Icemen Stumble Past Aggressive Penn, 6-5

Harvard's hockey team escaped into a three-week fully for exams on a winning note last Saturday, but it was hardly a satisfying exit. The Crimson almost lost its third straight game and relived a nightmare before nipping Penn, 6-5.

Leading 4-2 in the third period. Penn appeared to be on the verge of repeating last year's stunning 4-3 upset over the Crimson. Harvard woke up with four final period goals, but the Quakers stayed with the Crimson all the way and almost pulled off the tying goal in the final seconds.

Penn was flying from the opening face-off, and Harvard clearly was not. Coached by a man who supposedly holds the NCAA record in penalties. Penn played a scrappy, rough game, and it paid off. The Crimson skaters played sluggishly. Frequent turnovers in Harvard's defensive zone produced as many goals as anyone has scored on the Crimson all season.

Penn's mental preparation could only get them so far, however, and the Quakers' aggressive play earned them more penalties than scores.

Once again, the second line played well and sparked the Crimson's offense. The sophomores kept Harvard alive with two first-period goals and won the game on a perfect play with 1435 left in the contest.

Their efforts almost weren't enough. Penn cruised to a quick 2-0 lead before Harvard found the other end of the rink. Second line wing Dave Hynes put Harvard back in the game with one of his characteristic quick wrist shots from a difficult angle, and linemate Billy Corkery tied it up at 2-2 at 14:35 of the first. But Penn took the lead right back with two second period goals.

Haynes again narrowed the gap at 2:18 of the third and Dan DeMichele gave Harvard a 5-4 edge with two power play goals midway through the period. Penn still refused to fold, tying it up at 15:12. Then with less than two minutes left. Corkery ended the game, converting a perfect pass from Bob Mcmanama.

Penn used a man advantage to threaten the Crimson in the last seconds, but the Crimson effectively killed the penalty and avoided overtime.