After the Lakers fell to a 2-0 deficit early in the third Oswego State stormed back. They scored back to back goals within less than a minute to tie the game and that’s how it ended. Oswego State won in the shot chart 33-26 but the game ended in a 2-2 tie. A good result for the Lakers, considering the circumstances, to avoid a loss in the first ECAC West game of the year.
The Lakers haven’t won a game this year when allowing the first goal in overall games played, not counting their scrimmage. They only have scored one goal in the first period all year and that was as time expired against the Barrie Junior Sharks in that same scrimmage. It’s a key for Oswego State to get early offensive pressure and play with a lead.
SUNY Cortland has to expect a solid attack all night and will need to fight that off with great goal tending to win this game. Oswego State has more fire power but they haven’t been able to convert on a regular basis just yet. Cortland will need to find a way to get ahead early.
New line combinations and fresh goalies may be happening tomorrow to keep the players rested but as it’s early in the season it may not be a factor. We’ll see come 2 p.m. tomorrow as these two teams play again at the Alumni Arena in Cortland.
Players to Watch
Oswego State: Laura Thacker
She’s been great all year, especially in the defensive end and on the penalty kill. Thacker even has created a few good scoring chances, as well. I see her killing off some big penalties late to give the Lakers confidence and pull away in a tie game. She may not end up on the score sheet but the intangibles she brings could quietly put her on the three stars list at the end of the night.
SUNY Cortland: Kaitlyn Ryan
The center led her team in face offs and shots but didn’t register a point last game. If she plays this well in back to back games she will find the back of the net, its just a matter of time. Her great play will definitely make the Lakers pay close attention to her all game.
Game Prediciton
This one will be a close one. Both teams had late night’s last night and will need to be at the rink bright and early for the two o’clock start. Expect both teams to play good defensive hockey in the first with no goals but in the second both teams exchange goals and head to the third 1-1. It’ll be a good test for both teams to see who can play harder the last twenty minutes. The Lakers score a late one and hold off a furious Red Dragon attack to move to 2-1-1 this year.
Lakers win 2-1
