Published: 3/11/2018 12:45:46 AM
Modified: 3/11/2018 12:45:47 AM
Allston, Mass. — During the first scoreless minutes of Saturday’s ECAC men’s hockey playoff game between Dartmouth College and Harvard, the Big Green’s Kevan Kilistoff broke through the right circle against Crimson goaltender Merrick Madsen. The Big Green captain whipped a wrist shot off the juncture between the near-side goalpost and the crossbar.
The puck arced high and away, landing harmlessly on the other side of the ice. It was all downhill from there for the fifth-seeded visitors, who lost the best-of-three quarterfinal series’ second game, 7-1, and must win today at the Bright-Landry Center at 5 p.m. to extend their season.
“It’s Game 3; we’re moving on,” said Dartmouth coach Bob Gaudet, who used backup goaltender Adrian Clark during the third period. “They got on top of us tonight, and we didn’t have the answers.”
It was expected that fourth-seeded Harvard, which lost the teams’ Friday game, 4-1, would come out flying on Saturday, and the Crimson put every bit of its considerable speed to good use. Forwards circling back and racing up the wings caught crisp passes in stride and often blew the doors off backskating Dartmouth defenders.
“We knew we had to be a different team,” said Harvard forward and recent U.S. Olympian Ryan Donato, who won 17 of his 19 faceoffs, helping his team to a 39-21 advantage. “Yesterday, the complacency was incredible. A lot of the older guys knew as soon as we got to the rink. Some of our younger guys had to realize that our season can end tomorrow.”
Donato wasn’t much of a factor on Friday, but he broke out in a big way during Game 2.
Not only did the junior produce a goal and three assists, he made beautiful passes and scrapped in front of the net. Dartmouth’s Will Graber was ejected during the second period for a violent crosscheck to No. 16’s jaw, but the Boston Bruins draft pick didn’t retaliate.
“If we wanted to have some success offensively, we were going to have to get to the front of the net and take some punishment and draw some penalties,” said Harvard coach Ted Donato, Ryan’s father. “I thought our sense of urgency was better, much more playoff-like than last night. We were able to execute on special teams and move the puck quicker to (utilize) some of our team speed.”
Dartmouth (16-16-2) surrendered the game’s first goal during the 10th minute and its second tally 24 seconds later. Goaltender Devin Buffalo wasn’t particularly sharp, but he didn’t get much help. The senior made 23 saves but allowed one goal to trickle in off his body and Ryan Donato to pick a high, near corner from a sharp angle on another scoring play.
Corey Kalk scored Dartmouth’s goal midway through the second period to make it 4-1. Alex Jasiek assisted.
Adam Fox had two goals and two assists for Harvard (14-13-4). The teams have only 18 hours off before they clash again.
“Fatigue’s not an option for us,” Gaudet said. “This is a very prideful team that plays with a lot of heart. We’ll be ready to battle tomorrow.”
Notes: Carl Hesler, who was to be Dartmouth’s captain this season, watched the action for a second consecutive night. Hesler, who’s out of school for undisclosed reasons, said he will re-enroll next semester and rejoin the team. He added that his brother, Sam, will be a freshman next season. … Also in the stands was Kyle Bramble, a starting running back for Dartmouth’s 2015 Ivy League champion football team. … Harvard did not make players available for comment after Friday’s loss, and Dartmouth did the same following Saturday’s setback. … Ryan Donato, who has a 16-game point streak, took time to talk to several youngsters and take photos with them after the game and outside the Crimson’s hockey offices. “He’s an exceptional talent who plays the game the right way,” Gaudet said. “There’s no chirping, nothing from him but hockey.” … Jack Donato, Ryan’s younger brother, is a Harvard freshman forward. … Tonight’s game will be televised by the New England Sports Network (NESN).
Tris Wykes can be reached at twykes@vnews.com or 603-727-3227.