 1. Then, with only 24.5 seconds remaining, Riley Nash, Cornell's star center who had been neutralized for much of the game, banged home a loose puck to tie the score 3-3 and send the game to overtime.
At times, the game had a lackadaisical feel until the closing minutes. Both teams struggled to establish any consistency in the offensive zone. The first goal of the game, from Princeton's Sam Sabky, came off a rebound. Cornell's first goal,from Tyler Mungford, was almost a mirror image, coming off a stick side rebound as well.
Princeton's second goal was scored on an excellent play be Dan Bartlett. The junior center streaked up the left side of the goal, went around the goal causing Scrivens to lose his balance, and punching the puck in to give Princeton a 2-1 edge. Then it was MacIntyre, coming in from the right side and chipping the puck over Scrivens to give Princeton a 3-1 edge in the third period. At that point, it looked like the Tigers had a berth in the finals locked up, with ECAC player of the year Zane Kalemba only needing to hold off the Big Red for a few more minutes to end the game. It was not to be, as Cornell stormed back to force overtime.
After coming so close to winning, the Tigers will need to turn things around quickly if they want to return to the ECAC final. The opening minute of overtime will be crucial for Princeton to show that it is not reeling after Cornell's late game heroics.
The two teams will play twenty-minute periods of sudden death overtime until one team scores a goal. The next team to score will win the game and earn a spot in the ECAC Tournament final, tomorrow night against Yale.
Third Period, 0:24.
Riley Nash scores to tie the score 3-3. A Big Red player fell on Kalemba and he was unable to make the save.
45.7 seconds remaining
Cornell calls a time out. Princeton will need to hang tough for another minute to advance to the final.
Third Period, 0:45.
Cornell is struggling to get the puck in the Princeton zone.
Scrivens leaves his net with 1 minute remaining. Kalemba makes a glove save to stop play.
Third Period, 2:52.
Kalemba blocks another point blank Cornell attempt.
Evan Barlow scores for Cornell to make the score 3-2. The Big Red had been outplaying Princeton in four-on-four play all game.
Third Period, 4:11.
Cornell penalty on Colin Greening for interference, his second of the game, to nullify Cornell's advantage. The teams will play four-on-four for 1:35.
Third Period, 4:37.
Gallagher uses some nice stick work to move up the ice and get a shot off but Kalemba makes another save. Scrivens makes a glove save on Hagel's attempt.
Princeton penalty on Mike Kramer. Cornell will need to capitalize if they want to stay in the game.
Third Period, 6:07.
In an unexpected turn, the Princeton band's tuba player drops his tuba down the steps, but recovers so the band plays on.
Cornell kills another Princeton penalty, as the Tiger power play continues to struggle.
Third Period, 11:44.
Matt Arhontas shoots wide right. Not much has happened in the past few minutes but Princeton will need to stay on its guard to prevent Cornell from mounting a late game comeback.
Third Period, 14:22.
Short-handed attempt from Arhontas goes wide right. Penalty on Greening at 16:48. So the teams will play four-on-four for one minute. Kalemba blocks a Patrick Kennedy wraparound. Wilson is back on the ice so Princeton now has a man-advantage. Cornell kills another Princeton penalty.
Second Period, 17:50
The Tigers are now outshooting Cornell 22-19 - That's a little more like it. This penalty kill is make-or-break for the Big Red.
Third Period, 17:50.
Shot from Ritchie blocked by Scrivens and Princeton can't capitalize on the rebound. Immediately after Nash comes back on the ice, a penalty is called on Brett Wilson for hooking. Now Cornell has a man-advantage.
Third Period Begins
Nash in the penalty box. Let's see if Princeton can take advantage and stretch its lead.
Second Period Over, Princeton leads 2-1
The game is getting feistier as the second period comes to a close. MacIntyre's shot goes wide right of the goal. Cornell penalty on Riley Nash (I wonder what the Edmonton Oilers thinks about that) with only 7.5 seconds remaining. So the Tigers will have a man advantage to start the third period.
Second Period, 1:08.
Slapshot from Brendon Nash goes wide right of the goal. Another slapshot form Cornell goes wide left. The Big Red had the better end of the four-on-four.
With the teams back at even strength, Taylor Fedun takes a slap shot that Scrivens blocks with his body.
Second Period, 4:12.
A pair of penalties on Gallagher for Cornell and Magnowswki for Princeton. The team's will play four-on-four for the next two minutes.
Second Period, 5:57.
