The Oswego State women’s hockey team travels to Canton for a Saturday afternoon game against SUNY Canton. Both teams are coming off wins with the Lakers defeating Buffalo State 3-2. The Kangaroos defeated SUNY Potsdam 3-1 on Wednesday. Oswego State has won its last five games in a row, while SUNY Canton has won its last four games in a row. After a Morrisville State loss against Plattsburgh State last night, the Lakers have clinched the No. 2 seed in the NEWHL playoffs and will host Morrisville State next Saturday in the semifinals. 

Keys to the Game

Oswego State

Limiting turnovers will be the key for the Lakers to leave Canton with a win. If Oswego State can consistently pass the puck well and create offensive opportunities for themselves, their win streak should continue.

SUNY Canton

The penalty kill will be the key to SUNY Canton defeating Oswego State today. Against SUNY Potsdam, the Kangaroos killed off four power plays. Oswego State’s power play has been working very well recently and SUNY Canton will need to contain it in order to keep tonight’s game close.

By the Numbers

Record (Conference)

OSW: 14-6-4 (9-4-4)
CAN: 8-15-1 (3-13-1)

Goals (Per Game)

OSW: 66 (2.8)
CAN: 52 (2.2)

Shots (Per Game)

OSW: (31.1)
CAN: (26.5)

Power Play (Percentage)

OSW: 19-93 (.204)
CAN: 10-90 (.111)

Players to Watch

Oswego State: Eryn Stewart

Stewart is coming off of a game where she was able to score a goal for her team. The senior Laker is currently the second leading scorer on the team and has been a key part of the team’s offense all season. Expect that to continue tonight as she will get plenty of ice time and offensive opportunities.

SUNY Canton: Breanna Bedborough

SUNY Canton’s leading scorer is coming off a game she scored a goal against SUNY Potsdam. The last two times her team faced the Lakers she did not register a single point, but with the amount of ice time she will see tonight that could change.

Final Thoughts

SUNY Canton is out of contention for a spot in the NEWHL playoffs which makes them dangerous because they are a team with nothing to lose.Oswego State was able to respond well to a Buffalo State team that is last in the NEWHL standings, so if it plays the same style of hockey as last weekend, there should be no trouble capturing a sixth straight win to close the regular season.

Ben Grieco | The Oswegonian