Despite back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2008 and 2009, the Princeton Tigers, at only three games into the season, would very much like to start over and better their frustrating 0-2-1 record. The frustration for the Tigers only continued tonight against # 19 Quinnipiac University (7-2-0), as the Tigers suffered a 5-2 loss to the Bobcats.
Being down 1-0 in the first isn't the most demoralizing thing in the world. But when Quinnipiac's Russell Goodman was thrown out of the game with a 5-minute major penalty and a game misconduct, you can't go the entire powerplay without scoring. And you certainly can't give up a shorthanded goal.
Apparently, Princeton can. Scott Zurevinski scored a shorthanded goal with just over 3 minutes left in the period to put Quinnipiac up 2-0.
The demise continued for the Tigers when the Bobcats made it a chilling 3-0 in the second period. A bit of life flickered for a moment, however, when Princeton's Will MacDonald scored late in the period to cut the lead to 3-1. Princeton would try in vain to get the crucial next goal, but QU went up 4-1 in the third thanks to a timely goal by Bryce Van Brabant. The Tigers continued to show a glimpse of life by cutting the lead back down to two, when Eric Meland scored for Princeton.
It wasn't enough to spark a comeback. Quinnipiac buried an empty net goal, and sealed the game at 5-2.
The Bobcats of Quinnipiac have had a nice start to the season, coming in this week at #19 in the country. The schedule, though, has been only mediocre. We will see how the Bobcats perform as the schedule lets them face off against #9 Yale and #13 Union later on in the season.
And for Princeton? Looks like it's back to the books to find out how to solve a struggling season.
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