Early on, it looked like the Panthers would walk away with a victory. In the first period, Middlebury jumped out to a two goal lead, scoring the first goal just 2:48 into the game. The Panthers added another five minutes later and, at the end of the first period, the Jeffs were down by two goals and not playing well.
But the second period was a different story for the Jeffs. Things weren't looking good for them after the Panthers scored within the first two minutes of the period, but the Jeffs fought back.
After Middlebury penalties gave Amherst a five-on-three advantage, the Jeffs took control of the game. Just 20 seconds into the two-man advantage, the Jeffs capitalized when co-captain Greg Carr '02 netted the first Jeff goal. Beau Kretzman '05 started the play when he passed the puck to Erich Schram '03 at the point, who found Carr in the slot. Carr held the puck and then rifled it into the top of the net over a sprawling Middlebury goaltender.
On the same power play, the Jeffs struck again. Bob Miele '02 wailed a shot into the back of the net to bring the Jeffs within a tally of the Panthers. Kretzman and Schram again had assists on the play.
Later in the period, the Jeffs continued their offensive onslaught. Carr carried the puck down ice on a two-on-one breakaway and made a drop pass that was just out of the reach of Kretzman. Nick Harper '05 swooped into the play from his spot on the blueline and rifled the loose puck towards the front of the net, where Carr tipped it in.
While the Jeffs had played some of their best hockey of the season in the second period, they were unable to keep up the pace in the final frame and the Panthers pulled away with two late goals to secure the win.
Jagher finished the game with 31 saves, including many that were destined for the highlight reel, but it was not enough, as the Jeffs fell 5-3.
"With Middlebury being number one in the nation and playing in their place, we proved to ourselves that we aren't to be forgotten about," said Erik DiNardo '03.
Although the Jeffs played well against Middlebury on Saturday afternoon, no one would have expected that type of effort after the Jeffs' embarrassing loss to Williams College the night before. The Jeffs were coming off of two wins over the Ephs last season, but this year the Ephs dominated the Jeffs in all aspects of the game in a 7-0 victory.
The Ephs jumped out to an early lead when they tallied two goals in the first half. In the second frame the Jeffs were met with more bad fortune when goaltender Jaffrie Perrotti '03 was injured. The preliminary diagnosis revealed that Perrotti suffered a torn hamstring and will be out for the remainder of the Jeffs contests.
After the injury to Perrotti, the Ephs continued to pummel the Amherst defense. Williams tallied five more goals in the game, including three in the final period.
While the Jeffs did little to help their playoff chances with this weekend's losses, their improved play against Middlebury could be a sign of good things to come this weekend. The Jeffs will take on the Connecticut College Camels, who are tied for seventh place in the NESCAC, and the NESCAC newcomer Tufts University Jumbos, who are the cellar dwellers in the division. Only seven teams will make the conference tournament, so this weekend will likely determine if the Jeffs can advance to postseason action.
"With four games left we have to win at all costs," said DiNardo. "There's really no room for error and the guys know that."