HAMDEN, CT - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey team saw sophomore defender Nick Ardanaz score in the second period for the team's lone goal of the night as the Engineers fell to the top-seeded Quinnipiac Bobcats in Game 1 of the ECAC Hockey Quarterfinals by a final score of 5-1 Friday night. With the loss, Quinnipiac can clinch the series on Saturday, or an RPI win will force a third and decisive game on Sunday.

The Bobcats wasted no time, scoring the game's opening goal just 1:45 into play thanks to Anthony Cipollone, as they took the early 1-0 lead. It stood as such through one period of play before Quinnipiac stuck quick once again in the second period. Just 45 seconds into the middle frame, Jacob Quillan scored to make it 2-0 Bobcats.

Ardanaz then collected his goal for the Engineers at the 8:49 mark of the second period, as a puck thrown toward the net from Austin Heidemann was batted at the net by Dovar Tinling before Ardanaz was able to take two wacks at the puck. On the second, he found open twine and scored from the right wing side of the net to make it 2-1 Quinnipiac. 

However, the Bobcats scored once more in the second thanks to Andon Cerbone before Sam Lipkin and Colin Graf both tallied goals in the third period to seal the deal for the home squad.

RPI's Jack Watson made 30 saves on the night, while Quinnipiac's Vinny Duplessis made 20 saves.

Puck drop for Saturday's Game 2 showdown between the teams is slated for 7 p.m.