RPI Tops Men's Hockey, 3-0

The Harvard men’s hockey team had nine minutes with the man advantage to address its power play woes. RPI had other plans.

The Engineers (9-11-5; 4-6-3 ECAC) allowed the Crimson (5-14-1; 3-12-0 ECAC) power play unit only a single shot on net as RPI stifled the visitors, 3-0, in Troy, N.Y., Friday night.

Officials issued a game misconduct to Johnny Rogic and five-minute major to RPI after the sophomore Engineer forward sent Alex Fallstrom to the ice with a hit from behind. Fallstrom was able to reach the bench on his own power but left the rink, limping, three minutes later.

Harvard failed to establish an offensive presence during the resulting power play. The Crimson registered zero shots on goal while the RPI penalty kill managed to put the puck on Girard.

At full strength, the Engineers went on the attack, outshooting Harvard, 12-3, in the first frame. With just over a minute left in the period, a shot from Mark Miller found its way past a dense four-player screen to give RPI its first goal of the night.

Early in the second period, the Crimson saw its best offensive chance of the game during its second power play of the game. Freshman forward Jimmy Veesey got a clean look from just outside of the crease, but his shot bounced harmlessly off the inside of the post.

A hooking minor on Harvard forward Luke Greiner canceled the remaining 14 seconds of the Crimson’s second power play. Twelve seconds into RPI’s man-advantage, freshman forward Mike Zalewski provided the Engineers an insurance marker with a wrap-around goal.

RPI continued to frustrate the Harvard attack through the third, allowing Harvard only two shots on goal during the final 20 minutes. Less than three minutes into the period, Miller recorded his second goal of the night from the top of the crease as he deflected an outside slapper from teammate Nick Bailen.

Harvard failed to convert on a third power play opportunity midway through the final frame as the Crimson fell to 4-for-63 in conference play with the man advantage. Freshman Engineer goaltender Jason Kasdorf cruised to his first career shutout as RPI finished the night outshooting Harvard, 23-11.

—Staff writer Michael D. Ledecky can be reached at mledecky@college.harvard.edu

—Check thecrimson.com for more updates.