After 180 minutes and 58 seconds, 16 failed power plays, and a grand total of 80 shots on goal, Amherst finally snuck the puck by senior Bowdoin goalie George Papachristopoulos. Papacristopoulos's three hours of scoreless play over several games was enough to break the Bowdoin Men's Hockey Team's record for consecutive shut-out minutes from the 1983-1984 season.
Bowdoin dominated from the initial faceoff in last Saturday's NESCAC quarterfinal match against rival Amherst, beating the six-seeded Lord Jeffs 5-1.
The Bears fired off 18 shots in the opening period with the first goal coming off a one-on-one from Sebastien Belanger '08 in the last four minutes of the first period.
A string of three goals from Jon Landry '06, Mike Chute '06, and Mike Westerman '08 in the final period put the game out of Amherst's reach. Landry's goal contributed to his impressive season statistics and cements his position as one of the most dynamic defensive players in the NESCAC.
Bowdoin showed off its team coordination on the ice with every player working in perfect concert, allowing the Bears to play some extremely effective hockey. A Polar Bear powerplay, led by senior captain Adam Dann, confirmed the Bears' seamless playing.
Bowdoin's game today against Trinity comes exactly three weeks after the Bantams defeated Bowdoin 4-2. The game commenced an impressive five-game winning streak for Trinity, including two solid victories against Colby. The Polar Bears hope to end this streak and avenge their loss earlier this season.
"I was actually hoping we would play Trinity. They beat us three weeks ago and we would like some retribution," Papachristopoulos said.
Many Bowdoin fans and NESCAC watchers are anticipating a showdown between powerhouse Middlebury and Bowdoin in this year's final.
For now, however, the Polars Bears know that the team must fully concentrate on the task at hand.
"At this level you have to take it one game at a time. Every team in this league can beat you on any given night," Greg McConnell '07 said.
The Bears will face the Bantams today at 7:00 p.m. at Middlebury. The winner of the match will advance to the final on Saturday.