Harvard skated like the Montreal Canadiens for 20 minutes against Yale Saturday night at Boston Arena, but then slowed down to a Boston Bruins' pace and bowed 4-2 in its first loss to the Elis since 1960.

The Crimson led 3-1 after the dazzling first period, with Kenny Burnes, Petemiller, and Eric Rosenberger getting the Harvard goals. But Yale, led by its great sophomore line, scored twice within 13 seconds in the last period to drop Harvard's over-all record to 7-15, and its Ivy mark 50 2-6.

Harvard used essentially the same line-up that beat Dartmouth last Wednesday. Goalie Wade Welch turned in some fine saves, and had little chance on any of the Eli goals. Kevin Burke again took a regular defensive turn, and came up with another strong game, although he was out of position on Yale's winning goal.

Yale scored first at just 1:12 of the first period when John Walsh of the sophomore line put in his own rebound for the first of his three goals.

But Harvard stormed back in a hurry. Burnes ties it at 2:15 when Burke fed him in the left corner during a Yale penalty, with Gordie Price also assisting.

Miller put the Crimson ahead at 3:06 by tapping in a deflection of Bobby Clark's shot from the point. Rosenberger made it 3-1 just 49 seconds later by scoring from a scramble in front of the Eli net, with assists going to linemates Pete Waldinger and Eddie Zeliner.

Walsh drew Yale one goal closer in the second period by banging in a 25-footer off Welch's out-stretched leg with two Crimson skaters in the penalty box.

It was the 11th minute of the last period that proved disastrous. At 10:03 Welsh deflected Dan Hogan's shot under Welch to tie the score. Just 13 seconds later George Semler skated all alone down the right wing and beat Welch with a fine shot to the far side.