Harvard Can’t Hold On in Overtime Loss

Despite having a statistically solid game, the Harvard men’s hockey team fell in overtime to Clarkson Friday night at Cheel Arena, 2-1.

Although the Crimson (7-19-3, 7-12-3 ECAC) had many opportunities early in overtime, the Golden Knights (8-22-4, 4-15-4) edged Harvard on Andrew Himelson’s first goal of the season three minutes into extra time.

“We thought that we outplayed them,” said Crimson sophomore forward Alex Killorn. “We just didn’t get the bounce we needed.”

Harvard dominated the first two periods with its solid defense and powerful forecheck.

The Crimson allowed only four shots in the first period and nine shots in the second, most of which either fell wide or ended up in the glove of junior goalie Ryan Carroll.

“The defense played great,” said senior Doug Rogers, who won a season-high 19 faceoffs. “They were really aggressive, [and] they move the puck well to the forwards. We didn’t really give up much. The forwards did a great job checking and helping the defense out. For 60 minutes, we had a great five-man effort on defense.”

But Harvard could not capitalize on the basis of solid defense and numerous power play opportunities. Despite controlling the ice, the Crimson took only 11 shots in the first two periods combined.

“We move the puck a lot,” Rogers said. “We wanted to put a little more pressure on their goalie, but we didn’t.”

It seemed like most of the game turned into a duel between Carroll and Clarkson goalie Paul Karpowich, who made 21 saves while withstanding a barrage of power plays.

One of Harvard’s chances in the first period was a falling shot from junior Pier-Olivier Michaud from the left side of the ice. But Karpowich made a great save and then shut the Crimson out during the ensuing power play caused by a Golden Knight hooking foul.

Carroll was solid as well, making 20 saves—including five consecutive stops on a Clarkson power play in the second period. The junior also made an important save on a Matt Beca breakaway to help preserve the tie.

“Ryan Carroll always plays really well in big situations,” Killorn said. “He played phenomenally for us.”

Both teams came onto the ice in the third period with offense on their mind, and Rogers drew first blood with a wrist shot after taking advantage of a turnover in the neutral zone. But Clarkson responded just 11 seconds later on Louke Oakley’s score into an open net following a bad bounce for Harvard behind its goal.

“One of the plays, the puck bounced over [Carroll’s] stick,” Killorn said. “He was out of position, and they had an open net.”

The Crimson started off strong in overtime, taking time on each possession and getting the first three shots of the period.

But Karpowich came up big, making consecutive saves and shutting out Harvard.

In the third minute, Himelson received a pass from Beca and scored the gaming-winning goal from the corner.

“I thought in overtime we were going to win the game,” Rogers said. “Our team played really well...We were confident that we weren’t going to lose. It was very disappointing.”

“I think we realize we have a good team and that we had a tough year,” Rogers continued. “[In the playoffs], if we can bring the offense that we are capable of, I think we will be fine.”