The energy inside Hobey Baker Memorial rink was through the roof this past weekend as the Princeton Tigers men’s ice hockey team continued to prove they are a force to be reckoned with in ECAC play. Coming off an impressive upset victory over No. 9 Dartmouth College, the Tigers showed no signs of slowing down. Princeton carried that momentum straight into Saturday evening, where they secured yet another statement win, defeating No. 18 Harvard University and completing a weekend sweep of ranked opponents on home ice.
Despite the high stakes and electric atmosphere, Saturday’s matchup began with a slower pace than fans may have anticipated. Both teams remained scoreless through the opening period, trading chances while staying nearly even in shots on goal. The first 20 minutes highlighted how disciplined and composed each side was, with strong defensive positioning and steady goaltending preventing either team from gaining an early edge. While the scoreboard remained quiet, the intensity was anything but, as both teams battled for momentum.
Princeton finally broke through several minutes into the second period. David Jacobs opened the scoring with a well-executed goal, assisted by Jake Manfre, igniting the crowd and giving the Tigers the spark they needed. Princeton continued to apply pressure, and just before the period came to a close, Manfre extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal of his own. Kai Daniells and Tyler Rubin earned assists on the play, capping off a strong second period that saw the Tigers head into the final frame with two unanswered goals and full control of the game.
Harvard, however, was not going to go down quietly. After being held scoreless for two periods, the Crimson responded almost immediately in the third period. Just 35 seconds after the puck dropped, Joe Miller found the back of the net to cut Princeton’s lead in half. That early goal shifted the momentum, and Harvard continued to push offensively. About halfway through the period, Salvatore Guzzo tied the game, setting up a tense finish as both teams battled to avoid overtime.
As the final minutes ticked away, it seemed increasingly likely that the game would require extra play. Fans from both sides rose to their feet in anticipation, but Princeton had other plans. With just under 30 seconds remaining, Kai Daniells delivered the game-winning goal, burying a clutch shot assisted by Kai Greaves. The late goal sent Hobey Baker into a frenzy and sealed the Tigers’ second ranked win of the weekend.
With the victory, Princeton remains undefeated at Hobey Baker Arena this season, extending its home winning streak to nine games. The Tigers improved their overall record to 1-4 and 6-2 in the ECAC, now sitting atop the conference standings. Princeton will look to keep the momentum rolling next Friday when they return to Hobey Baker to take on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in another crucial conference matchup.
