No. 3/4 Oswego State was handed their first conference loss of the season tonight with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of SUNY Potsdam, which is a disappointment considering how far they were able to take their undefeated SUNYAC record. But, having already locked up the conferences top seed and home ice throughout the playoffs, this is not as devastating as it appears to be. Especially when considering that SUNY Potsdam came into the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena desperate for a win, not much was going to stop them. Despite this, the Lakers will definitely not be happy getting shut out tonight on home ice against an opponent they had already blown out by a score of 7-1 this season. Oswego State could possibly be guilty of overlooking tonight’s game for tomorrow’s showdown with archrival Plattsburgh State, but that will not be a welcome excuse. With that said, let’s take a look at where things went wrong and hand out some grades for the Oswego State men’s hockey team.

Offense: C+

SUNY Potsdam goaltender Brendan McMenimen played the game of his life tonight, posting a 42 save shut out. Other than the first ten minutes of the game, the Lakers offense played very well tonight. Many of the Oswego State ‘Grade A’ chances came on special teams tonight, but they did dominate possession during even strength play. They were not able to capitalize as much as they would have liked to, but they did just about everything right tonight while playing at even strength. There were some positives tonight for the Lakers, but they did not show on the scoresheet. In his two seasons at Oswego State, Jody Sullivan has bounced around the lineup looking for a niche on the team.

He has found one flanking center Trent Durocher on the Lakers fourth line. The sophomore forward showed a lot of grit tonight, using his size in the neutral zone to possess the puck in the neutral zone. Even though there were not many glaring issues up front, it is hard to find many bright spots for this offense that has put up 3.9 goals per game this season. Getting snakebit just before the playoffs is never a good thing.

Defense- B-

Tyler Currie stood out among Oswego State defensemen tonight with an exceptional performance in neutral zone play.

The one thing all six of the Laker defenders did well tonight is controlling possession, especially in the defensive zone. The sustained possession led to a significant 42-20 shot advantage for Oswego State, which is a battle that every hockey team looks to win heading into a game. Sophomore Charlie Pelnik had one of the best games of his Oswego State career tonight, with the most consistent 60 minute performance he has had this entire season. Holding the blueline, responsibly getting involved in the team’s offense and sound positioning in the defensive zone are all qualities that the Laker coaching staff would love to see out of Pelnik. If he can stay consistent, he will be a major weapon for Oswego State moving forward.

Goaltending- A-

The typically spectacular David Richer did not look like himself early in tonight’s contest, appearing to be unsure at times while tracking the puck. Though the redshirt sophomore was able to get back on track and be his usual composed self at the tail end of the first period, it was obvious something was a little off tonight. And though this was seen through the entire team, small mistakes are always more noticeable when they happen in the crease. Richer made a spectacular glove save on a breakaway chance from Ben Mariano late in the third period, which was a sign that the first goal was a fluke. Richer has been one of the nation’s best goaltenders for the entirety of the 2017-18 season, and one rough ten minute stretch in a game that meant nothing for Oswego State outside of trying not to develop bad habits does not change that.

Special Teams: F

The Lakers used AJ D’Orazio on the point a little bit while the second man advantage until was on the ice tonight, which is an interesting call by the Oswego State coaching staff. The freshman forward brings a lot of speed to the ice and though he possesses the ability to put the puck in the net, he is more equipped to be more effective down low. Since the first Oswego State power play came after the Bears scored first, Gosek could have put D’Orazio on the point so they could have someone chase down a SUNY Potsdam forward if one was able to break free. On the power play, the Lakers attack looked pretty stagnant tonight, showing shades of the team they were early in the season tonight. The Lakers five on three in the second period was a microcosm of the last 50 minutes of tonight’s contest. Complete domination by Oswego State, but just unable to capitalize. Toward the end of the two man advantage, Mitch Herlihey had a wide open net on a backdoor opportunity from linemate Josh Zizek, and shot it into the back of McMenimen’s leg. These types of of unlucky bounces have not happened in months for Oswego State, who have been a buzz saw for opponents since early November. Though tonight was an outlier from the norm, going 0 for 6 tonight and scoreless in their last 11 power play chances is definitely a storyline to follow as the season nears its conclusion.

Coaching- B
Despite the embarrassing loss, give Ed Gosek, Mark Digby, Jon Whitelaw and Mike Gray a ton of credit for the way their team played early tonight. Coming out against a SUNY Potsdam team who has their backs against the wall for a playoff spot and falling by only one goal is very impressive, even on home ice. Though they will definitely be upset with being handed a loss in front of their fans by a team who might be back here next weekend depending on how things play out tomorrow night, maybe taking a loss in the conference will be a wake up call and alleviate some pressure heading into Whiteout and into the playoffs. Tomorrow night will be more telling of the coaching staffs ability, as their team will be playing a Plattsburgh State team who needs a win and having to weather the intense atmosphere of the annual Whiteout game.