Where We Are

The Oswego State Lakers need to get hot going forward to try to start a run at winning the SUNYAC tournament, that seems to be their only chance to make the NCAA tournament. All season the Lakers have searched for consistency but have failed to do so. Sitting at 6-4-1 Oswego State has had trouble stringing together wins. The Red Dragons, on the other hand, have had consistency but not the kind you want. Only winning one SUNYAC game they have had a dreadful season as they sit in eighth place in the conference with a 1-6-2 record.

Looking Back

The last time these two teams faced the Red Dragons walked away with two points because of a 4-2 victory. This was Cortland’s only win of the season in conference play to date and the Lakers are also on the brink of totally falling apart if they lose again tonight.

Head-To-Head

Over the last two years the Lakers were 4-0 vs Cortland. They outscored them 21-11 in those four games and seemed to have owned this team. This year Oswego State came out flat and lost to the Red Dragons in what could be looked at as a turning point early in the season.

Scoring Woes

Oswego State has seen a dip in offensive production this year. Constant line changes from Coach Gosek have just not seemed to work. Last year the Lakers averaged 4.5 goals a game and could outscore any defensive issue they may have encountered in a game. This year, not so much.  Oswego State only scores 2.9 goals a game which is less than what Cortland scores at 3.11 goals a game, on average.

The First 40

The first period of any hockey game is huge but in the Lakers’ case the first two periods are really the key. Oswego State has yet to win a game after trailing after the 40 minute mark. Cortland is 1-4-0 and Oswego State sits at 0-5-o when down after the first two periods so whoever can hold a lead going into the final stanza will more than likely go on to win.

New Spot

Connor Boyd, the freshman forward will be slotted in at defense tonight playing alongside Alex D’Oliveira. This is his first time playing on the other side of the puck all year so it will be interesting how many minutes he gets. D’Oliveira will also be playing tonight. He hasn’t played since the Lakers 3-1 loss to the Nazareth College Golden Flyers on January 9.

Getting Iggy With It

Adrian Ignagni will start in net for the Lakers tonight. Coach Gosek wasn’t that happy with Zawadzki’s performance last game despite him not getting much support. Ignagni played well when he was given time but he couldn’t hold the starting spot. His aggressive style allows him to cut down shooters’ angles and that leads to his success. The Red Dragons have not yet announced their starting goalie. Keep updated with my Twitter account for official word on who starts when the game approaches.

Black and Blue

Despite allowing a goal on the penalty kill last game the Lakers’ PK looked solid against SUNY Geneseo. They blocked numerous shots and that limited shooting lanes for the Knights and their outside shooters on their  power play set up. Kenny Neil’s hard work is what makes the man down unit a success.

Tough As Nails

Mitch Herlihey will play tonight after missing the remainder of last game after blocking a shot in the foot. He sustained a similar injury back in the Utica College Thanksgiving Showcase Tournament against St. Johns. He was seen during the game on crutches with ice around his left foot. The team doctor said it doesn’t appear to be broken and it is unusual for a fracture because of direct impact. He will play tonight on the top line.

Lakers Point Leaders

Kenny Neil: 16 points (11 G, 5 A)

Shawn Hulshof: 16 points (8 G, 8 A)

Matt Galati: 15 points (2 G, 13 A)

Red Dragon Points Leaders

Darren McCormick: 22 points (9 G, 13 A)

Dan Broderick: 16 points (7 G, 9 A)

Sam Pinsler: 14 points (5 G, 9 A)

Laker Goaltending Leaders

Matt Zawadzki: 4-4-2, 2.18 GAA, .919 Save %

Adrian Ignagni: 5-2-0, 2.06 GAA, .918 Save %

Red Dragon Goaltending Leaders

Drew Weigman: 7-6-2, 3.23 GAA, .913 Save %

Kollyn Jones: 0-2-1, 3.16 GAA, .902 Save %

Game Prediction

The Lakers need a win and will get it tonight. Oswego State can’t lose any points in the standings, especially to teams below the. Consistent quality play and better puck management will be keys for the Lakers tonight. I see them doing both those things and will be walking away with the two points.

Lakers win 3-1.