NEWARK, NJ – The NJIT men's hockey team were hopeful to get their 1st win of the 2019-2020 season, unfortunately the Stevens Ducks had other ideas and they won the 1st game in their annual home-and-home series. The Highlanders are now 0-3 to start the season and the loss snaps a three-game winning streak against the Ducks that dates back to the 2017-2018 season.
NJIT now holds a record of 6-3 vs. Stevens dating back to their 1st matchup in 2014.
Michael Caufield got the Highlanders 1st and only goal of the evening with just under three minutes gone by in the 1st period. Dennis Sikorjak got the only assist on the goal and that was all the scoring in the period.
The Ducks took control of the game in the 2nd period with three unanswered goals (2 on the power play) and did not relinquish the lead or any goals from that point on. The 2nd period was marred with both teams taking a lot of penalties, a total of 14 penalties were called in that period that led to three power plays for Stevens and five for NJIT. Unfortunately, unlike the Ducks, the Highlanders were not able to capitalize on their opportunities with the man-advantage.
The 3rd period was a period where Stevens played a perfect defensive, protecting the lead strategy and the Highlander were not able to muster consistent offensive pressure or puck possession to mount a comeback. Despite a goalie change by Stevens in the middle of the 2nd period, it did not create any new momentum or chances for NJIT. The game ended with the same score it had after the 2nd period, 3-1 in favor of the Ducks.
Saves – Altomare 27 saves
SOG - NJIT 22 Stevens – 30
PP – NJIT 0/9 Stevens – 2/7
PK – NJIT 7/9 Stevens – 9/9
