BOSTON - The Raiders earned a hard fought point against No. 3 Boston University with goals from
Antonio Fernandez and
Ryan Sullivan to secure a 2-2 tie at Agganis Arena in Boston, Mass. Colgate eventually fell in a shootout 2-0.
COACH HARDER'S COMMENTS
"As a staff, we are happy for our guys to trust that they are good and able to achieve. It's not perfect but it's a start."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first period began with Colgate setting a defensive tone as Andrew Takacs made several key saves to keep BU at bay during an early penalty kill. Despite BU's aggressive start, including shots from Cole Eiserman and others, Colgate's defense, particularly Owen Neuharth and Easton Wainwright, successfully blocked multiple shots.
Colgate capitalized on its defensive efforts midway through the period when Ryan Sullivan scored the first goal of the game at 9:43, assisted by Max Nagel, putting Colgate in the lead. The period saw Colgate taking advantage of power-play opportunities and maintaining pressure on BU's goaltender Mikhail Yegorov.
The period closed with Colgate holding a 1-0 advantage, successfully navigating through a late penalty call for too many players on the ice. The defense held firm, ensuring BU could not equalize before the intermission.
Boston University broke the deadlock early in the second period with an even-strength goal by Cole Eiserman, assisted by Ryder Ritchie, at 14:35. This goal gave the Terriers a 2-1 lead over Colgate. In response, Colgate's defense stepped up with key blocks by Antonio Fernandez and Simon Labelle, while Takacs made several saves to keep the score within reach.
Colgate faced challenges throughout the period, including a penalty on Simone Dadiè that led to a BU power play, but the defense held firm, preventing further scoring. As the period progressed, Colgate managed to create offensive opportunities, but Yegorov for BU successfully turned away multiple attempts. Despite a late power play opportunity for Colgate, the period ended with BU maintaining a slim 2-1 lead.
The third period commenced with Colgate holding a narrow lead. Early on, Antonio Fernandez extended Colgate's advantage with a goal, assisted by Jack Brandt and Josh Niedermayer, bringing the score to 2-1. This momentum was briefly halted as Boston University tied the game with a goal from Jack Murtagh, bringing the score to 2-2.
Following the equalizer, Colgate maintained pressure, with Takacs making several crucial saves to prevent Boston from taking the lead. Despite numerous attempts from both teams, neither could find the back of the net again, resulting in the period ending at a 2-2 stalemate.
Colgate and BU entered a tense overtime period with the score deadlocked. Colgate gained early momentum by winning the initial faceoff, with Sullivan besting Kamil Bednarik. Despite a promising start, both teams struggled to convert their opportunities, with Colgate's Michael Neumeier and Labelle having shots saved or blocked by Boston's defense.
Colgate had a significant chance to break the tie with a power play after Bednarik's tripping penalty. However, their efforts during the man advantage were thwarted, as the Boston defense and goaltender Yegorov held firm. Colgate continued to press, with Brett Merner and Labelle taking shots, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
As the period wound down, both teams exchanged shots, but neither could capitalize. Takacs made crucial saves for Colgate to keep the game level. The overtime period concluded without a goal, leaving the game tied with no change to the scoreboard.
In the shootout period, Colgate's Brandt and Fernandez both attempted shots but were unable to convert against BU goalie Yegorov. On the other side, BU's Eiserman and Jack Harvey successfully scored on their attempts against Colgate goalie Takacs. Consequently, the Terriers secured the shootout win. The game concluded with a score of 2-2, as the shootout determined the final outcome beyond regulation play.
GAME NOTES
- Andrew Takacs made 33 saves in his first start of the season to help secure the point.
- Antonio Fernandez picked up his first goal of the season and second point of the series.
- Ryan Sullivan scored his first goal of the season.
UP NEXT
The Raiders (0-1-1) return to Hamilton for their home opener next Friday. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. against Canisius at Class of 65 Arena.
