— Hockey in the 'Cac (@hockeyinthecac) February 11, 2017
Three of the five games last night were played in the Nutmeg state. Hamilton (14-3-4; 8-3-4) and Conn College (4-14-2; 2-11-2) seem poised to head to OT, when Jason Brochure bullheaded his way to a goal with just .2 ticks left to earn a 2-1 victory in New London (Box). Conn College frosh Avery Gobbo looked nimble in net with 32 saves while NESCAC goaltending leader Evan Buitenhuis only had to make 17 saves for the victory. William White scored past a screeened Buitenhuis in the first for his third of the season while Brandon Willett scored his team leading 12th goal of the season for the Conts in the first as well.
Down the road in Middletown, Jordan Jancz first tally of the season in the third proved to be the game winner, as Wesleyan (12-5-4; 7-4-4) dropped Bowdoin (8-13-0; 5-10-0) 5-3 (Box). The Cardinals have 12 wins in a season for only the second time since the late 80s and there are still three games and the playoffs to go. Bowdoin, headed in the opposite direction in Jamie Dumont's first season behind the bench, is at risk of missing double digit wins for the first time since the 1998-99 season. Things won't get easier as they travel to Trinity on Saturday.
Finally in Hartford, Anthony Sabitsky's goal 2:56 into OT on assists from the Cole brothers lifted aforementioned Trinity (12-6-3; 8-5-2) past Colby (10-6-4; 8-4-3) 2-1 (Box). Streaky goaltender Alex Morin made 31 saves for the victory while
Crossing state lines into Massachusetts, the Jumbos hadn't beaten the Purple and White in any municipality in 18 games, a streak dating back to 2005. Nevertheless, they persisted and Tufts (10-8-3; 8-6-1) blanked Amherst (11-6-3;6-6-3) 4-0 (Box). Four different Jumbos scored, including junior Trevor Davis's first collegiate tally, and Mason Pulde made 27 saves for his second shutout in four games. Nugnes has let up only two goals in that four game stretch since taking over the starting job full-time after rotation-mate Mason Pulde went down with an ACL tear a few weeks ago. Across the ice, Conor Girard, fresh off being named a semifinalist for the Joe Concannon award (along with three other CAC players, including Tufts Sean Kavanagh) was pulled in the third after giving up four goals in favor of senior Adam Ellison.It's the excitement of competition that keeps you up at night. The chance to put it all on the line. Can't wait to tee it up today— Chris Hall (@chall4431) February 11, 2017
The Jumbos, now in sole possession of sixth place, welcome second place Hamilton, a team that the Jumbos beat earlier this year. Amherst, whose six losses this season have come in two, three game losing streaks, looks to get back in the W column against Conn College.
Traveling northward to Vermont, last place Middlebury (3-16-2; 3-12-0) fell to first place Williams (12-6-3; 9-3-3) 3-0 (Box) in the Panthers final home game of the season. Sophomore Michael Pinios made 23 saves for his first shutout of the season while fellow sophomore Roberto Cellini scored his team leading 14th of the season (and NESCAC leading 10th conference goal). The two travel partners face off again in Williamstown on Saturday night. A loss and any kind of points from Bowdoin would officially knock the Panthers out of the NESCAC playoffs for the first time since the conference playoff system began back in 1999-2000.
With 3 games to go, Middlebury has lost 16 games in a season for first time since 87-88. Last time they lost more than 16 was 20 in 63-64.— Hockey in the 'Cac (@hockeyinthecac) February 11, 2017
The lead at the top of the NESCAC is razor thin and players and coaches are losing sleep in anticipation of the final three games. Thin Lips - "Not Losing Sleep"
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