ECAC Quarterfinals, Game 3 (Princeton wins series, 2-1)
 
Princeton (17-12-4) 1-1-0-0-1_3
Brown (15-12-3)     1-1-0-0-0_2
 
First Period
0729 Mulhern 18 (PPG) (Jardine, Clapton)
1048 P: Smith 3 (Sharp)
 
Second Period
0532 P: O'Connor 8 (Brush, Konte)
1819 B: DiRenzo 7 (PP) (Jardine, Martino)
 
Second Overtime
0206 P: Brush 10 (Masters)
 
PP- P: 0/3; B: 2/3
 
Shots- P: 8-6-5-5-5_28
       B: 4-9-8-5-0_26
 
Saves- P: Konte 24; B: Audette 25.
 
A_ 1096
 
Comments: Penalty-filled first period (96 minutes, 6 misconducts)
as both teams tryied to establish a physical presence and tensions of
a hard-fought three game series mounted. Princeton backed down from
Brown on Saturday night, but not last night. Mulhern opend the scoring
on a 4-on-3 power play, taking a pass by Jardine through the seam at the
far post and one-timing it into the empty net. Smith answered on a faceoff
win by Sharp (who had a great night in the faceoff circle), unscreened
shot that Audette mishandled.
 
Tempers settled down in the second period and both teams seemed to get
the message from refs Drew Taylor and Bill Stewart, who did an admirable
the message from refs Drew Taylor and Bill Stewart, who did an admirablel
job restoring order. The increase in caution probably benefited Princeton,
who struggled in a more physical game on Saturday. J.P. O'Connor
gave the Tigers the lead on a great solo effort through the middle of
the defense, finished by putting his own rebound past Audette. DiRenzo
answered on (another) 4-on-3, Brown's third such goal in as many tries
during the series. He was the beneficiary of a goalmouth scramble while
standing alone at the far post.
 
Very evenly played third period with a tremendous defensive effort by
both clubs. The first overtime saw Scott Bradford stopped on a partial
breakaway by Konte, who also denied Bradford on a stuff attempt of an
endboard carom. Audette made two unbelievable saves - Robbie Sinclair
from 10 feet with the blocker and Jonathan Kelley from five feet with
the glove. Princeton had a slight territorial edge.
 
The Tigers continued to carry play early in the 2nd OT, showing surprising
stamin given the shorter respite that resulted from the Tuesday night
play-in game. Brush won it after Masters sent him between two defenders
for a breakaway. Brush pulled Audette out and slipped it between his pads
for a pretty goal.
 
Princeton advances to the ECAC semifinals for the first time in its history,
extends its school record to 17 wins. Brown, deserving better for its
effort, ends the season at 15-12-3. It may have been the best three-game
exhibition of backchecking I've ever seen - both teams forwards made an
impressive commitment to team defense, even notoriously weak defensive
forwards like Princeton's O'Connor and Kelley. Marty Clapton was the
surprise star for Brown with two goals in game 2 and a solid performance
in game three. Audette was also impressive after getting the start in
game 2. Princeton's Mervin Kopeck and Jason Smith were two of many players
who enjoyed a fine series, and Konte may have been the difference - 10
periods and change of nearly flawless goaltending. Between Audette
and Parsons, Brown allowed one long, questionable goal in each game.
 
Scoring leaders in series
Mervin Kopeck, P 1-3-4
Jonathan Kelley, P 3-1-4
Brian Jardine, B 0-4-4
Marty Clapton, B 2-1-3
Jason Smith, P 1-2-3
 
Geoff Howell
The Trenton Times
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