Oswego State and Buffalo State meet today to cap off a two-game weekend series. On Friday night, the Lakers bested the Bengals, 2-0. Both goals were notched in the third period.

The story of the game for both teams was in net. Cortland State transfer Rachael Farmer had her first start in the net, recording 26 saves for the Lakers en route to a shutout win. For Buffalo State, Bri Gawronski saw 45 shots and stopped 43 of them.

Both teams were held scoreless until the third period. Eight minutes into the period, Philomena Teggert netted her third goal of the young season. Katelynn Ferguson added her second goal with two minutes left to give the Lakers a 2-0 lead, which would eventually be the final score.

Although Buffalo State played them close early, the Lakers’ depth and veteran leadership showed in the final period. Both teams were in the penalty box quite a bit. Oswego State committed six penalties to Buffalo State’s seven. Both teams will look to get those numbers down in Saturday’s matchup.

By The Numbers

Record (Conference)

OSW: 3-0-0 (1-0-0)

BUF: 2-2-1 (1-2-0)

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 17 (5.7)

BUF: 9 (1.8)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 178 (59.3)

BUF: 122 (24.4)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 2-14 (14.3%)

BUF: 1-24 (4.2%)

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

The Lakers have to get something going on the power play this afternoon. They are a woeful 2-14 this year, converting just 14 percent of the time. Buffalo State has committed 23 penalties this season but has killed off 22 of them. Oswego State will have their opportunities once again Saturday afternoon, and if the team can convert at least one it could be an even better result. Two goals are not usually enough in NEWHL play, and the Lakers need to get something going with the man advantage.

Buffalo State

The key for Buffalo State is to just get something going. The Bengals have only scored 1.8 goals a game this season and were shutout on Friday. Additionally, Buffalo State has averaged 24.4 shots on goal this year. With Oswego State’s goalie play being solid thus far, someone for the Bengals needs to step up. Emma Ruggiero and Lila Toczek have combined for 11 points and will be needed for Buffalo State to have a chance this afternoon.

Players to Watch

OSW: Philomena Taggert

Get used to seeing Taggert’s name in the Lakers’ box score. Taggert had the game-winning goal on Friday, her third time finding the net this season. She has added two assists to add to her five-point season thus far. Saturday represents an opportunity for a four-game point streak to start the year.

BUF: Bri Gawronski

Gawronski has been a huge bright spot for the Bengals this year. She made a career-high 43 saves against the Lakers on Friday. Gawronski has started every game so far for Buffalo State to the tune of a .933 save percentage. Gawronski has stood on her head every game for the Bengals but they have not had the offense to back her up.

Final Thoughts

The Lakers will look to keep the momentum from the third period last night into today’s matinee. Two games in a row are always tough, especially on the road in league play. Setting the tone early will go a long way for the Lakers.

Another piece to watch for the Lakers is who gets the call as starting goaltender. Three out of the four Lakers goalies have gotten a start this year. Both Rachael Farmer and Hannah Lindey led the Lakers to shutout wins, while Cassie Shokar only allowed one goal. Head coach Diane Dillon’s handling of goaltending is once again something to watch this afternoon.

The Lakers have a deeper and more talented roster than Buffalo State this season. The question is, can they get it done two days in a row against a league rival? If the third period is any indication of today’s matchup, the Lakers should be able to capture the weekend sweep. Buffalo State will look to use home ice to its advantage with this weekend being the team’s first games at home. If Oswego State can push early, it could be looking at a 4-0 start to its 2018-2019 campaign.

Photo: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian