Box Score Malden, MA — After a heartbreaking game last week, the Williams College Ephs (6-10-1, 3-7-1) headed to a streaking Tufts University (9-6-2, 6-4-1) for a massive NESCAC match up. It was a grinding affair, Williams would score early before controlling the pace of play and outshooting the Jumbos 37-27. They would tack on a late empty net goal to take the win 2-0.
In the final stretch of a grueling season, the Ephs were counting on a win tonight to have a chance at making the NESCAC playoffs. In the tight quarters of the Malden Forum, the game was hard-hitting from the get-go. After a few minutes of back and forth action,
Liam Jones would stretch a puck to
Mel Mortarelli. The sophomore would make a desperation pass to
Owen Stadheim through the middle who buried it five-hole to open the scoring and give the Ephs a 1-0 lead. Despite several power play chances in the first period, Williams would not find a second goal to add to their advantage. On the defensive end, the Ephs maintained a solid shape and goalie
Cal Sandquist held strong to send the team to the locker room up one goal.
The Jumbos were looking to prove a point early in the second period. They attempted to throw everything at the Ephs, but the visitors remained steadfast in holding a narrow lead. Williams began to settle into the lead and adopted a fluid game plan, controlling much of the neutral zone for the period. A few power plays came and went without too much menace from either side and the hotly contested game entered the third the same as they did the second, 1-0 Ephs.
The third period seemed to be much of the same as far as game flow was concerned. Williams, who could not buy a lead early in the season, has been in this situation often lately and has begun to settle into a rhythm. They would kill much of the clock through smart possession and aggressive pressure. Each line would contribute to the offensive zone time with well-timed changes keeping the Jumbos pinned in their end. As the time crept to the final minutes, Tufts threw the kitchen sink at the Ephs' net. Players were throwing their bodies at pucks left and right, determined to see out the victory. With just two minutes remaining, Tufts pulled their goalie. This play immediately backfired when
Henry Muller passed a puck to
Nicholas Rashkovsky who found the back of the empty Jumbos' net to seal the game at 2-0.
Coach Kangas spoke after the win saying, "We proved tonight that we can beat any team in the NESCAC. After a twelve goal game last contest with Tufts, completing a shutout is a huge step in the right direction. Our guys were committed to blocking shots, playing hard, and winning battles which paid off in the end. We're in a part of the season where wins are at a premium and we can make a great push if we keep playing like this".
Next up for the Ephs is game at Connecticut College tomorrow at 3pm.
