Ephs comeback from two goal deficit, tie Wesleyan 2-2
MIDDLETOWN, Conn – For the second straight day the Williams College men’s hockey team found itself facing an early two goal deficit, but this time the Ephs (6-9-3) responded with two goals of their own to force the overtime - where they ultimately tied Wesleyan 2-2 Saturday. David Ramsay came in having recorded only one goal, but notched the equalizer for the Ephs with just 8:15 remaining in the third period.
In a very back and forth game characterized by stellar goaltender play, it was the Cardinals (6-7-3) who got the first break. With less than a minute remaining in the opening period Brent Winship slipped an improbable pass through the Eph defense to the waiting stick of Anthony DePietto who promptly fired it past Eph goaltender Marc Pulde (33 saves) to take the 1-0 advantage.
The Cardinals carried the late momentum into the second period, stretching and testing the Eph defense until Kevin Armstrong pushed the advantage to 2-0 with 12:25 remaining in the period. Perhaps sensing the familiarity of their position and remembering the outcome of the pervious evening’s matchup with Trinity, the Ephs refused to get down and rapidly took control of the game.
The Armstrong goal catalyzed the Ephs and in no time they were threatening. Brandon Jackmuff got the Ephs on the board 7:31 later, when he powered Alex Smigelski’s feed passed Cardinal goaltender Mike Palladino (39 saves) to make it 2-1. The Ephs would continue to control play for the remainder of the period but nonetheless found themselves down one going into the third period.
The final period started quick as each team tried to break the others defense, but ultimately it was Ramsay and the Ephs would win the battle. Following a pair of penalties that left both teams shorthanded, Ramsay took a Jackmuff pass and beat the stellar Palladino to tie it up at 2-2, 11:45 into the period.
The game would go into overtime, where the Ephs would control play – recording four shots while limiting the Cardinals to zero – but couldn’t net the game winner.
The Ephs would again play a disciplined and productive brand of hockey, committing only five penalties to the Cardinals seven while out shooting their opponent 41-35.
The tie marks the end of a four game road-trip for the Ephs in which they were 1-1-2. Their next game is in Williamstown at 7:00 PM February 8th against Norwich.
