Princeton Preview
Clarkson (3-5 overall, 0-1 ECAC Hockey) is looking to snap a three-game losing streak and five-game road losing streak as it faces the Tigers (1-2, 0-1) at 4 p.m. this afternoon in Princeton, N.J.
Yesterday's Games
Quinnipiac 4, Clarkson 2
The Golden Knights did many things right, but two mistakes on special teams proved costly as Quinnipiac's Mike Atkinson scored two straight shorthanded goals, then added an empty-net goal late for a natural hat trick. Clarkson outshot the Bobcats 36-31 and limited Quinnipiac to only seven shots in the third period, although two of those were goals. The Golden Knights also played a disciplined game, taking only three penalties. Scott Freeman and Adam Pawlick each scored their third goals of the season for the Golden Knights.
St. Lawrence 5, Princeton 2
The Tigers took an early lead with a goal from Michael Sdao just 2 minutes, 45 seconds into the game. But SLU scored three goals in the second period and eventually built a 4-1 lead. Princeton cut into to lead with a power-play goal from Tyler Beachell at 16:03 of the third, which came during a two-man advantage. Because they were down by two goals late, Tigers coach Guy Gadowsky had to pull goalie Zane Kalemba early for an extra attacker. But SLU ended any chance of a comeback with an empty-net goal from Alex Curran at 17:31.
Stat of the Night
The Tigers, who are ranked 14th nationally, have struggled to start the season, dropping two of their first three games. But Princeton has excelled on special teams this season. Princeton has converted on 22 percent of its power-play chances (4-of-18 and has killed 14 of 15 penalties (93.3 percent).
Who to Watch
Clarkson
Senior Matt Beca has the best career numbers against the Tigers with two goals and four assists in six games. Junior captain Scott Freeman has two goals and three assists in four career games against Princeton and junior forward Lauri Tuohimaa has four assists in four games. Paul Karpowich, who has started every Saturday game in goal, is 0-1 with a 3.03 goals-against average and .935 save percentage against Princeton. Richie LaVeau, who faced Quinnipiac on Friday, is 0-1 with a 4.11 GAA and .897 save percentage against the Tigers.
Princeton
Senior forward Mark Magnowski hasn't scored yet this season, but in six career games against Clarkson he has two goals and three assists. Senior defenseman Jody Pederson has four assists in five games against Clarkson. Three other Tigers have three career points against the Golden Knights: junior forward Matt Arhontas (1 goal-2 assists), senior forward Dan Bartlett (0-3) and senior forward Kevin Kaiser (1-2). Goalie Zane Kalemba is 4-1 lifetime against the Golden Knights with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Junior goalie Alan Reynolds, who has not played yet this season, has played in one career game against Clarkson for 40 minutes and stopped 16-of-19 shots (.842 save percentage).
Last Meeting
Princeton used a four-goal third period to take a 5-3 victory against the Golden Knights in Hobey Baker Rink on Feb. 13. Clarkson scored first on a goal from defenseman Tom Pizzo at 2:11 of the first period. Lee Jubinville tied the game for the Tigers with a second period goal and Princeton took a 2-1 lead with a goal from Brandon Kushniruk just 41 seconds into the third. Clarkson answered with a goal from Brandon DeFazio three minutes later. The Tigers built a 4-2 lead on goals from Brett Wilson and Tyler Beachell, then Scott Freeman cut the deficit back to one with a goal at 18:00. Kushniruk ended Clarkson's chance of a comeback with an empty-net goal at 18:55.
Stats and Notes
Princeton was picked to finish third in ECAC Hockey by both the coaches and media. The Tigers were second in 2007-08 and won the conference tournament and finished third last year, making the NCAA Tournament in both seasons. ... Princeton, which has increased its win total in each of the last six seasons under coach Guy Gadowsky, was ranked as high as No. 9 earlier this season. ...Princeton led the nation in shots last year, averaging just over 37. The Tigers have 108 shots in three games so far this season. ... This will be the 100th game between Clarkson and the Tigers, with the Golden Knights holding a commanding 69-25-5 lead. Princeton, however, has taken four of the last six and swept the series last year. ... Princeton was the least penalized team in the nation last year (10.6 minutes-per game) and has just 32 minutes in three games this season. ... Clarkson has lost eight straight road games, dating back to last season, when the Golden Knights ended the year with three straight losses at Union. The last time Clarkson has a streak that long was 12 straight in the 2005-06 season.
