Another crucial conference matchup for the Princeton Tigers ended in a 5-2 win against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The victory extended the Tigers’ winning streak to six games and marked their tenth consecutive win on home ice.
The first period opened with strong defensive play from both sides and remained scoreless throughout. While RPI controlled much of the pace and outshot Princeton, the period set the tone for what appeared to be a tightly contested matchup.
RPI opened up the scoring in this contest, with junior Gunnar VanDamme finding the back of the net early into the second period. The assist came from Dovar Tinling. Princeton continued on to answer back about halfway into the first period with a spectacular short-handed goal from senior Brendan Gorman, with an assist from senior teammate David Jacobs. Shortly after, RPI’s Luciano Wilson found the back of the net to regain the lead for the Engineers.
RPI carried a 2–1 advantage into the third period, but that is when the momentum shifted firmly in Princeton’s favor. The Tigers came out strong, looking more confident and composed than they had all game. Sophomore Julian Facchinelli tied the game just minutes into the period, with Jaxson Ezman picking up the assist. Facchinelli struck again a few minutes later, this time with assists from Ezman and David Ma.
After the midway point of the third period, Princeton capitalized on a power-play opportunity. With a strong setup from Kai Daniells and David Jacobs, Gorman netted his second goal of the night to give the Tigers the lead. Jacobs later added an insurance goal, with assists from Jake Manfre and Daniells, sealing the 5–2 victory.
While the game remained relatively close overall, Princeton proved more dominant in the third period, particularly on offense. Key contributors to the win included Brendan Gorman (2 goals), Julian Facchinelli (2 goals), David Jacobs (1 goal, 2 assists), Jaxson Ezman (2 assists), Kai Daniells (2 assists), and Jake Manfre (1 assist).
While the game remained relatively close overall, the Tigers asserted their dominance in the third period, especially on offense. Several players played key roles in the win, including Brendan Gorman (2 goals), Julian Facchinelli (2 goals), David Jacobs (1 goal, 2 assists), Jaxson Ezman (2 assists), Kai Daniells (2 assists), and Jake Manfre (1 assist).
Through 15 games this season, Gorman has recorded nine goals and six assists, Facchinelli has four goals and two assists, Jacobs has tallied four goals and 13 assists, Ezman has five goals and seven assists, Daniells leads the group with 13 goals and 12 assists, and Manfre has added nine goals and seven assists.
Princeton had help across the board, truly showcasing the team’s talent. Princeton remains in first place in the ECAC standings and improves to 11-4 overall.
