ECAC Quarterfinals/Game 1 (First to 3 point series) #7 Princeton (16-11-4) 0-2-2_4 #2 Brown (14-11-3) 2-1-0_3 First Period 0455 B Trach 10 (Jardine, Prescott) 1357 B Noble 2 (Bradford) Second Period 0058 P Kelley 21 (Kopeck, Smith) 0118 B Prescott 3 (C. Humber, Jardine) 1441 P Early 11 (Kopeck, Miller) Third Period 0351 P Kopeck 11 (Kelley, Early) 1213 P Kelley 22 (Kopeck, Smith) PP_ P: 0/1; B: 0/1 Shots_ P: 8-7-11_26; B: 5-11-4_20 Saves_ P: Konte, 17; B: Parsons, 22 A_ 1157 Princeton rookie forward Casson Masters was a surprise insertion on defense for the Tigers - with mixed results. He was on the ice for the first two Brown goals, both defensive zone coverage breakdowns. Trach put his own rebound past Konte in a goalmouth scramble and Noble walked out of the left wing corner to draw Konte out of the net before firing 5-hole. Masters and the Tigers recovered, though, with an inspired final 40 minutes. Kelley put Princeton on the board with a 40-foot slapshot that Parsons mishandled. Prescott answered on a nice setup by Jardine, but Kopeck sprung Early on a 2-on-2 for a redirection to get Prineton back within a goal before the second intermission. Kopeck, Early and Kelley combined on a pretty passing play through center ice ending in Kopeck's shot from the weak side wing - Kelley closed the scoring by converting the rebound of a Jason Smith drive from the left point. Masters was on the ice for both of Kelley's goals. Bob Gaudet expressed disappointment that Brown couldn't open things up a bit (as reflected by the shot totals). Princeton's neutral zone play was extremely effective, particularly after the first period. Brown had some troubles defending to the outside - the Tigers created much offense from the wings, coming through neutral ice with speed. Don Cahoon was naturally pleased with Princeton's first-ever ECAC quarterfinals win (and school-record 16th), but emphasized the importance of producing an equal effort tomorrow (or later tonight, as we move past midnight). You can bet that the Bears will look for a solution to the Early/Kopeck/Kelley line, while the Tigers will hope to continue the good work that held Trach/Mulhern at bay after the first few minutes of the game. Should be fun. Geoff Howell The Trenton Times Drop the Puck