Quinnipiac tops RPI 3-1, earns weekend sweep

Highlights

By Mike Dalton

Three Keys to Victory

By Patrick Flatley

Friday night’s 2-1 win over Union wasn’t the prettiest win that the Quinnipiac University Men’s Ice Hockey team ever had, but the Bobcats didn’t have much time to think about it, with a quick turnaround against RPI on Saturday.

After a defensive zone breakdown just 1:10 into the game, RPI’s Will Reilly walked down the slot and placed one over Petruzzelli’s glove, creating a similar scenario to Friday night’s game, which saw Union score 3:37 into the game. However, Saturday’s affair with RPI saw a different response from the Bobcats who won by a final of 3-1. These three keys helped lead the Bobcats to victory:

Quick Answer

Quinnipiac didn’t score until halfway through the second period Friday night but that wasn’t the case tonight. A Karlis Cuskte point shot was deflected by Alex Whelan in front for his first of the year just a minute and change after letting up the game’s first goal. Quinnipiac looked back to its true self after this goal, which was much needed following last night’s similar story of letting up the early goal.

They said it: “Shake it off, reset and you understand there’s still 59 minutes of hockey to play.” -Odeen Tufto

Quality Opportunities

Quinnipiac had four shots through the first period Friday night. They finished with a total of 31 on the night but were kept to the outside on a majority of those opportunities.

Instead, Saturday was back to the brand of hockey that coach Rand Pecknold preaches, creating quality opportunities with sustained pressure and it made all the difference. This led to Quinnipiac scoring three unanswered to finish the first period, taking control of the game.

Bongiovanni-Tufto-Whelan

This line was assembled to produce, and they did produce on Saturday. They took control of the first period, being responsible for two of the three Bobcat goals. Tufto got the monkey off his back and scored his first of the season by fighting off a defenseman, creating a breakaway for himself and finishing to extend the lead to 3-1. He celebrated accordingly by looking up to the sky in relief.

Tufto extended his point streak to nine games with that goal, while Whelan picked up a goal and an assist and Bongiovanni got on the scoresheet with an assist as well. There’s a noticeable chemistry with these three, due in part to their complimentary playing styles. Tufto’s vision and craftiness paired with the sharp shooting Bongiovanni and Whelan made this line as advertised tonight for Quinnipiac.

They said it: “You definitely saw it, a little sigh of relief. I haven’t played my best hockey the first so many weekends of the season. The chances have been coming but to finally actually get one is a good feeling for yourself.” -Odeen Tufto

Postgame reaction

By Steven Pappas

Q30 Special: An Interview with ESPN’s John Buccigross