The Oswego women’s ice hockey team will have their biggest test of the season this weekend as they take on the the number one ranked Plattsburgh Cardinals. This will be a battle of the undefeated as both Plattsburgh and Oswego go into this game with a perfect 5-0-0 record. Both rivals are white hot going into this two game weekend series as it should prove to be a physical, fast paced, and rough battle.

Last Matchup Together

The last time these two teams played Plattsburgh State ended Oswego State season in the ECAC West semifinal as they cruised for a 5-0 victory. Plattsburgh dominated the play that game with the 37 shots on goal they had opposed to the 15 the Lakers had. The Lakers couldn’t generate many offensive chances as it was a rough night. Plattsburgh proved they were the number one team in the nation as they would later win their third straight Division III National Championship Oswego State will for sure want to get some revenge today and show they are not a pushover.

By the Numbers

Some telling stats that Oswego State has so far this season is that they are outshooting their opponents an average of 38 shots on goal a game to 16. Also Oswego State has been scoring an average of 3.7 goals per game as their goals against average is only 1.2 goals per game. Plattsburgh State is in similar territory with their goals per game and goals against per game. They have 3.6 goals per game and give up a stingy 1 goal per game. Both teams have been outright dominating their opponents early on this season. That won’t continue this weekend as it looks to be an even matched and exciting series for these rivals.

Players to watch

Oswego State Lakers- Kendall Appelbaum

If Oswego State is going to have a successful weekend against Plattsburgh they are going to have to continue to great play form Kendall Appelbaum their number one defensemen. She so far has 2 goals and 2 assists for a total of 4 points but a telling stat for her is that she has a plus minus that is plus 7. She creates plays from the back end, as all around she plays a great defensive game that transitions nicely to offense. She will need to be on top of her game this weekend if Oswego State wants to pull off the upset.

Plattsburgh State- Erin Brand

Plattsburgh State’s getting great play out of their number one defenseman as well. Erin Brand is off to a great start this season as she currently has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points so far this season. The senior has proved that she is their number one defenseman with her solid defense play that also transitions into great offense for the Plattsburgh State Cardinals. She also needs to be on top of her game if Plattsburgh State wants to knock off the Lakers.

Game Prediction

I think Oswego State is going to come out play hard and make Plattsburgh have a tough day. I think it will be an evenly played game as both sides will generate offense and play smart defensive hockey in their own end. This will be a fast paced game that will bring the best out of both teams as I expect a great game. I’m going to pick Plattsburgh in this one winning in overtime 3-2. Oswego State will put up a great fight and prove they are for real, but Plattsburgh is number one overall for a reason and until a team shows them otherwise, they will continue to be number one.