The Final Four

The Oswego State Lakers now enter their final stretch of games. With just four ECAC West games remaining they need to get back on track and have some kind of momentum going into playoffs. It looks pretty obvious that the Lakers will reach the postseason, and likely as the No. 5 seed. That’s not terrible considering Oswego State is on an 0-5-1 run in conference games. It’s not too late to turn it around just yet and try to catch fire in the playoffs. That just doesn’t happen overnight though, the Lakers need to play better

Fresh Matchup

The Lakers just started playing the Herons last year and swept the season series. This has to be a good sign for Oswego State. The second year of this William Smith team is going in the right direction. They already surpassed their win total of five last year with nine this season and are on a three game overall win streak, with one win over Buffalo State. This could be the making of a fresh new rivalry in the ECAC West very soon.

Third Period Struggles

The final frame was once owned by the Lakers. Anytime a game was close you assumed that someone on that bench would get the job done. Oswego State still has a +9 goal differential in the last 20 to its name but since the break the third period hasn’t gone the same. The Lakers have been in games but collapsed late and couldn’t pull out the win on more than one occasion. They hold a -8 goal differential since the start of the second half and that is one big reason for this derailment. The third period needs to be better today.

Scoring Troubles

Both teams in this game have struggled to find twine. The Herons are scoring less than two goals a game in conference play and the Lakers have only scored one goal in conference play since returning to the ice. This game is shaping up to be a defensive struggle, which is perfect for Coach Dillon and the Lakers.

Between the Pipes

Again, the constant goalie carousel continues in Oswego but that isn’t necessarily a bad a thing. I’ve talked to Tori Trovato numerous times and she seems okay with the situation and it all makes sense. This causes competition between the goalies and with the types of competitors these ladies are it works well. It may be tough at times for the defense knowing they have a different goalie behind you each game but once you get going it all fades away. Defenseman tend to have favorites on who they want in net, the same goes for goalies on who they want on the ice, but the bottom line is that each goalie you throw into the fire gives the Lakers are a chance to win the contest.

The Herons look to be starting Maggie Salmon. She has appeared in just over 60 percent of games this year and despite her losing record she has posted decent numbers. Her GAA isn’t envied by many but her save percentage isn’t the worst. She appears to give the Herons the best shot to win so it makes sense to start her.

Players to Watch

Lakers- Erika Truschke

The junior was the Lakers best faceoff man last game, winning five out of nine draws. Her play has been improving on the defensive side of the puck lately but her offensive production is down. She hasn’t found the scoresheet all year after 10 points last season. This low scoring game that is coming up could result in her finding her way back to the goal column. Hockey just has a funny way of working out.

Herons- Kiley Fewster

Fewster is on a two game point streak after last game, her second streak of the season. She is also tied for second on the team in goals with four, so the scarce offense from the Herons goes through her at times. The Lakers won’t have many scoring threats to deal with tonight but Fewster is one that might slip under the radar.

By the Numbers

Standings

Lakers- 13 points [Fifth Place]

Herons- 6 points [Seventh Place]

Goals Per Game

Lakers- 2.11

Herons- 2.00

Power Play

Lakers- 11-67 (16.4%) [No. 25 in Div. III]

Herons- 10-71 (14.1%) [No. 32 in Div. III]

Penalty Kill

Lakers- 39-46 (84.8%) [No. 28 in Div. III]

Herons- 57-72 (79.2%) [No. 51 in Div. III]

Game Prediction 

The losing streak ends here! The Lakers matchup well with this team and are clearly better on special teams, as well. I just don’t see how Oswego State could drop this one. The Lakers just need to limit the turnovers and the offensive will naturally lead off of that. It’s evident Coach Dillon and the rest of the team are fed up with losing. The final stretch starts now and it needs to be mistake free.

Lakers win 2-1