NEW LONDON, CT - The Tufts University men's hockey team earned an important four points in the NESCAC standings this weekend, taking a 2-1 win at Connecticut College on Saturday night to sweep the Camels in a pair of conference games.
Junior goalie Nik Nugnes earned his first career shutout on Friday night with 31 saves as the Jumbos defeated Connecticut College 3-0 in Malden. Tonight in Connecticut, a pair of first-period goals six minutes apart pulled the Jumbos out of an early 1-0 hole and Nugnes stopped 27 of 28 shots in the game.
Freshman Machlan Sawden potted a power play goal with 3:45 remaining in the first period to lead the Jumbos, while senior assistant captain Sean Kavanagh contributed with his fourth goal of the season.
Senior Ryan Mowery tallied his sixth goal of the season to put the Camels on the board first. Chris Jellison and Liam Ferguson both had assists on the score. Connor Rodericks finished with 30 saves in the battle of Cape Codders between the pipes.
The Jumbos improved their record to 9-8-3 and eclipsed the .500 mark in conference action with a mark of 7-6-1. The Camels fell to 4-13-2 with a 2-10-2 record in NESCAC play.
Mowery vaulted the Camels out to an early advantage with his goal 4:09 into regulation. The senior forward collected a loose puck near the left circle and went upstairs for a score to put the Camels on the board. However, the Jumbos responded in a 4-on-4 situation. Kavanagh skated through the neutral zone down the right side and unloaded with a shot from the dot to even things up at one with 9:45 remaining in the frame.
With 3:45 to play in the first, the Jumbos capitalized on their power play to take the lead for good. Sawden was able to collect a rebound in the slot and stuffed one in to make it a 2-1 game. Patrick Lackey and Cory Gottfried earned assists on the difference maker.
The Camels emptied their net with 1:12 remaining in regulation and applied some pressure in the Jumbos' zone, but the visitors were able to hang on for the 2-1 win.
The Jumbos are tied for sixth in NESCAC with Amherst at 15 points each. League-leading Colby and Wiliams are at 19 points. Plenty is left to be determined in the final two weeks of the regular season. The Jumbos host Amherst and Hamilton at Valley Forum next weekend. The Camels also welcome Amherst and Hamilton on February 10-11.
Parts of recap courtesy of Connecticut College
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