With only 40 seconds remaining in the game, defenseman P.J. Martin'03 scored the game-winning goal to lift the Dartmouth men's hockey team to a 2-1 away victory at Union last night before a crowd of 1448.
The Big Green now have a sole possesion of fourth-place in the ECAC with a .577 winning percentage (6-4-3 ECAC, 7-9-4 overall).
Dartmouth's newest second line had another impressive game as Chris Taliercio '02 gave Dartmouth a 1-0 lead in the first period. Taliercio was assisted by his linemates Chris Hontvet '03 and Gary Hunter '02.
After a scoreless second period, the Skating Dutchmen knotted the game at 1-1 on a man-advantage situation at 9:03 in the third period.
Ten minutes later, Martin put the game-winner behind Union netminder Brandon Snee for his fourth goal of the season. Ryan Sinclair '02 and Frank Nardella '02 assisted on the power-play goal..
Union outshot the Big Green 38-24, but Dartmouth goaltender Nick Boucher '03 stood strong between the pipes as he turned aside 37 shots.
Boucher entered the game ranked fifth in the conference with a 2.40 goals-against-average (GAA) while posting a .923 save percentage. Boucher has provided a much-needed consistency to the Dartmouth defense and he now has a 6-2-2 record against the ECAC opponents.
On Saturday, Dartmouth will battle against the nation's ninth ranked Rennselaer. The Engineers have a third-place standing in the ECAC with a 7-4-1 record (.625).
RPI is led by freshman forward Marc Covosie who has 25 points (11 g, 14 a) and goaltender Joel Laing who posts a 1.98 GAA, a .942 save percentage and a 7-2-1 league record.
