The Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey team lost a tough battle to the Clarkson Golden Knights Saturday night by a score of 3-2 in overtime. Tristan Sarsland was the overtime hero to seal the win for the Knights.
It was a big inter-conference meeting for both teams, with Quinnipiac at the top of the ECAC while Clarkson sits only two points behind second place. For teams that were yet to face one another this season, the game played out as if they were bitter rivals.
“I think it [the intensity] picked up,” said Quinnipiac first-year assistant coach Rick Bennett following the loss, “It’s hockey and I think our guys responded and did a good job.”
Both teams showed physicality immediately, yet there were only four combined shots on goal in over seven minutes. Clarkson struck first after junior forward Ryan Bottrill threw one at the net from the left slot.
Quinnipiac showed several looks on offense, resulting in a goal from the top of the circle by freshman center and Boston Bruins draft pick Chris Pelosi to tie the game at one apiece. It was set up by fellow first-year linemate Aaron Schwartz.
Two minutes later, the veterans showed what they could do after graduate winger Jack Ricketts set up a Victor Czerneckianair go-ahead goal. M&T Bank Arena erupted following the score.
The second period began as physically as the first. After the Bobcats couldn’t convert on an early power play opportunity, it was back to a war on the boards as each team continued to show fierce effort.
Halfway through the period, junior forward Ellis Rickwood beat Quinnipiac sophomore netminder Dylan Silverstein from the slot to make it a 2-2 game. The Bobcats kept control in the offensive zone and dominated in shot attempts, yet the Knights made the most of their limited chances.
“The effort was there,” said Bennett, “30 plus shots on net is good, so as a group it’s encouraging.”
Carrying a man advantage into the final period of regulation, Clarkston stood tall and prevented the nation’s top five powerplay unit from scoring. Chippy play continued as each team refused to turn down the intensity on the ice.
The majority of the third period was quiet with not many shots but plenty of defensive efforts. Each team had respective chances later in the period, yet neither came through with the icebreaker. Hustle and timely scrums from each side kept the game tied and sent to overtime.
Clarkson started overtime with a two-on-one breakaway opportunity, but Silverstein stood his ground. Not soon after, junior defenseman Tristan Sarsland snuck one past Silverstein to win the game for Clarkson.
Clarkson continues to dominate on the road, improving to 11-1 in games in enemy territory. The win bumps them to a tie in second place with Union while Quinnipiac is tied for the conference’s top spot with Colgate heading into next week.
“You want to focus on a few things and address those things,” said Bennett, “I thought we played really well against a very good hockey team.”
Quinnipiac looks to get back to their winning ways as they hit the road to face Union on Friday at 7:00 p.m.
