Box Score MALDEN - Visiting Colby College scored four goals in the third period, two on power plays and two into an empty net, for a 4-1 comeback victory at Tufts in the final regular-season game for both NESCAC men's hockey teams Saturday afternoon at Valley Forum.
With the win, Colby jumped over Tufts to earn the seventh seed in the NESCAC Championship tournament, which starts next Saturday. The Mules (9-10-5 / 6-9-3) and the Jumbos (9-9-6 / 5-8-5) both have 15 points, but Colby won the season series with today's victory and a 2-2 tie back on December 12.
Trailing 1-0 entering the third today, the Mules scored a pair of power-play goals 1:32 apart to take a 2-1 lead. The Jumbos twice pulled goalie Nik Nugnes late and Colby made them pay with goals each time. Senior Alex Walsh and junior Jack Burton both had a goal and an assist during the Colby comeback, while junior Colin Reilly had two assists.
Tufts took its 1-0 lead on a short-handed goal by Brian Ouellette, one of seven Tufts seniors who was honored in a ceremony before the game. The Jumbos scored just eight seconds into their man-down situation following a major penalty and game misconduct. Ouellette's wrist shot from the mid-slot beat Colby's Emerson Verrier at 4:52 of the first.
The Jumbos killed the five-minute major and led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Nugnes stopped all 13 shots he faced in the first for Tufts.
Nugnes made 11 more saves in the second period for 24 total as Tufts held its one-goal margin through 40 minutes. He stopped Colby junior defenseman Geoff Sullivan's break in from the blue line by flashing his right pad.
Colby turned things around on the power play in the third. At 5:30, freshman Nick O'Connor tipped a shot past Nugnes at the far post. Tufts soon went in the box again with another five-minute major at 6:56 of the third and just six seconds later the Mules were in the lead on a goal by Burton at 7:02.
The Jumbos were able to kill off the remaining 4:54 of the major, but couldn't stay out of the penalty box as two more minors were whistled on the hosts later in the third. Tufts killed both penalties, including a 1:18 stretch when they were down five on three.
With the clock winding down under two minutes, the Jumbos pulled Nugnes. However, Colby scored just 11 seconds later with sophomore Michael Rudolph's long shot finding its way into the net. Verrier the goalie had an assist.
Down 3-1, the Jumbos tried pulling Nugnes again. However, Colby added to the lead as Walsh scored with 39 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Verrier earned the win with 32 saves while picking up his first career assist. Nugnes was under siege in the third when Colby recorded 19 shots. He stopped 15 and finished the game with 39 saves. The Mules finished the game with a 43-33 advantage in shots.
Though regular-season play doesn't end until tomorrow, Colby and Tufts' quarterfinal conference tournament opponents are set. The Jumbos will travel to #1 seed Williams and Colby will visit #2 seed Trinity next Saturday. The full slate of conference tournament games will be announced tomorrow.
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