Key Takeaways
- RIT lost to Clarkson 3-2 in a recent game, with Evan Konyen scoring two goals for the Tigers.
- Clarkson’s Ryan Bottrill scored two goals, and Owen Van Steensel scored one goal to secure the win for the Golden Knights.
- RIT will face off against No. 8 Penn State in a home-and-home series on January 3 and 4.
- The Tigers played their first game after a three-week holiday break and finished with 21 shots on goal, while Clarkson had 28 shots.
- Evan Konyen logged his first multi-point game in a Tiger sweater and moved into a tie for second on the team with six goals and 11 points.
Introduction to the Game
The RIT Tigers faced off against the Clarkson Golden Knights on Monday, resulting in a 3-2 loss for the Tigers. Despite a strong performance from first-year forward Evan Konyen, who scored two goals, the Golden Knights were able to secure the win. The game was a closely contested matchup, with both teams creating scoring opportunities throughout the night.
The Game Highlights
The first period saw RIT score the lone goal, with Konyen tallying in the closing minutes. He dropped a pass from below the goal line to senior forward Austin Brimmer in the left faceoff circle and skated around the goal to tuck a return pass from Brimmer inside the right post with 2:30 on the clock. However, Clarkson answered with two goals in the second period, with Ryan Bottrill scoring both goals. The first goal came 1:33 into the second period, after a Tiger defenseman misplayed a puck that deflected off sophomore goaltender Jakub Krbecek’s pads and ended up on Luka Sukovic’s stick in the middle of the slot. Bottrill found the net again at 8:21 of the second period, skating from the left faceoff circle across the slot to score on a wrist shot over Krbeck’s glove.
The Turning Point
Clarkson took a two-goal lead 47 seconds into the third period, winning an offensive zone faceoff to the end boards where Jared Mangan fed Owen Van Steensel in the slot for a one-timer past Krbecek. This goal proved to be a crucial moment in the game, as it gave the Golden Knights a 3-1 lead. Although RIT was able to get one back with 2:13 left in regulation, redirecting a shot by senior defenseman Xavier Lapointe from the left point in the slot through a crowd in front of the Clarkson crease, it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Game Statistics and Notes
The game saw Clarkson finish with a 28-21 advantage in shots on goal, with Krbecek making 25 saves in the loss. RIT finished scoreless on four power plays, while killing both Clarkson extra-man attempts. Konyen logged his first multi-point game in a Tiger sweater, moving into a tie for second on the team with six goals and 11 points. He also leads the team with a point in 10 games this winter. Additionally, Wigle was credited with an assist on Konyen’s first goal, marking a point in his 10th game this season.
Looking Ahead
RIT will take on No. 8 Penn State in a home-and-home series this coming weekend, hosting the Nittany Lions on Saturday (Jan. 3) at 7:05 p.m., before making the trip to State College, Pa. on Sunday for a 5:05 p.m. faceoff. This series will provide a challenging test for the Tigers, as they look to bounce back from their loss to Clarkson. With Konyen and other players showing strong performances, RIT will be looking to capitalize on their opportunities and secure wins against the Nittany Lions.