Coming off a blowout loss in which the Lakers lost 7-0 they will need some real luck in today’s match-up. Plattsburgh State is No. 1 in the nation for a reason and it showed in yesterday’s tilt.

The Oswego State Lakers were inconsistent yesterday and the Cardinals capitalized with every chance they got. Relentless forecheck and speed was just too much for the Lakers and they were out matched. They weren’t out worked but they were out skilled. For Oswego State to win in today’s game all four lines will need to be gritty and do the little things right if they want a shot at winning.

Goaltending wasn’t the issue for the Lakers last night the defense was just not doing job, something they needed to do in order to win. From Coach Dillon’s post game press conference it sounded like she planned on starting the captain again. Trovato played well but was just left out to dry on multiple occasions.

Plattsburgh State can do no wrong so don’t expect any changes from them except maybe a goalie swap. Oswego State should know this going in and be able to make some changes to help offset the Cardinal attack but it most likely will not be enough.

Players to Watch

Oswego State- Brianna Rice

Rice was pretty much invisible last game. She registered just one shot and it was due to the hard work of Laura Thacker in the corner that got Rice the puck. She is one of the best Laker forwards and wasn’t last night. Her being nonexistent really put the Lakers behind the 8-Ball. Rice will need to be better tonight if the Lakers want a shot.

Plattsburgh State- Melissa Sheeran

Sheeran was the best forward last night and that earned her first star honors.  Her two goals and seven shots helped bury the Lakers. Her ability to make space for herself is what makes her so good. Look for Sheeran to do more of the same tonight.

By the Numbers

Standings

Lakers- 13 points [Fifth Place]

Cardinals- 20 points [Tied for First Place]

Goals Per Game

Lakers- 2.44

Cardinals- 5.47

Power Play

Lakers- 11-56 (19.6%) [No. 15 in Div. III]

Cardinals- 22-67 (32.8%) [No.1 in Div. III]

Penalty Kill

Lakers- 33-39 (84.6%) [No. 29 in Div. III]

Cardinals- 52-54 (96.3%) [No. 1 in Div. III]

Game Prediction

After finally seeing how dangerous the Cardinals are first hand it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Lakers could pull out a win. Stranger things have happened and never count out a team coached by Diane Dillon. Plattsburgh State will win this one again but not by as big of a margin. This game should be closer and the changes the Lakers will make to clean up some defensive miscues should keep the game from getting out of hand.

Cardinals win 5-2