OFFENSE: C

The Oswego State offense was shutout once again in back-to-back games. While they had less “grade-A” opportunities, as head coach Ed Gosek calls them, than last night, the Lakers were still not able to convert on some open net chances, and played too much around the perimeter. The Lakers did provide some good speed throughout the night, especially Mitch Emerson and Cameron Berry, but it was not enough to figure out Jimmy Poreda throughout the sixty minutes. The Lakers produced 35 shots on goal, and had over 60 shot attempts. The breakout was solid tonight, but nothing could help the bleeding the Lakers have seen this past weekend.

DEFENSE: B+

The defense did not have much to deal with in the first period, only allowing two shots on goal to hit David Richer in the first 20 minutes. However, the Lakers were strong throughout the last 40 minutes of the game, despite losing 1-0. Plenty of shots were blocked in the game, and passes were intercepted to start the solid breakouts that the offense saw. Tipping passes was also key, but turnovers caused a headache throughout the game. A neutral zone turnover allowed Plattsburgh State to score their one goal that sealed the game against Oswego State. Physicality was also strong throughout the game.

GOALTENDERS: B

David Richer had a decently solid night. He stopped nine shots, but allowed the 10th shot in the 1-0 loss. The first period was nothing too difficult, just blocking a couple shots is something any goaltender should be able to do. He was by far one of the best penalty killers, especially during the first penalty kill when Cameron Berry was called for cross checking. Richer was aggressive during the third period, but it was not enough after allowing the soft-shot for the one goal the Cardinals tacked on the board. He seemed a little unstable during the middle of the third period, moving around a little too frantically. Richer will need to step up a little more in preparation for the SUNYAC playoffs where teams will produce more shots than just 10.

SPECIAL TEAMS: F

The special teams units once again were unsuccessfully offensively, but were extremely strong on the defensive side. The power play, which went 0-5 in the game against Plattsburgh State, had 14 shots during the game. But was not able to convert on any of them, including a five minute major that overlapped the first and second periods. Many open net shots went wide or high – multiple players whiffed, even. While the momentum was strong for the Lakers, Jimmy Poreda, once again, was strong and could not be solved. The penalty kill killed all three penalties they were faced with tonight. Clearing was well, as well as a strong forecheck. But as hard as it is to score shorthanded, some top chances came from the penalty kill. Special teams could have made a difference, but once again, did not.