Scrivens blocks a Kramer shot with his right pad. MacIntyre levels a Cornell player in the right corner of the offensive zone.
Then Dan Bartlett skates around the Cornell goal and scores on a wraparound to give Princeton a 2-1 lead. Bartlett's move had Scrivens way out of position and the Big Red goalie could not recover.
Second Period, 9:30.
Shot from Scali blocked by Kalemba. Cornell has stepped up its speed and intensity since Princeton's goal. The Tigers will need to respond in order to reestablish momentum.
Second Period,12:45.
Cornell scores to make the score 1-1. With the puck loose in the Princeton zone, the Tigers fail to clear the zone and Tyler Mungford knocks in the rebound on Kalemba's stick side.
Goal
Cornell was playing too well to not score eventually. It will be interesting to see how the Tigers respond now. They have played a much better period, but the heavily-Red crowd is starting to get involved and the middle of the second period is where momentum becomes a hot commodity.
Second Period, 14:36.
Kalemba blocks a shot on the right side from Colin Greening. Cornell has stepped up the pressure in the last few minutes and the intensity of the game is picking up. Scrivens stops a Pallis wrist shot for a faceoff.
Second Period, 16:20.
After a faceoff in the Princeton zone, the puck bounces off a few players and trickles by Kalemba, only to hit the outside of the left post and go just wide.
Slap shot from Derrick Pallis is blocked aside by Scrivens. On the ensuing faceoff, Kramer fires a shot that is covered up by Scrivens. Princeton has come out like a completely different team in the second period and has put much more pressure on Scrivens and the Cornell defense.
Goal
Scrivens put that rebound on a platter. Sabky made a quick move around a defender and slammed it into the gaping net. In a game of elite goaltenders, it is imperative to capitalize on every small mistake. Princeton just did exactly that.
Third Period, 8:50.
Kaiser's backhand shot goes wide left. A wrist shot from Jubinville is stopped by Scrivens. MacIntyre flips the puck above Scrivens glove for another Princeton goal, then proceeds to get in a fight with the entire Cornell team.
But as it stands, Princeton leads 3-1.
There is also a penalty on Mungford for Cornell.
Second Period, 18:20.
Princeton Goal from Sam Sabky, who knocks in the rebound after a MacIntyre slap shot on an odd-man rush. Princeton leads 1-0.
First Period Stats
Cornell holds a 12-7 edge in shots after one period. Let's see if Princeton can turn it around in the second period.
First Period Over
The first period ends with MacIntyre mixing it up with a Cornell player by the Big Red bench. Something tells me this is a plot to follow for the rest of the game...
First Period, 0:41.
Slap shot from Brendon Nash blocked by Kalemba. Less than one minute remaining in the first period, which has been primarily controlled by the Big Red.
First Period, 2:21.
Princeton kills the Cornell penalty. There is a tussle in front of the Princeton net but Kalemba covers up the puck.
Princeton is currently being out shot by Cornell, which does not happen often as Princeton leads the nation in shots.
First Period, 4:30.
Slap shot from Ritchie goes wide right.
Cornell has the puck behind the net but Kalemba blocks another shot. Princeton is struggling to keep the puck in its offensive zone so far. Cornell has the edge in early opportunities but has been stymied by Kalemba.
Penalty on Kaiser for slashing.
First Period, 7:23.
Backhand attempt from Kramer goes wide of the goal. Shot from Schroeder on a 3-2 break goes over the glass. Nash's penalty is over. Cornell has a 17 second man-advantage which Princeton easily kills.
Following the penalty, Cornell crosses the puck in front of the ice but Kalemba blocks it away with his stick.
First Period, 9:40.
Penalty on Riley Nash for slashing at 10:03.
Quickly followed by a holding penalty on Jody Pederson at 9:40.
The teams are playing four-on-four.
First Period, 10:34.
Backhand attempt from Jubinville goes right of the net. Following the missed shot, Princeton has the puck behind the net but Scrivens covers up the puck.
Shot from Brendon Nash blocked aside by Kalemba. Cam Ritchie levels a Cornell player in Princeton's offensive zone.
First Period, 13:25.
Shot from Cornell deflected by Kalemba off the pipe. Shortly afterwards, Kalemba stops a point blank Cornell attempt before another shot goes off the pipe. The second shot was much more of a threat.
Cornell looks a little sharper early in the game. Princeton is struggling to get the puck out of its defensive zone.
First Period, 17:16.
