Oswego State is set to play its first of three games before the holidays. Tonight, Oswego State faces off against SUNY Cortland. The Lakers are coming off of a 3-1 win against SUNY Potsdam and have won two games in a row. Meanwhile, the Red Dragons are coming off of a 3-0 win against Lebanon Valley College and will look to continue their successes in the NEWHL. They have not lost a game since November 13.

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Keys to the Game

Oswego State

Limiting turnovers will be the key for Oswego State to get a win against SUNY Cortland. In their last meeting with SUNY Cortland, the Lakers turned the puck over way too much, especially in the third period. This was a big reason why the Red Dragons were able to come back from a three-goal deficit to force overtime. If Oswego State can do a better job of controlling the puck and slowing things down for SUNY Cortland, it will have a good chance of winning.

SUNY Cortland

Staying out of the penalty box will be the key for SUNY Cortland to beat Oswego State. Even though the Red Dragons have only allowed three power play goals, the Oswego State power play is starting to come together as a unit and get hot. In the Lakers’ last game against SUNY Potsdam, they were able to net three power-play goals. If the Red Dragons can play very disciplined, they will have a very good chance to leave Oswego with a win. 

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By the Numbers

Record (Conference)

OSW: 5-2-1 (3-2-1) 

COR: 6-1-1 (4-1-1)

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Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 23 (2.9)

COR: 29 (3.6)

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Shots (Per Game)

OSW: 270 (33.8)

COR: 301 (37.6)

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Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 10-40 (.250)
COR: 4-28 (.143)

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Players to Watch

OSW: Morgan Shines

Shines is coming off a game where she contributed one assist in the Lakers win against SUNY Potsdam and will look to continue her offensive production against SUNY Cortland. Shines has been a top-six forward for the Lakers since the season started and has generated numerous scoring opportunities in the offensive zone, with three goals this season. Shines works on the red hot power play and will see significant ice time if the Lakers draw penalties.

COR: Dany Donegan

Donegan has scored a goal in two straight games for the Red Dragons and will look to continue her goal streak against the Lakers. In SUNY Cortland’s previous game against Oswego State, Donegan was not able to find the back of the net. Despite this, she is top-10 in NEWHL scoring. Her nine points is tied for second on the team as well. With two conference points on the line, expect Donegan to be heavily involved in the Red Dragons offensive game plan.

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Final Thoughts
This game should be very close for the full 60 minutes. Expect both teams to come out playing very aggressive from the start, with high energy. With the last meeting between these two teams ending in a tie, both teams will look to score the first goal.

Photo By Casey Stone | The Oswegonian