After a dreadful weekend where the Oswego State Lakers where beat twice with a combined score of 12-0 they take to the road to face off against the improving Buffalo State Bengals. The Lakers are still without a goal since the long break in ECAC West games and slowly approaching desperate times. This will all need to change in today’s game.
Buffalo State reached the 12 win plateau for the first time in their history this year and are looking to knock off a typical ECAC West powerhouse in the Lakers. The Bengals started off the season with a 6-0 record and to this day only have four losses. They currently it in fourth place with 14 points, one more than Oswego State. They also have two games in hand.
For the Lakers this game is huge. A loss puts them 5-5-3 in conference play this year. If that happens they could be looking at a six seed come playoff time. A five seed seems like the most probably outcome. Right now these Lakers are in serious trouble and if they don’t improve they will be on the quick path to the off season.
Buffalo State has some serious goal scoring threats in their forward group. They have eight forwards with double digit points, the Lakers have four so you can see pretty easily that scoring goals is getting tougher and tougher for the Lakers. The Bengals could bury Oswego State if the goaltending doesn’t hold up.
Speaking of goaltening, it is totally up in the air as to who is going to play for the Lakers. Neither looked particularly good last weekend so it wouldn’t shock me if Coach Dillon went with Mikaela Ditonto at this point.
Players to Watch
Oswego State- Alyssa Brockmann
This is one Laker that hasn’t faltered in this bad stretch. She had a -3 rating this past weekend against Plattsburgh, which isn’t too bad considering they let up 12 goals total, 10 at even strength. Brockamann won’t put the puck in the net but plays solid in front. The junior only has 10 career points but is relied on heavily to play some big minutes. Her and Alli Ullrich are two bright spots on this Laker defense that was borderline awful last weekend.
Buffalo State- Erin Gehen
The sophomore sniper has helped lead this Bengal team to success. Her 14 goals on the year and six in conference play is good enough to put her at the 11 spot in the conference goal scoring ranking. The top ten is littered with Plattsburgh players so it is really impressive for her name to be up there. Look for her to score at least once tonight.
By the Numbers
Standings
Lakers- 13 points [Fifth Place]
Bengals- 14 points [Fourth Place]
Goals Per Game
Lakers- 2.29
Bengals- 3.29
Power Play
Lakers- 11-58 (19.0%) [No. 17 in Div. III]
Bengals- 16-86 (18.6%) [No. 20 in Div. III]
Penalty Kill
Lakers- 35-41 (85.4%) [No. 26 in Div. III]
Bengals- 69-82 (84.1%) [No. 33 in Div. III]
Game Prediction
With the awful performance last weekend in the rear view the Lakers need a rebound. However, I just don’t see it. Buffalo State is one of the hottest teams in the ECAC West it will be tough for Oswego State to pull this out. Justine Silva, who will most likely get the start for Buffalo State tonight is having a great year, allowing less than two goals a game. Since the Lakers seemed to have lost all scoring touch in conference play it will be another slow night for the Oswego State forwards.
Bengals win 3-0
