Oswego State heads to Clinton, New York, for a game against Hamilton College on Friday night. The two teams have faced each other each of the last six years. In those six games, Hamilton has won four. Last year, Hamilton College defeated Oswego State 3-0 at the Marano Campus Center. The Continentals have gotten the best of the Lakers each of their last three meetings.

The game kicks off a tough travel schedule for the Lakers. After tonight, they will travel to Amherst, Massachusetts, to take on Amherst College on Saturday afternoon. Both represent non-league games for the Lakers before heading into a month-long break.

Last Time Out

Oswego State

The Lakers dropped the second of a two-game series to Plattsburgh State. They were outscored 10-1 on the weekend. The Lakers got the early edge on a goal by Annika Neufeld-Kreider, but were then met with six unanswered Cardinal goals. Hannah Lindey started in net and was eventually replaced in the third period by fellow freshman Cassie Shokar. Oswego State now sits at 5-2-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the NEWHL

Hamilton College

The Continentals defeated SUNY Potsdam in overtime to extend their win streak to three games. Missy Segall was able to find the back of the net just 37 seconds into the overtime period to lead Hamilton College to victory. Freshman Sidney Molnar only had to make 11 saves en route to her first career victory. Hamilton College is now 5-2-0 on the year and 3-1-0 in NESCAC play.

By The Numbers

Record (Conference)

OSW: 5-2-1 (3-2-1)

HAM: 5-2-0 (3-1-0)

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 23 (2.9)

HAM: 19 (2.71)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 292 (36.5)

HAM: 215 (30.7)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 2-31 (6.5%)

HAM: 8-19 (42.1%)

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

The Lakers have to keep up a solid penalty kill unit. They have killed 84.2 percent of power plays this year, but struggled last weekend against Plattsburgh State. Hamilton College represents another tough power play unit. The Continentals have converted 42.1 percent of power plays this year. That is by far the highest conversion rate the Lakers have played this year. Oswego State will have to return to its solid penalty kill to be in a position to win this game.

Hamilton College

The key for Hamilton College is staying disciplined. The Continentals are committing an average of 4.3 penalty minutes per game. In comparison, Oswego State averages 10.5 penalty minutes per contest. If Hamilton College can keep the Lakers off the power play, that gives them the best chance to succeed. The Continentals do not blow you away on offense, but their defense has been incredible.

Players to Watch

OSW: Annika Neufeld-Kreider

Neufeld-Kreider scored the lone goal for Oswego State last weekend. She also has tallied three goals on the young season. The freshman has a knack for getting the puck in a good position for a breakaway opportunity. Against a defense that does not give up much, Neufeld-Kreider could be the difference maker for the Lakers.

HAM: Taegen Blackwell

Blackwell is not going to put up big numbers in the scoring column, but she is the senior anchor for the Continentals on defense. She does have four assists on the year but her real value lies in protecting the net. Hamilton only allowed 11 shots on goal against SUNY Potsdam last game and much of that is because Blackwell and that Continental defense does not allow much of anything in their zone.

Final Thoughts

One streak has to end tonight. Hamilton College enters play on a three-game win streak. On the other side, Oswego State has dropped two straight. Something has to give in Clinton on Friday night.

Both teams feature defense first philosophies. Oswego State seemed content with just dumping the puck against Plattsburgh State last weekend. Hamilton College held SUNY Potsdam to 11 shots while firing 53 of their own. And yet, Hamilton College was only able to score two goals with one coming in the overtime period. Whichever offense finally shows up tonight will come away with the win. Expect a very low scoring game.

Photo: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian