Box Score Williamstown, MA — A massive rematch from last nights' 1-0 game saw the Williams College Ephs (8-13-1, 5-10-1) host the Middlebury College Panthers (7-12-4, 5-7-4). Midway through the third period the game would break wide open as a disallowed Ephs goal resulted in a power play and two goals for the Panthers to make it 6-2. Williams would come all the way back to 6-5, but too little too late meant the Ephs fell by a score of 7-5.
As the two teams skated out to begin the game, both teams were aware of the previous action in the NESCAC with Colby winning today; that result meant the Ephs entered tonight in 9th with the possibility of taking Middlebury's 7th place spot. The one goal scored in the 60 minutes last night was immediately surpassed in the opening period tonight. Middlebury would score two goals thirty seconds apart to take a quick 2-0 lead over the Ephs. Midway through the frame,
Henry Muller would pass a puck to
Connor Tobin. The senior fired the puck to the back post and it was hammered home by
Conner Fitzpatrick. The Panthers would answer back shortly after to retake a two goal lead with five minutes remaining in the period. Desperate not to let the game slip away, the Ephs clawed one back just a minute later.
Owen Stadheim would pass the puck up to
Connor Berg who deftly dropped it to
Logan Valkama. The first-year fired it into the top corner to pull the Ephs within one goal. An entertaining period ended 3-2 Middlebury.
The second period had major implications for the Ephs' season as they attempted to level the contest. Williams would do a better job of possessing the puck and applying some sustained pressure to the Panthers' defensive line, but they would be unable to capitalize. Halfway through the period it would be Middlebury that delivered a decisive blow, taking a 4-2 lead. The Ephs attempted to answer quickly, but a crossbar and solid goaltending would mean the Ephs trailed 4-2 heading into the final period.
The third period was one to forget for the Ephs. There was a huge turning point a few minutes into the period as the Ephs appeared to have scored. Upon further review, it was determined that the Ephs took a penalty prior to the puck going in the net so the goal was eliminated and the Panthers headed to the power play. The change was made worse as the Ephs took another penalty to give Middlebury a 5-on-3 advantage. The Panthers would score on the 5-on-3 as well as the ensuing 5-on-4 to take a commanding 6-2 lead. The Ephs then began a roaring comeback.
Nicholas Rashkovsky and
Jared Lambright would set up
Henry Muller who made it 6-3. A minute later, Rashkovsky would get a goal of his own off a feed from
Logan Valkama to pull within two. With the crowd roaring and momentum squarely on their side, the Ephs headed to a crucial power play with time ticking down. Rashkovsky would power home a loose puck in front to cut the lead down to just one with six minutes remaining. It was a frantic final few minutes, but unfortunately for the Ephs, a late penalty would hurt their chances of tying the game. Ultimately Middlebury would add an empty net goal to seal a 7-5 victory over Williams.
Coach Kangas spoke after the game with this comment, "It is a tough way to lose a game but I am proud of the guys for fighting until the end. We know what is at stake next weekend and we will bring everything we have to try and secure a playoff spot."
The Ephs have a huge rivalry matchup with Amherst on the road at 7pm.
