Overtime goal extends Cornell winning streak to six
February 17, 2012 —
Champions–Cornell presented the ECAC championship trophy after a 2-1 overtime victory against Clarkson Friday night at Lynah Rink. It is the Big Red’s third consecutive ECAC Championship. (Photo by Patrick Shanahan)
Clarkson’s desperate attempt to have officials take a second look at a Cornell goal in overtime was to no avail. The goal stood, and the No. 3-ranked Big Red prevailed in a 2-1 overtime victory against the Golden Knights Friday night at Lynah Rink.
The goal by freshman Jillian Saulnier hit the left post and went in, ending the Golden Knights seven-game unbeaten streak and avenging a loss at Clarkson Jan. 28.
“(Clarkson) beat us last time we played them, and they deserved to win the last time we played them,” Cornell head coach Doug Derraugh said. “This game could have gone either way.”
The Big Red (25-3, 19-2 ECAC) proved early why they are the three-time defending Ivy League and ECAC Champions, scoring less than three minutes into the first period on a Rebecca Johnston goal to take a 1-0 lead.
However, the Golden Knights (20-8-5, 14-5-2) answered back less than four minutes into the second period when Carly Mercer found Jamie Lee Rattay in front of the net, tying the game at one.
“We were pretty soft on the puck, turning it over a lot and trying to do too much with the puck, individually” said Derraugh.
The Big Red was also unable to score on three power play opportunities, only attempting two shots on goal during six minutes with a man advantage.
According to Derraugh, the Big Red played individually and not as a team during a majority of the game.
“(Clarkson) clogs up the middle of the ice and we’ve got some players that are obviously very skilled with the puck but at this level you’re not going to beat…that many players no matter who you are. Sometimes, when it’s a close game, some of our (players) try to take it upon their own shoulders to win it themselves and it just doesn’t work. You’ve got to stay within the team framework.”
The game was certainly close. The Golden Knights took 29 shots on goal, the Big Red 28, and each team had three penalties. And Saulnier’s goal in overtime capped off a tough battle for the Big Red, albeit with a bit of controversy.
“I saw it go in so I knew it was (a goal),” said Johnston. “ It was frustrating that a couple minutes later (Clarkson) tried to get (officials) to look at the replay. I mean, I saw it go in.”
The call stood, and the Big Red were presented with the ECAC Championship trophy at the end of the game, having clinched their third consecutive ECAC and Ivy League title last weekend.
The Big Red conclude their regular season against No. 10 St. Lawrence tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m., the final regular season home game for the winningest senior class in program history.
“It’s a special (senior) class we have,” said Saulnier. “They’re totally worth it. They’re totally worth our efforts, and every little bit we put into tomorrow’s game is for them.”