Friday night at Bright Hockey Center, the Harvard Crimson came out fast and stormed the Bulldogs of Yale. The Elis seemed to miss the leadership of USA Team coach Tim Taylor as all night long they looked disoriented. Harvard had a tremendous first period. In fact it is the best I have seen the Crimson play in many years. Brian Farrell (Derek Maguire, Sean McCann) opened the scoring on a power play goal for Harvard when he tipped in a shot from the point. The chance happened off a twirling break-in pattern that I loved. Farrell (Chris Baird, McCann) made it 2-0 on another power play when he poked home a rebound off shot from the point. The Crimson were flying at this point, and Yale had little choice but to take some penalties to try to stay in the game. Cory Gustafson (Steve Martins, Ben Coughlin) finished off a brilliant pass, when he picked the puck out of the air and sent it home. Martins backdoor pass made the goal, but cheers to Gustafson for the touch to put it in. Harvard finished the scoring when Baird (Farrell) shot in a big rebound from right in front of the net. The second and third periods were scoreless. Yale played a very flat offense. Only a perfect pass would have set up a goal. They just did not give themselves much of a chance. In- dividual players like Dan Brierley, a solid defender, led isolated rushed, but there was little chemistry for the Elis. It could be a hard year for them without coach Taylor. Harvard played a great first period. I loved the angular offense they went with. It looks great when they use their speed and passing skills. The power play did not look that good. It is too flat and motionless. It hopes and prays for a big rebound. The big worry is what happened after the first period. Well, Harvard took their usual second period nap. However, they did not awaken, as in years gone by, and play interesting hockey for the second half of the period and all of the third. Instead they got tight. The angular offense disappeared. They did try to storm Yale again at the start of the third period, but with the flat offense, there were few chances. I have heard a number of people complain about the team playing only 20 minutes. I would take twenty minutes like that anytime. It was so good, it could give any team a run for their money. The flat stuff/ defense first hockey the Crimson has been playing the last few years is never going to get them anywhere. If they can stay with the angular offense (which doesn't even need all the speed they sometimes have) and become confident with it and themselves, they have the talent to be a real strong team. If they worry and play defense, I look for problems down the road. The best player on the ice Friday night was Captain Sean McCann. He played a terrific match. He is a good example of Harvard's strength: the defenders. McCann blocked shots, poke-checked passes, and at the same time, had the speed to join the attack. His passing helped make the angular offense click. His work on the power play down low was wonderful. Steve Martins also had an excellent game. When he skates and passes well, Harvard is a different team. Ashlin Halfnight played a strong match on defense. He was so good at feeling the hot spots when killing a penalty. He also had the best oh-la-la rush of the night. His partner on the blue line Lou Body also had a strong match. My notes also contain praise for Derek Maguire and Kirk Nielsen who was moving well in the open areas of the offense, and on the side: hitting people. It will be interesting to see which offense Harvard stays with as the year progresses. _____________ / good shooting rhun _____________/