Another Heartbreak

Oswego State was in last night’s game but fell in overtime, yet again, to SUNY Plattsburgh. The script seems all too familiar after what happened earlier in the year. Tonight is a new game and the Lakers need to forget about last night’s shocking loss. If the team is not fully into this game after that loss it will be another long night, just like the last time these two teams faced each other.

North Country Battle

The battle of the North continues tonight and it couldn’t be a bigger game. These two teams are separated by just one point; with the Lakers having one more game played, it is imperative for them to get a win. It is definitely possible, the Bears are struggling somewhat as of late and the Lakers are improving their game each time out. Potsdam tied the same Cortland team, that the Lakers easily handled, just last night. Tonight will be a real measuring stick on the SUNYAC tournament.

Strengths 

Last night the Lakers were good on the penalty kill as they went five for five, including two big kills late in the third and one in overtime. This was something they couldn’t not be perfect on because the Plattsburgh power play is deadly. The Lakers took penalties like they normally do but were excellent killing them off. That needs to continue tonight, no goals can be given away. The Lakers aren’t capable of outscoring their problems like in years past.

Weaknesses

Winning faceoffs is one of the biggest part of hockey and that was something Oswego State didn’t do so well last night. It was a key to victory but they couldn’t complete the task. The Lakers won 17 less draws and were scrambling all game. This needs to be corrected tonight if the Lakers want a win. The faceoff battle could mean the game tonight.

Puck management is something every coach stresses and the Lakers have been improving that, except for late in overtime last night. Whichever team can limit their turnovers and make smart decisions will have a huge advantage in this game. SUNY Potsdam is a big, physical team so the Lakers need to use their speed to put the Bears on their heels and create turnovers.

Line Up Card

Andrew Barton was missing from the Laker lineup last night and will miss his second straight game. It is unclear as to why he is missing but, he is rumored to be injured. The center depth is being tested now with Barton out. David Ferreira is the first line center and TJ Sneath will try his hand centering the fourth line.

This One Could Get Ugly

The Lakers have had trouble staying out of the box this year and it has hurt them at times. The Bears are a big team that plays a gritty game so this one could get real interesting quickly if the players land some big hits early. Oswego State needs to be disciplined but play aggressive and keep up with the Bears.

Players to Watch

Lakers- Shawn Hulshof

Hulshof scored last night and has been one of the most reliable players for this under performing club. He always seems to be able to contribute and put his stamp on the game. Hulshof has a hat-trick recently and is on a real tear offensively. He is also one of the bigger Lakers and he will need to use his size to help Oswego State tonight.

Bears- Todd Thomas

Thomas scored twice against the Lakers last time these two teams met. He is third on the team in goals and helps pace this Bears offense. The captain is a great example of how this team plays. He is gritty and can find the back of the net, a good two way forward. He should be able to get on the score sheet tonight.

By the Numbers

Standings

Lakers- 15 points [Third Place]

Bears- 14 points [Fourth Place]

Goals Per Game

Lakers- 2.90

Bears- 3.05

Power Play

Lakers- 13-69 (18.8%) [No. 30 in Div. III]

Bears- 16-75 (21.3%) [No. 24 in Div. III]

Penalty Kill

Lakers- 65-77 (84.4%) [No. 31 in Div. III]

Bears- 71-92 (77.2%) [No. 64 in Div. III]

Game Prediction 

The Lakers need revenge from the last loss to this team and last night’s devastating defeat. The Bears have some real good scorers like Dylan Vander Esch that can put the puck in the net but the Lakers have players like Kenny Neil. These two teams are right in the same ballpark right now and are battling for a home playoff game. This one will come down to the wire again. The team who stays out of the box tonight should be able to walk away with two points.The Bears will continue their SUNYAC losing streak, dating back to Nov. 14 when they beat the Lakers, in tonight’s game.

Lakers win 4-2