The Crimson’s subsequent chances were few and far between—with most resulting in an effort wide of the target—but Tobe saw to it that the lead held up.

Earning his second start in four games, the sophomore netminder surrendered one soft goal to RPI forward Nick Economakos at 15:36 in the second but was otherwise steady throughout.

Facing increasing pressure as the Engineers desperately struggled to knot the score in the final 10 minutes, Tobe was spectacular, turning aside all 13 shots he faced in the third period—he notched 25 saves overall—highlighted by a game-saving stop with just 90 seconds to play.

“I can’t say enough about the save he made at the end of the game. It was spectacular,” Donato said. “He gave us a chance to win, and he deserves a lot of credit.”

With Tobe perched on the right post, a cross-crease feed to forward Kirk MacDonald on the left doorstep appeared to have the netminder beaten. But, with left pad fully outstretched, Tobe kicked aside the effort to preserve the win.

“I saw the guy backdoor so I had a pretty quick reaction to it,” Tobe said. “It’s just another save you’ve got to make sometimes. It’ll make up for the bad goal in the second, I guess.”

HARVARD 4, UNION 1

In a throwback to last year’s lawless play, officials handed out just four penalties—three to the Crimson—a marked departure from the tightly whistled contests thus far this year. But Harvard’s offense, to date most-effective with a man advantage, seemed right at home at even-strength, battling its way to a decisive three-goal win over the conference-leading Dutchmen (7-7-1, 6-1-0).

Despite its average play throughout much of the opening period, Harvard struck first, courtesy of the brilliant puck movement and aggressive play around the net that have underpinned its success all season.

Forward Andrew Lederman took freshman Alex Meintel’s pass and circled behind goaltender Kris Mayotte. Once he cleared the right post, the senior whipped the puck out in front as assistant captain Tom Cavanagh barreled towards the crease. His one-timer whizzed past Mayotte on his glove side with 2:49 left to play in the frame.

“I think Tom Cavanagh has played outstanding for us all year,” Donato said. “I think in my mind he’s extremely underrated, which is fine. Hopefully, he’ll keep going on like he’s doing.”

Galvanized by Cavanagh’s tally, Harvard, which had been regularly beaten to the puck throughout the first period, seized the initiative, battering Union for the next 20 minutes.

The Crimson’s sophomore quartet spearheaded the turnaround, accounting for all six points racked up in the second frame.

Maki recorded the first blow 7:57 into the second period, beating Mayotte on his stick side from the right faceoff circle to extend the lead to two. Du and linemate Steve Mandes were each awarded assists on the score.