Box Score
 
PRINCETON, N.J. – Off to its best start in four years, the men's hockey team hit its first setback of the season on Friday in a 5-3 loss at Princeton. The fourth-ranked Big Red scored three consecutive goals in the third period to take the lead, but the Tigers responded with the three of their own to lock up their home opener.
 
Princeton (1-2, 1-0 ECAC Hockey) controlled the play for most of the first period, drawing consecutive power plays midway through the frame. The Big Red killed off the 14-seconds two-man disadvantage, but Andrew Calof converted on the second power play when he skated down the slot and zipped a shot over Andy Iles' glove to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the 12:34 mark.
 
Cornell (3-1-1, 1-1-1) was better in the second period, generating a few high-quality chances. Cole Bardreau had a shorthanded breakaway snuffed by Princeton goalie Mike Condon at the 6:47 mark, then Greg Miller had another breakaway foiled about seven minutes later.
 
Once again, the Tigers had two power-play opportunities in the period – and, once again, they converted on the second one. A shot from the left point by Kevin Ross was deflected by Michael Zajac and in off the far post to put Cornell in a 2-0 hole for the second straight game.
 
But just last Saturday's game against Colgate – where the Big Red rallied for two goals in the final 10 minutes to secure a 2-2 tie – Cornell mustered a late charge. With three goals in a span of less than five minutes, the Big Red went from daunting deficit to late lead.
 
It started with John Esposito's power-play goal 5:35 into the third. Joakim Ryan fired a pass from the left point to Esposito low in the right circle. He waited a moment, then sniped a shot high to the roof of the net over Condon's glove to get the Big Red on the board. Freshman defenseman Reece Willcox also earned an assist on the play – his first at the collegiate level.
 
Greg Miller scored an unassisted goal 2:13 later. As the Princeton defense tried to work the puck along the end wall, Miller intercepted the puck and quickly wrapped a backhander around the post to Condon's left. The puck deflected in off the goalie, and the game was suddenly tied.
 
Armand de Swardt then gave Cornell its only lead of the game with 9:34 to play in regulation. A misplay by the Tigers behind their own net landed the puck on Bardreau's stick. He quickly whipped a pass to the slot, where de Swardt snapped in a quick shot before Condon got get into position.
 
But Rob Kleebaum pulled Princeton even with 4:52 left, and Calof's second power-play goal of the game with just 2:53 remaining left Cornell on the wrong end of the score line.
 
The Big Red is back in action at 7 p.m. Saturday, when it visits Quinnipiac at TD Bank Sports Center.
 
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