OFFENSE: B-

The Oswego State men’s ice hockey even strength offense was not as expected. A common theme from this season continued against SUNY Canton. The Lakers have scored less than the average amount the opposing team has scored in all but one game. The Elmira College Soaring Eagles had an average of 3.75 goals allowed, and Oswego State scored four. However, SUNY Canton had an average of 3.67 goals coming into the game against the Lakers, who only scored three.

Oswego State had 32 shots on goal while even strength against the Roos. Goaltender Austin Washkurak was able to stop a majority of the shots, allowing only one even strength goal from junior Cameron Berry. It was his second goal on the season, the first coming from the loss against Hobart College. The Lakers also went 35-69 at the faceoff circle, with Josh Zizek going 12-18.

DEFENSE: B

The Oswego State defense made sure every shot fired at sophomore Cedric Hansen was tested before it hit him. A majority of shots were either deflected, or completely blocked. The Lakers let only 22 shots touch Hansen. Only one goal could be considered the defense’s fault. Freshman Max Novick, who has played all four games for the Lakers, whiffed on a shot while he was stepping up to take the shot. This allowed Tyler Bullard to score a late second period goal on a breakaway opportunity. Hansen wasn’t able to stop the shot, that went over his left shoulder.

Kristoffer Brun was missing from the lineup due to a coach’s decision. He will also be missing next weekend to a NCAA Student-Athlete conference in Washington D.C. This leaves the Lakers with six defensemen next weekend, after the departure of Joey Rutkowski who left the team, as was reported during the week by Oswegonian Editor-in-Chief, Cole Parzych. It will be up to different players to step up as they move on with only six defensemen against Buffalo State and SUNY Fredonia next weekend.

GOALTENDING: B-

Hansen made his second start of the season. He was last on the ice in the 2-1 overtime loss to Hobart College on Oct. 29. He stopped 25 of 27 shots in the loss. Against the Roos, he faced similar conditions, saving 20 shots of 22. Before allowing the breakaway goal, he allowed a tipped-in goal from the short side from Joe Deveny 15:28 into the second period. He made some big saves at the end of the game, as well, when SUNY Canton pulled Washkurak with under a minute to go.

This game could potentially determine the official starter between Hansen and David Richer, who played against Cortland State on Nov. 3 against in the 3-1 victory. Based on recent patterns, Richer will most likely get the starting nod on Nov. 17 against Buffalo State.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A-

The Lakers’ power play was key in the victory against the Roos. With two power play goals, scored by Zizek and AJ D’Orazio, this is where the Lakers were able to put on the pressure against Washkurak. The team had eight shots in six power plays, with one only lasting four seconds due to back-to-back penalties from SUNY Canton. However, Oswego State was not able to take advantage of a 5-on-3 power play in the first period, which hurt the success of the power play.

On the other end, Oswego State went 5-5 on the penalty kill. In the first two power plays, only four shots were allowed. The Lakers almost came away with a short-handed goal as well, late in the game. Jody Sullivan was the one with the opportunity. The penalty kill was able to keep this game as close as it was.