No. 1 Harvard Strikes Early, Shuts Down Yale

Box Score

CAMBRIDGE, MA --  Freshman Liza Ryabkina scored less than a minute into the game and sophomore Christina Kessler stopped 21 shots for her ninth shutout of the season, as No. 1 Harvard (19-1-0, 16-0-0 ECAC Hockey) earned a 3-0 victory over Yale Saturday at Bright Hockey Center.

Ryabkina found the back of the net at 0:58 of the first period, shooting the puck across the line before Yale goaltender Shivon Zilis could make the save.  Junior Sarah Wilson moved the puck to the right side of the net, finding Ryabkina for the rookie's third goal in the last three games.

After Ryabkina's tally, the first period was plagued with penalties, as nine infractions were called during the opening 20 minutes.  Both teams were held scoreless on the ensuing power plays, as Harvard was 0 for 5 and Yale was 0 for 4. The Crimson and Bulldogs also failed to capitalize on 5-on-3 chances during the first period.

At 10:16, Vaillancourt skated across the Yale zone and blasted a shot into the back of the net, but the goal was called off because freshman Katherine Chute was called for interference.

The Crimson gained another 5-on-3 chance in the second and this time, Harvard benefited from having extra attackers on the ice.  Junior Jenny Brine and senior Caitlin Cahow assisted on a goal by Wilson from the left side to give the Crimson a 2-0 lead at 5:45.  With the assist, Cahow moved to 19^th on Harvard's all-time scoring list with 97 points (26-71-97), passing Tara Dunn '01.

Only four minutes later, Harvard scored another special-team goal, this time one of the short-handed variety.  Junior Sarah Vaillancourt got a breakaway attempt and skated in alone on Yale net.  The Crimson forward faked a few shots and then finally fired to make it a 3-0 contest.  Freshman Katherine Chute helped set up the breakaway with a pass from center ice.  Vaillancourt's tally is Harvard's second short-handed score of the season.

In the third period, Harvard controlled the puck for most of the action and hit three posts, including a shot by sophomore Randi Griffin from in front that hit the cross bar and scooted over the net. 

With her 21 saves, Kessler earned her ninth shutout of the season to add to her Harvard single-season record.  The goalie now has 12 for her career, three shy of tying Ali Boe '06 for the all-time school record.  Zilis made 30 stops for Yale (9-10-5, 6-7-3 ECAC Hockey).

For the game, Harvard was 1 for 9 on the power play, while Yale was 0 for 6.  The Crimson mustered 17 shots during its power-play chances. 

Up next, the Crimson plays Northeastern in the opening round of the 30th Women's Beanpot. The game will be played Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 5 p.m. at Boston University's Walter Brown Arena.