Today at 4 p.m., the Oswego State Lakers will look to avenge last postseason’s quarterfinal loss in the NCAA tournament to the Adrian Bulldogs in the Pathfinder Bank Oswego Classic. Both the Bulldogs and the Lakers won in dominating fashion yesterday, winning 4-1, 8-1, respectively.
Adrian, who is currently No.4 in Div. III, found themselves down 1-0 to Castleton State after a poor first period, but exploded with offense in the second period with four goals, punching their ticket to the final.
Their opponent, Oswego State, led 1-0 against Castleton State after the first period, but completely dominated the second period behind six goals in a 15-minute frame, en route to an 8-1 victory. The 8 goals were the most Oswego State has scored this year, and the most they have scored since last January when they scored seven on SUNY Cortland.
These two teams haven’t played often, but every game they have played has had a significant impact in Div. III. Last year in the NCAA tournament, Adrian was able to hold off an Oswego comeback and won 5-4 as they advanced to the Frozen Four. Although the Bulldogs eventually lost in the semifinals, they were able to keep the Lakers out of the Frozen Four for the first time in five years.
This matchup will be incredibly impactful for either team’s non-conference resume and a chance at an at-large bid if they don’t win their respective conferences. Adrian currently is no.2 in the NCHA behind the No.1 overall team St. Norbert. Oswego currently trails Potsdam, who they lost to earlier this season and is tied with SUNY Plattsburgh, who they also lost to. The Lakers remain one point ahead of No.7 SUNY Geneseo.
What To Watch For –
Mac Scott returned to the lineup after a long hiatus with an injury. He said that he did not feel there was much of a curve coming back on to the ice and he felt right where he belonged. However, this Laker defense was bailed out by Adrian Ignagni many times and Castleton State could easily have had a few more goals if the puck bounced their way. Scott, an assistant captain on this team, will have to show that he can work with team captain Chris Raguseo on the second line and improve the overall defensive play for this squad, especially against the best-scoring team in the entire country, who made the most of every opportunity they were given yesterday.
Team Stats
Goals Per Game:
Oswego State – 3.33 [29th in Div. III]
Adrian College – 5.00 [1st in Div. III]
Goals Allowed Per Game:
Oswego State – 2.08 [13th in Div. III]
Adrian College – 2.18 [19th in Div. III]
Power Play:
Oswego State – 9 for 40 {22.50%} [18th in Div. III]
Adrian College – 11 for 47 {23.40%} [15th in Div. III]
Penalty Kill:
Oswego State – 38 of 44 {86.4%} [26th in Div. III]
Adrian College – 38 of 43 {88.4%} [14th in Div. III]
Prediction: Adrian wins 4-2
The Bulldogs are too opportunistic to lost to this Laker team who’s achilles heel this year has been giving up big turnovers and allowing teams to take advantage of their mistakes. Unless they can fix that right away, the Bulldogs have a major advantage in this game.