The first shot of the game, a slap shot by Jubinville, is easily brushed aside by Scrivens. Other than that, not much action as both teams struggle to establish an early edge.
Starting Lineups
Princeton (wearing Black and Orange)
LW Marc Hagel
C Kevin Kaiser
RW Brandan Kushniruk
LD Brad Schroeder
RD Matt Godlewski
G Zane Kalemba
Cornell (wearing White and Red)
LW Patrick Kennedy
C Riley Nash
RW Evan Barlow
LD Brendon Nash
RD Justin Krueger
G Ben Scrivens
ECAC Semifinals - No. 8 Princeton vs. No. 9 Cornell
Hi and welcome to downtown Albany’s Times-Union Center for the ECAC Hockey semifinal between No. 8 Princeton University and No. 9 Cornell University. Earlier today No. 14 St. Lawrence beat No. 7 Yale 3-2 to advance to tomorrow’s finals. The Bulldogs will await the winner of tonight’s contest.
The Tigers (22-10-0) won their best-of-three series against Union last weekend in the three games behind strong play from junior goaltender Zane Kalemba and junior forward Dan Bartlett. Princeton won the first game 3-2, dropped the second 5-2, and won the deciding game 3-2 thanks to three first-period goals.
But hidden behind the series victory was a serious flaw in Princeton’s game: its physicality. The Tigers were abused physically by the Dutchmen, especially in their ugly Game 2 loss, and must come out tonight with heightened intensity. The return of junior forward Cam MacIntyre should help – MacIntyre dressed for the third game against Union and gave Princeton a much-needed physical presence – but the Tigers will need intensity from more than just one player. Princeton is the least penalized team in the nation (10.6 minutes per game) which is beneficial as long as that discipline does not impinge on the team’s physicality. Last weekend the Tigers found themselves on the wrong side of that line and it will be interesting to see if Cornell comes out tonight with the intention of attacking Princeton on the boards.
Tonight’s game is a showdown between two of the nation’s best goaltenders. Kalemba, recently named one of the ten Hobey Baker finalists, ranks second in the nation in save percentage (.936) and fourth in goals against average (1.6876). Cornell junior goalie Ben Scrivens is tied with Kalemba with a .936 save percentage and third in the nation with a 1.6808 GAA.
Big Red sophomore forward Riley Nash is sixth in the ECAC with a team-high 32 points. Riley is strong on the puck, but the line to watch for Cornell is centered by senior Michael Kennedy with junior Colin Greening on the left wing and freshman Locke Jillson on the right wing. Greening and Kennedy have excellent on-ice chemistry, and the Tigers must be aware of where they are at all times. Another Cornell skater to watch is junior Tyler Mugford, who centers the third line.
For the Tigers, the line to watch is senior Lee Jubinville between senior Brett Wilson and sophomore Mike Kramer. It seems as though all the Tigers’ recent offense has come from this group, and they must continue their recent tear tonight. That being said, the Tigers will need offense production from somewhere else as well. Sophomore forward Kevin Lohry had a huge tournament here last year, so look for him to step up. Same goes for MacIntyre, who was second on the team in scoring last season, but has been plagued throughout this season by injuries.
Keys to the Game:
Eric Dodds: Power Play. The Tigers were 0-16 against in their three games against Union, and have converted only 4 of their last 53 chances on the man-advantage.
Zach Kwartler: The Tigers need a goal from either sophomore forward Kevin Lohry, junior forward Cam MacIntyre, or junior forward Mark Magnowski – Production from a line other than the Wilson-Jubinville-Kramer juggernaut.
Eben Novy-Williams: Establish a physical presence. The Tigers need to show early on that they will not be pushed around like they were last weekend.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Princeton 14 - Hopkins 8 Final Score
For more on today's game, check out www.dailyprincetonian.com for an article later tonight. This is Senior Writer Vikram Rao signing off.
Princeton 14 - Hopkins 8
Highlight of the game for Hopkins. The Blue Jays slow it down and find a man on the doorstep for the goal. Jack McBride is the consensus player of the game among those in the pressbox.
Princeton 14 - Hopkins 6
After Brian Christopher fires home an angry shot for Hopkins, Paul Barnes wins the ensuing faceoff and takes it to the house himself. Michael Gvozden has been replaced in goal.
Princeton 13 - Hopkins 5
Josh Lesko calls upon his background as an offensive midfielder to score Princeton's 13th goal. The defensive midfielder runs the fast break, finds an opening, and fires home. Many of Princeton's goals today have been unassisted.
