The Canisius College hockey team couldn’t find its offensive rhythm in a 3-0 setback to RIT on Saturday night at HARBORCENTER. The Griffs drop to 4-5-3 on the season and 3-3-2 in Atlantic Hockey play, while the Tigers improve to 3-6-2 and 2-4-2 versus league foes.
“It was a disappointing result and a disappointing weekend,” said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. “When you try hard and don’t get the team results, it can be very frustrating. We will look toward our 10 seniors to set the tone moving forward and get us through this down period.”
In a common occurrence during the weekend, Matt Garbowksy opened the scoring for the Tigers 11:22 into the second period. The senior captain finished a 2-on-1 break for what proved to be the game-winning tally and Garbowsky’s fourth goal of the two-game series.
RIT then put the game out of reach with a strong third period. The Tigers limited Canisius to just five shots on net, while adding two goals of their own. Danny Smith fired a shot in from the slot 69 seconds into the frame before Brad McGowan sealed the win on a 2-on-1 rush with 3:33 remaining in the contest.
RIT recorded a 29-19 edge in shots, while neither team converted in three power-play chances.
Jordan Ruby recorded 19 saves to post the shutout, while senior Keegan Asmundson (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) stopped 26 shots for the Griffs.
Canisius looks to return to its winning ways next weekend with a home-and-home series against Mercyhrust. The schools open up the set in Erie, Pa. on Friday before returning to HARBORCENTER on Saturday for a 7:35 p.m. puck drop.
Game Notes: After winning four-straight games against RIT, Canisius is 0-3-1 in its last four against the Tigers … Teams are now a combined 1-for-31 on the power play at HARBORCENTER … Canisius has killed 30-of-31 power plays during the last eight games … Garbowsky recorded a point on five of the Tigers’ six goals during the weekend (4g, 1a) … Canisius is now winless in its last six games (0-3-3).
