Oswego State continues their four-game road trip this weekend, as it will travel to Plattsburgh State to face the Cardinals who are the defending Div. III National Champions. Oswego State is off to a 2-0 start this season, after defeating Castleton University twice last weekend. 

The last time Oswego State faced Plattsburgh State, the Lakers suffered a 7-1 loss in the NEWHL semifinals. Plattsburgh State is off to a 3-0 start, allowing one goal so far. The Cardinals will look to continue their good play against an Oswego State team who they have always been able to beat in a dominating fashion for the past decade. 

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

Staying out of the penalty box will be the key for Oswego State this weekend. When speaking to head coach Diane Dillon this week, she stressed that the team cannot give Plattsburgh State any advantages whatsoever, especially against a team that has a very strong powerplay. Against Castleton University, the Lakers found themselves in the penalty box a total of 17 times in only two games. If Oswego State can play a disciplined style of hockey this weekend, it should be able to skate with Plattsburgh State.

Plattsburgh State

Limiting turnovers will be the key for Plattsburgh State against the Lakers. Oswego State’s defensive core has been very strong this season and has done a good job of limiting opposing teams time in their offensive zone. To avoid this, the Cardinals will need to focus on their puck movement while making quick and simple passes. If Plattsburgh State can accomplish this, it should have no issue of finding offensive opportunities against Oswego State. 

By The Numbers

Record

OSW: 2-0

PLA: 3-0 

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 8 (4.0)

PLA: 16 (5.3)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 83 (41.5)

PLA: 121 (40.3)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 3-12 (.250)

PLA: 3-17 (.176)

Players to Watch

OSW: Eryn Stewart
On their trip to Castleton University, Stewart was able to tally one goal and three assists in two games. The senior forward seems to be developing a good connection with freshman Megan Teachout. Senior leadership will be critical for the Lakers this weekend, and Stewart will provide that for the offense.

PLA: Annie Katonka
Plattsburgh State’s leading goal scorer last year has already added more goals to her name this year by scoring two goals so far. History shows that Plattsburgh State typically has high scoring games against Oswego State, and if that is the case for this weekend, then expect Katonka to be right in the middle of the action.

Final Thoughts

Plattsburgh State should be heavily favored this weekend against Oswego State. That is not saying Oswego State does not have a good team, but the fact that the Cardinals went undefeated at home all year last season should give them a huge advantage. In two full seasons of NEWHL play, the Cardinals have not lost a game with a record of 31-0-1.

We will see how the addition of associate head coach Mark Digby helps the Lakers against Plattsburgh State and if the power play will take advantage of any offensive opportunity against the Cardinals. This could be one of the Lakers most difficult tasks this season.

Photo by Nicole Hube | The Oswegonian