Princeton 12 - Hopkins 5
Hopkins isn't dead yet. Attackman Brian Christopher rides Princeton short stick d-middie around the back of the goal, spins, and scores.
Princeton 12 - Hopkins 4 End of 3rd Quarter
Things are looking good for Princeton. The Tigers widened the halftime gap by two. An eight goal lead should hold up over the final quarter. Despite faceoffs being roughly even, the Tigers have dominated time of possession. This has been largely due to the play of Tyler Fiorito in goal. He's made good, clean saves, preventing Hopkins from extending its possessions. The same cannot be said of Hopkins goalie Michael Gvozden.
Princeton 12 - Hopkins 4
The Jack McBride show continues. The sophomore scores his fourth goal of the day, again unassisted. His goal came following another long possession in which the Tigers peppered the Blue Jays' goal with shots before finally scoring.
Princeton 11 - Hopkins 4
Jack McBride with another unassisted run around the crease capped off with a low shot. He now has 3 goals.
Princeton 10 - Hopkins 4
Fiorito. Wiedmaier. Cunningham. Princeton's three big time defensive recruits just directed a fast break, resulting in Princeton's first goal of the half. After his 8th save of the game, Fiorito found Wiedmaier who sprinted across midfield and foam turned and fired low, found Cunningham 10 yards in front of the goal. Cunningham fired low and true, putting Princeton into double digits. Hopkins midfield Michael Kimmel quickly responded with a well-aimed goal from the right side. 10:02 left in the period.
Princeton 9 - Hopkins 3
A solid half for Princeton. The Tigers have gotten the best of Hopkins' defense, and freshman goalie Tyler Fiorito has made some great saves to keep Johns Hopkins out of the game. The way the two teams respond to their coaches' halftime speeches will be very interesting. If the Tigers come out with the same composure that characterized their first half, Princeton could pull the upset.
Princeton 9 - Hopkins 3
Hopkins quickly scores again after winning the faceoff. Coach Tierney calls a timeout for Princeton as the Tigers look to steady the ship. It's critical that Princeton doesn't let Hopkins pick up momentum heading into the half.
Princeton 9 - Hopkins 2
Stephen Boyle finally ends the drought for the Blue Jays following a flag. The holding penalty was wiped out, and the Blue Jays have avoided falling behind by the same 10-1 score that they led by last year.
Princeton 9 - Hopkins 1
Greg Seaman puts one through on another extra man chance. This game is getting out of hand fast. 7:19 left in the first half.
Princeton 8 - Hopkins 1
After peppering the goal with half a dozen shots, the Tigers finally cash in as Rich Sgalardi finds Chris McBride on the doorstep who cashes in. The situation is beginning to look dire for Hopkins. Then, on the next possession, Jack McBride answers Chris's challenge with a sensational goal of his own. After running in a wide loop around the top of the goal, McBride fired low and through Gvozden's legs. 9:16 left now in the 4th quarter with the Tigers in possession again.
Princeton 6 - Hopkins 1 End of First Quarter
The first quarter couldn't have gone much better for the Tigers. It will be interesting to see if the younger players, especially those on the defense, let it get to them. Hopkins might be down, but they are far from out.
Princeton 6 - Hopkins 1
Princeton picks up another man advantage with 4:17 left in the first quarter following an unnecessary roughness call. Mark Kovler scores his second goal of the game following a sweet stop and go move. 2:59 left in the first quarter now. After a scrum following the ensuing faceoff, Jack McBride finds faceoff man Paul Barnes who makes a few moves and scores.
Princeton 4 - Hopkins 1
After surrendering a goal to Michael Kimmel, Princeton regained possession after Charlie Kolkin was pushed. The Tigers capitalized on the extra man opp. and are now leading 4-1. Rob Engelke scored for the Tigers.
Princeton-Johns Hopkins
Sorry for the delay - the current score in the Princeton - Hopkins game is 3-0 Tigers with 8:51 to go in the first quarter. The Tigers have gotten goals from Jack McBride, Scott MacKenzie, and Mark Kovler. Hopkins has gotten stuck with offensive midfielders on the field playing defense a number of times and Princeton has capitalized.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Final Score Princeton wins 2-0
Princeton 2, Yale 0
Great game from both teams. Princeton gets the win on senior night. Fitting testament to the play of the team's three seniors over the past four years. Princeton is now 20-7-0 overall, 14-6-0 in the ECAC. Yale falls to 19-6-2, 14-4-2. The Tigers are now only two points behind Yale in the ECAC standings and have clinched a home playoff series in the ECAC Tournament.
The goals were scored tonight by Pederson and Kaiser.
Thank you for reading and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Third Period, 0:47.
Glove save from Kalemba off a shot from Little. Play is back and forth at this point. Just passed the three minute mark.
Great pass from Ritchie into the Yale offensive zone but Arhontas is knocked down. Less than two minutes to play. Ritchie and Arhontas have nice play to clear the zone. Pederson pokes puck away from O'Neill. In all the excitement, I failed to realize Yale had pulled its goalie. Kaiser puts the puck in the net to ice the game. Score now 2-0.
Third Period, 4:48.
Schroeder lays out to block another shot. Puck in front of the net but Kalemba pokes it away again. Less than five minutes to go.
Third Period, 7:52.
Shot from Cahill knocked over the goal by Kalemba. Shot from Brosnihan moments later knocked away by Kalemba's right foot. Two more great saves from Kalemba. Yale is starting to step up the pressure.
Third Period, 10:29.
Some sloppy play by Princeton in its own zone following the goal, but Yale is unable to get off any shots. Kalemba covers up the puck to stop play and allow the Tigers to regroup.
Another blocked shot from Schroeder, who is playing a great game on the defensive end. Speed of play continues to increase. The hits are starting to pile up, Ritchie just got off a good shot on a Yale player.
Third Period, 14:26.
Fans are starting to make some noise. This is the loudest they have been all season.
Great slap shot by Fedun behind a screen saved by Richards. He is making some amazing saves during this power play.
GOAL from Princeton at 14:26. Shot by Pederson gets past Richards. He was helped by an excellent screen . Goal comes off what was undoubtedly the best power play of the game for either team.
Third Period, 15:05.
Hagel and Ritchie collide in the middle of the ice but nobody is hurt.
Great play by Schroeder, diving across the ice to prevent a Yale shot. Little on the ice with Backman and Arcobello, great shift by that line. Backhanded shot by Little goes over the right of the goal. Yale has been controlling play so far in the period.
Penalty by Lambert at 15:53.
Princeton starts the power play with four great shots, all are blocked by Richards. Still one minute left in power play.
Third Period, 18:47.
Third period underway. Teams still at four-on-four.
Pederson turns the puck over just to the left of the net but Kalemba makes the save. Goal comes unhinged to stop play. Teams are back at full strength.
Third Period About to Start
It's been a great game so far. Everyone is excited for the third period. Both teams have had great looks. We will have to see which goalie breaks first.
Second Period Stats
Total Shots:
Princeton 29, Yale 20
Blocked Shots:
P 7, Y 7
Shots on Goal:
P 12, Y 10
Penalties:
Bartlett for Hooking
Kaiser for Hit after Whistle
Donald for getting punched in face by Kaiser
Pitiful
Siegel makes less than half the pucks in competition. It appears that his family isn't too upset by the performance.
Second Period Over
Shot from Jubinville saved by Richards. Period ends with Tigers on an odd-man rush, but time runs out before Bartlett can get off a shot. Princeton had more chances in the second period but the score is still 0-0, one of the team's best games of the year.
It's time for the Bank of Princeton puck shoot out, odds of Steve Siegel winning the grand prize, 8:1.
Second Period, 0:47.
Shot by Bartlett knocked away by Richards. The line of Bartlett, Jubinville, and Richards is looking much better in the second period.
Shot from Pederson stopped by Richards. Kaiser and Donald get into a shoving match in front of the Yale net. Two minute penalties on each player. Teams will be at four-on-four for the next two minutes.
Second Period, 2:19.
Princeton having a disorganized power play, struggling to link passes in the offensive zone.
Penalty on Bartlett at 5:18 for hooking with 0:28 to go in power play, four-on-four hockey for 30 seconds. Yale back to full strength, has a power play for 92 seconds.
Princeton clears its zone with forty seconds to go in power play. Yale immediately brings puck back but it's cleared away again by Hagel. Short-handed shot by Kramer is blocked by Richards.
Teams are back to full strength. There has been excellent goaltending on both sides thus far.
Amazing glove save by Kalemba.
Second Period, 6:50.
Kalemba makes back-to-back glove saves to stymie to great Yale opportunities. At this point, every time the puck is in front of the net, there is a small scrum. Surprisingly, no penalties have been called thus far in the period.
The Kramer, Sabky, Beachell line is playing great.
MacIntyre in another shoving match behind the Yale goal. Kevin Westgarth would be proud.
