Following their first loss of the season yesterday afternoon, the Lakers take the ice once again against Plattsburgh State today. Oswego State looks to build off a tough loss by taking away some positives from yesterday and applying them to today. The third period especially was a huge positive for the Lakers, where they outshot Plattsburgh State 15-5 but were unable to find the back of the net. This will have to change this afternoon if the Lakers want to compete with No. 2/2 Plattsburgh State.

Last Time Out

Plattsburgh State knocked off Oswego State, 4-0. The Cardinals got two goals in the first period by Kaitlin Drew-Mead and Moe Tsukimoto to jump out in front. The second period was more of the same with Courtney Moriarty notching a power play goal and Annie Katonka netting a late goal to put Plattsburgh State up 4-0. The third period was much closer, with neither team scoring. Seven penalties were called in just the third period alone, but neither team was able to capitalize. Kassi Abbott posted a 22-save shutout for the Cardinals, while Rachael Farmer played the first two periods of the game and Hannah Lindey played the third for the Lakers. Farmer stopped 30 shots but allowed four goals. Lindey came in Farmer’s relief and stopped all five shots she faced. Head coach Diane Dillon did not say which goalie would get the start on Saturday when asked during post-game interviews after Friday’s game.

By The Numbers

RECORD (conference)

OSW: 5-1-1 (3-1-1)

PLA: 7-1-0 (5-0-0)

GOALS (per game)

OSW: 22 (3.1)

PLA: 34 (4.25)

SHOTS (per game)

OSW: 282 (43.3)

PLA: 336 (42.0)

POWER PLAY (percentage)

OSW: 2-27 (7.4%)

PLA: 6-35 (17.1%)

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

Oswego State has to control the puck if it wants to have a chance. So many times yesterday afternoon, the Lakers were content with just dumping the puck and playing completely defensive. With an offense as potent as Plattsburgh State, it is good to give your goalie some extra help. But the Lakers have to get something going on offense and that starts with controlling the puck. The Cardinals dominated yesterday afternoon because of their ability to keep the puck. Oswego State was really only able to get into the offensive zone on the power play.

Plattsburgh State

The Cardinals need to play less sloppy if they want to keep their league shutout streak alive. Several chances were available for Oswego State in the third period yesterday that they were unable to convert on. Plattsburgh State has yet to allow a goal in NEWHL play, but committing six penalties in the third period yesterday was pushing their luck.

Players to Watch

OSW: Emily Gustafson

Gustafson has not seen significant playing time this year but was impressive to watch yesterday. The freshman from Michigan had several offensive zone entries that led to Oswego State shots when she was in the game for the Lakers. The cross-country star’s speed was on display as she was able to beat the Plattsburgh State defense on a number of occasions. If Gustafson’s playing time begins to increase, there are some special plays to be made from her.

PLA: Kassi Abbott

Abbott has started every game this year for the Cardinals, and that should remain the same. On the season Abbott has a .988 save percentage and six shutouts. Five of those shutouts have come in league play, where Abbott is 5-0 and has not allowed a single goal. Plattsburgh State can afford to be more aggressive with someone as solid as Abbott in net.

Final Thoughts

The Lakers need to come out with the same aggression they had in the third period yesterday afternoon. They were able to draw six penalties and were on the cusp of scoring several times. The effort level was clearly there yesterday, but playing back-to-back games against a high-level opponent could take its toll. However, the Lakers have yet to lose a Saturday game this season.

Once again, goaltending is at the forefront of discussion with this Oswego State team. Dillon declined to comment on who will be in net this afternoon but was impressed by the play of freshman Hannah Lindey last night. Rachael Farmer has the experience of playing Plattsburgh State several times in her career, which could land her another start for the Lakers.

Plattsburgh State is still the more experienced of the two teams. However, the Lakers effort level and energy caused major problems at some points last night. If that same effort level is there, the Lakers could notch the first goal against Plattsburgh State in NEWHL play this season. The Cardinals should leave the Marano Campus Center with a win, but Oswego State looks to prove they can hang around with a powerhouse once again.

Photo: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian