No. 23 men’s ice hockey (18–12–3 overall, 12–9–2 ECAC) soared in the ECAC semifinal against No. 9 Cornell (22–10–1, 15–7–1) to secure a spot in the ECAC Championship tonight against Dartmouth. Fresh off a quarterfinal victory against Union (22–12–3, 11–9–2) last Friday and Saturday, the Tigers used composed play and intelligent puck control to secure a 3–2 victory.
The first period set the tone for a closely contested physical matchup. Cornell came out strong, finding the back of the net to give the Big Red a 1–0 lead less than three minutes in. Princeton stayed calm and strong, generating numerous scoring chances and leading in shots on goal, but the Tigers were unable to capitalize on several early opportunities.
With the pressure of post-season play, the Tigers knew they needed to do everything in the power to gain advantages on the ice.
“We always respect our opponents,” junior forward Joshua Karnish told The Daily Princetonian. “Cornell’s a tremendous team. We just knew that we played a really hard game, a really physical game, played out low and just did our best out there.”
Despite the early deficit, the Tigers remained steadfast, maintaining steady pressure and testing Cornell’s goalkeeper with intense attack. Princeton’s primary strength remained in their teamwork and ability to communicate with one another, alongside a healthy fear of their opponents.
“We knew that they were going to have a push and they had a layout, they had a battle,” head coach Ben Syer said.
“It’s been that way for the entire season, and being able to come out on the top side, it was phenomenal to see,” he added. “It’s obviously an intense game here — in the crowd, in the venue — and for them to really lay it on the line was great to see.”
The remainder of period one included back-and-forth possessions with both teams eager to get on the board. Going into the second period trailing Cornell by one goal, the Tigers were looking to retake momentum.
With two early shots and a power play, the Tigers came into the second period ready to play. Senior forward David Jacobs was able to snatch the first scoring opportunity just 2:35 into the period, spurring the Tigers’ momentum. With six successive shots and consistent possession, the Tigers appeared to have taken control of the game.
At under seven minutes of play, sophomore forward Julian Facchinelli put the Tigers in their first lead of the night, 2–1. Assisted by senior forward Brendan Gorman, the goal reflected the Tigers’ aggressive offensive strategy and ability to capitalize on defensive breakdowns by Cornell.
Despite their defensive troubles leading to multiple Tiger scoring opportunities, Cornell remained dangerous as an attacking opponent. The Big Red capitalized on a power play late into the second period at 17:13, tying the game at 2–2.
The third period began with a Princeton power play, and numerous shots on goal. Although they had two more power plays early in the period, the Tigers were not able to capitalize to get on the board — but were nonetheless in clear control of the game. The momentum had shifted for the last time in favor of the Orange and Black.
At twelve minutes into the period, Karnish had the winning play. With assists from junior forward Kai Daniells and senior forward Kevin Anderson, the Tigers found a crack in the Cornell defenses and finished with a decisive goal. At a 3–2 lead, the goal gave Princeton the advantage on the board.
“It was just a really good example of a five player goal,” Karnish told the ‘Prince.’ “It started off with chipping, and then getting on forecheck, stripping the D, doing a great job coming out of the corner and just throwing it on that, and I was lucky enough to clean it up.”
With 21 saves over the course of the game, junior goalie Arthur Smith allowed the Tigers to play such an intense attack. Smith has truly been the backbone of the Tiger’s rise throughout the season, securing the defense with communication and a quick stick.
With a senior class who has never been to a ECAC championship, the team has shown prowess on a national stage.
“Really proud of the senior group, and proud of the team,” Jacobs noted when asked about the significance of this moment. “We worked really hard; we’re moving in the right direction. We’re really excited for tomorrow.”
“As a staff, we’re not always easy on them,” Syer told the ‘Prince.’ “They’ve responded, and for that, as a coach, you’re grateful, you’re thankful. They come to work every day, and it’s fun to be part of it, and they’ve been rewarded this year to have this opportunity.”
The Tigers look ahead to Saturday’s ECAC championship in Lake Placid at 5 p.m. against No. 9 Dartmouth (22–7–4, 13–5–4).
Cadigan Perriello is an assistant Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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