Ken Trentkowski was down on the ice but he gets up and skates away on his own. Appears to be unhurt.
Penalty on Jimmy Martin at 6:50. Princeton's third power play of the game.
Second Period, 8:41.
Shot from Sabky off the right shoulder of Richards. Kramer's shot gloved easily by Richards. The pace of the game is picking up, play is competitive and evenly matched at this point. There is a playoff-type atmosphere. Very exciting.
Great play by Jubinville, catches puck by goal and gets off a shot. Excellent stick save made by Richards. Immediately afterwards, Kramer one times a shot that is once again saved by the stick of Richards.
Second Period, 13:20.
Shot from Beachell pushed aside by Richards. Wilson tripped but no penalty called. Shot from Jubinville deflected just wide, one of Princeton's best opportunities of the game. The Tigers are starting to step up the pressure.
Another pucks hits the glass in front of the press area. Someone on the Princeton team must have a vendetta against the sports media.
Second Period, 15:47.
Great stick work from MacIntyre, shot is wide left. Shot from Hagel deflected into the press area but nobody hurt. Game is becoming a little more chippy
Nice move by Little but Kalemba makes another great pad save. Skirmish in front of the Princeton net, but no shots taken.
Second Period, 19:34.
Second period underway.
Turnover by Princeton in it's own end. Yale can't get off a good shot, Kalemba covers the puck. Lucky break for the Tigers.
First Period Stats
Shots on goal:
Princeton 10, Yale 10
Blocked shots:
Princeton 5, Yale 6
Stats are as even as the score. Second period about to start...
Intermission
Breakaway chance for No. 12 on the white team but he falls down. Now it's No. 25's turn but he falls again. Score after the three minute game:
Fall downs: 15, Shots: 0.
First Period Over
Score is 0-0 after one. Back and forth play with Yale holding a slight edge in dictating the tempo of the game. The pee-wee players are on the ice for the intermission. Get excited...
First Period, 0:25
Shot by Pederson, pad save by Richards. Great pass from Fedun to Wilson, who just misses the deflection. Teams back at even strength. Wilson passed up what seemed like a good shot.
Brosnihan goes flying, gets off the ice before he causes any more trouble.
One minute to go in first period. Face off in Princeton's right circle.
First Period, 4:11
Shot by O'Neill is right at Kalemba. Pass intercepted by Kearny, passes to Little who takes puck in and forces Kalemba to make a great save. Yale's line of Kearny, Limbert, and Little is giving the Tigers problems.
Bartlett goes crashing into boards but appears to be alright. Great shot by MacIntyre stopped by Richards.
Teams break into first shoving match of game with a little more than four minutes to play. Surprise, surprise, MacIntyre is in the middle of it. Figured it was only a matter of time.
Penalty on Patrick Brosnihan, Princeton has its second power play of the game.
First Period, 6:20.
Magnowski tries to deflect a shot but is stopped by Richards. Slap shot from Pallis misses wide to the left. Princeton struggles to create any great opportunities in power play. Now back at even strength. Limbert's stick almost goes flying into the stands, some seven-year old is lucky to be alive.
First Period,9:43
Pad save by Kalemba after a Princeton turnover.
Schroeder uses some nifty stick work to clear puck out of zone. Magnowski and Arhontas have two-on-one opportunity but can't get a shot off.
Amazing stick work from Kearny, shot from Little just wide. Yale seems to have a slight edge in early play.
Penalty on Kearny at 9:43 for hooking, let's see if Princeton can take advantage.
First Period, 11:50.
Sabky and Ritchie collide in the middle of the ice but Yale can't capitalize. Princeton changes lines one minute into the penalty kill. Great play by Marc Hagel, lays out to block shot and then clears the ball across blue line.
Power play over, good penalty kill by Princeton.
First Period, 14:10
Wrist shot by Pederson goes wide left.
First good shot of the game from Yale, Kalemba pushes it aside with his right pad. Another good chance from Kearny is knocked away by Kalemba. Yale has had three good shots in the last minute.
Penalty on Godlewski, 2 minutes for interference.
First Period,16:44
Both teams struggling to create any great chances early. Macintyre's cross goes untouched.
Starting Lineups
Princeton:
LW Brett Wilson
C Lee Jubinville
RW Dan Bartlett
LD Jody Pederson
RD Taylor Fedun
Yale:
LW Denny Kearny
C Kevin Limbert
RW Broc Little
LD Ryan Donald
RD Jimmy Martin
And we're off...
