After an impressive win yesterday where Oswego State got out to a 2-0 lead before the first period ended they look to build on yesterday’s success. Something they wanted to improve on and did so in last night’s tilt was getting off to better starts. Before this game the Lakers have only had a lead once at the end of one period in their eight games played, counting the scrimmage against the Barrie Junior Sharks.

Mariah Madrigal got the start, her second straight, and has yet to lose. Her last start was a tie to Utica College where she allowed two first period goals but didn’t falter after that and helped the Lakers climb back to tie the game late in the third. Overall Madrigal has only allowed two goals all year in her three starts(one non conference). Madrigal holds a 0.65 goals against average and a 9.72 save percentage.

Those numbers put her near the top in every major statistical goalie category kept by USCHO.com. So the question is are we looking at a new starting goalie in Oswego? Tori Trovato hasn’t looked terrible but her .884 save percentage just shows things aren’t going her way.

For tonight’s matchup it comes down to one simple thing. Can the Lakers bring that same game they brought last night? Often times when teams play back to back games two different teams show up each game. This could be troublesome for Oswego State in a few ways.

First, Jordan Ott was kept off the score sheet last night. I said in last game preview the Bears will need her to produce to win and she did not, leading to an Oswego State victory. Don’t expect her to be kept quiet yet again. SUNY Potsdam will have to be able to create more quality scoring chances tonight from each line in order to knock off the Lakers.

Lastly, Oswego State has yet to sweep a weekend, something they desperately need this year to climb back to the top of the standings. Currently at 2-1-2 on the year they sit in fourth and four points out of first in the ECAC West. Early on it’s not so much about scoreboard watching as it is just going out and winning. A win today would help the Lakers get rolling after a slow start, to their standards.

Players to Watch

Oswego State: Mariah Madrigal

If she plays again, which she should, it will be a true statement game for her. The sophomore doesn’t have experience on her side. I’m not sure how much this coaching staff values that and that alone could be the deciding factor. If Madrigal can go out and keep the rebounds to a minimum, something she is improving on, and challenge shooter she should see good numbers and keep her undefeated record alive.

SUNY Potsdam: Alison Greene

The senior was tied for the team lead in shots yesterday including three in the final frame where the Bears pushed hard to come back. She is tied for second on the team with five points and will be needed to help SUNY Potsdam get a win tonight. Look for her to be a factor both offensively and defensively.

Game Prediction

Being the second game of this four game road swing the Lakers need these points but the story for them this year is inconsistency. If they can go out and play a good game like last nigh they should win, being the better team in this match up.  The defense will need to be play well to be able to shut out some of the potent scorers the Bears’ lineup holds.

Lakers win 2-0