Pregame 2
It's senior night which means it is the last regular season game at Baker Rink for Lee Jubinville, Brett Wilson, and Brandan Kushniruk. The rest of the ECAC will be breathing a huge sigh of relief at the end of the season.
Princeton vs Yale, pregame
Hello and welcome to Hobey Baker Rink for tonight's game between your Princeton Tigers (19-7-0 overall, 13-6-0 ECAC) and the Yale Bulldogs (19-5-2, 14-3-2). There is a standing room only crowd for Princeton's final home game of the regular season, a matchup between the top two teams in the conference.
Princeton comes into the game playing some of its best hockey of the year. Last night, they defeated Brown 4-1 behind 2 goals and 1 assist from Brett Wilson, which brought him to 100 points for his career.
The Bulldogs pose a stiff test, as they enter the game with the conference's top record, four points above the second place Tigers. The teams met in New Haven on January 31, with Yale holding serve at home in a 3-1 win. If Princeton is to have a shot of capturing the ECAC regular season title, they need a win tonight.
The teams have just skated onto the ice. Princeton is in white, Yale is in blue. Sean Backman is suited up for the Bulldogs while Tom Dignard is not suited up.
Five minutes until game time.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Game's pretty much over, Penn wins.
Davis inexplicably drives for a layup, down 6, after Penn hits its free throws. He misses.
Davis commits and offensive foul, and Penn gets possession with less than a minute to go.
57-53, 41.4 and Penn has possession. Bad foul by Davis. Tigers are in a world of hurt now.
Poor shooting from the FT line for Tigers.
Davis got to the free throw line, but he misses his attempt on the one and one. Saunders knocks the ball off of a Penn palyer to keep possession, but then Davis turns it over.
Rosen just hits a huge 3.
Tigers get out of position on D, and Rosen makes them pay from the 3 point line. The worst part is that it came after the Princeton D held, but the Quakers got the offensive rebound. Just moments before, Mavraides had gotten to the basket and converted on his layup, but now the deficit is 4. 57-53 Penn, Princeton calls TO. 1:47 to go. Tigers keep hanging on, but they are running out of time again.
Bad foul committed by Davis, 2 FT for Penn, 2:40 to go
Quakers lead now 54-51--all points scored in the OT have been off of FT for Penn.
WE ARE GOING TO OT
Bernadini gets the ball, stumbles a bit, and misses badly on his attempt from the top of the key. Finely grabs the rebound. We're going to OT. 5 minutes, 1 TO for each team.
Finley knocks down the first, Penn calls TO.
Finley hits the first, and surely the Quakers are trying to rattle Finley's nerves a bit here. 51-50 Penn with one more to come.
Pick and roll gets Finley to the charity stripe.
Davis found Finley, he gets fouled. A lot of pressure--a chance to tie the game. 23.8 left.
Rosen knocks down a pullup jumper, but Davis hits a three.
Rosen got to the paint and nailed a pullup jumper, but Davis hits a 3. 51-49. Then he intercepts a pass, gets penetration and kicks, but Mavraides can't hit. Finley rebounds though, and with 36 seconds remaining, down 2, the Tigers have a chance to tie it.
Bernadini gets stuffed.
Saunders blocked his shot, and then Schroeder got fouled. Penn's over the limit, so it's a one and one opportunity, but Schroeder can only knock down 1 of 2. 49-46 with a little under 2 to go.
49-45, Princeton just turned the ball over.
Bernadini got to the charity stripe and knocked down two, and the Tigers just turned over the ball with 2:39 remaining. The Quakers could make it really tough if they convert here.
Crazy exchange, Penn leads 47-45.
Mavraides lost the ball going up for a shot after driving left, but somehow Davis came up with it. He tried to lay it in but it missed. As Penn raced down the court for a sure layup and a 4 point lead, Schroeder got position underneath the basket and drew the charge to keep the game a 1 possession game. 3:29 remaining.
AND ONE FOR FINLEY.
Tigers are GETTING AFTER IT on the defensive end. They forced consecutive turnovers and converted on both, with Finley getting a layup in transition and then backing down his defender for another. He got fouled on the play too, so it's all tied up, 45-45, with a free throw coming. Somehow, Princeton has clawed back. Saunders really got these guys going with the three and his free throw makes. 5:49 to go, a lot of basketball left.
Saunders hits a 3, then gets fouled by Penn. Flagrant foul, huge momentum shift
Saunders hit a 3, then was fouled really hard by Penn's Connor Turley. 45-41 after Saunders hits the free throws. 7:10 to go, 45-41 Penn.
Deficit grows to 9. 45-36 Penn with 9 remaining.
Schroeder and Mavraides have gotten good looks from the corner but neither could knock it down. Schroeder's shot was halfway down, but popped back out. Penn's Cameron Lewis got a dunk on the other end, and Buczak fouled out just a short while ago. Things are coming apart at the seams for the Tigers right now. 45-36 with 9 minutes remaining.
Really bad non-call.
Mavraides is trying to get some offense going. He got an offensive rebound and a putback, and on the next trip down the court he tried posting up. There was an egregious non-call by the refs after his hand got smacked and half the gym could hear it. On the other end, the Quakers are going inside and getting position deep in the paint. The points are coming too easily for them. It's a 43-35 Quaker lead, the largest deficit Princeton has faced this half. 11 minutes remaining and the Tigers have got to get back into their rhythm.
Tigers really struggling on offense.
Princeton looks totally out of sorts. The Tigers have scored all of 2 points this half, and they keep on picking up fouls. The score is 39-33, and Johnson just took a timeout.
Back to back turnovers gives Penn lead.
Princeton turned over the ball on back-to-back trips down the court, leading to a pair of easy layups for Penn's Rosen. Quakers lead now, 36-33.
Tigers have four fouls already, less than 3 minutes in
Bernadini goes to the line for 2 in an attempt to tie up the game. Princeton already has had 4 fouls called on it though, really early in the second half.
Penn gets 2 in transition, Davis retaliates with his own layup
Penn climbed out of the hole on Bernadini's layup in transition, but Davis got a quick layup in response to put the Tigers back up. 33-31.
Penn finishes off the half with a 3, Princeton leads 31-29.
Comfort lost the ball coming out of the timeout, and Penn took full advantage by hitting a 3-pointer to close the gap to 2. It's 31-29 at the half. Really disappointing finish for the Tigers--they led by as much as 11. One of the biggest problems down the stretch for Princeton was the turnovers. They turned the ball over 12 times in the half. The Tigers shot a solid percentage--55.6%--but they took only 18 shots compared to Penn's 32. Part of that is Princeton's patience on offense, but a lot of those extra shots come from the Quakers offensive rebounds--they had 9--and the Tigers' turnovers. We'll see if they can clean up those two areas in the second half.
Penn on a little 4-0 run.
Penn has gone on a little 4-0 run here to pull to within 5, 31-26. There's about a minute to go--Sydney Johnson just called timeout. Tigers need to close out the half so all of the hard work they have put in doesn't go to waste.
Tigers need to work on cleaning up the defensive boards a little bit more.
Quakers have been able to get a couple of extra opportunities thanks to some tough offensive rebounding, but they haven't been able to fully take advantage thus far. It's 29-20 with 4:00 to go in the first half.
Back and Forth
Penn's Zack Rosen finally broke the drought, hitting on a highly contested 3 with only a couple of seconds left on the shot clock. Bernadini got a layup opportunity in transition and scored, drawing the foul as well. He completed the 3-point play the hard way. John Comfort and Schroeder each hit threes, however, and Saunders got a layup in transition, so the Quakers haven't been able to cut into the lead. It stands at 23-15, Princeton.
Mavraides knocks down a 3
Mavraides just got himself on the board, knocking down a 3. More impressively, however, the Tigers haven't allowed the Quakers to score since 15:29. 10:10 left in the first half, 15-9 Princeton lead.
Make that an 8-0 run.
Patrick Saunders just knocked down a 3 from the corner, then followed that up with a great block on a layup attempt on the defensive end. Tigers look much more comfortable on the court right now. 10-9 lead for Princeton, its first of the game.
Quick 5-0 spurt by Princeton
Doug Davis was left alone outside the arc and he knocked down the three. Buczak followed that up with a tough layup in the paint. 9-7, Quakers lead.
Tigers off to a slow start, down 9-2.
Bernadini just came off of a screen and pulled up for the 3-pointer. He got a clean look and made sure it didn't go to waste. On the other end, Princeton has been held to a single field goal, and that was an offensive rebound putback by Pawel Buczak.
Bernadini knocks down a 2 for a 4-0 lead.
Tyler Bernadini just knocked down a three pointer from the corner to give Penn a quick 5-0 lead. The Tigers are going to have to keep him from getting clean looks or he will hurt them a lot.
Correction: he wasn't outside the arc. 4-0 lead.
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