The Oswego State Lakers took on the College at Brockport for the third time this season in the first round of the SUNYAC Playoffs. Oswego State came out fast and never let up. The Golden Eagles fell after they allowed eight goals in the last two periods. This helped propel the Lakers to the semifinal.
This was one of the most complete efforts of the season and the struggles from the regular season are starting to fade away. After out shooting the Golden Eagles by 28, it is clear that the Lakers were the better team tonight.
“I think we had a very sub par season,” Kenny Neil said after his two goal night. “We all knew we weren’t very good and this is starting fresh, and I thought everyone played awesome tonight.”
The first period ended in a zero zero tie despite the Lakers piling it on and playing great defensively. That all changed in the middle frame as Oswego State put up three goals before the 40 minute mark.
Joey Davies was slotted in on the fourth line tonight after a lengthy stint out of the lineup due to injury. His line was on the ice to open the scoring. A hard working shift down low ended up in the back of the net for the Lakers as David Ferreira buried his wrap around chance. This was the story all night for fourth line, and the Lakers overall.
“Ferreira on the wrap around got us going,” coach Gosek said. “[Davies] certainly isn’t in game shape at this point, but he’s a smart player and understands the defensive responsibilities. And honestly, that’s what you’re looking for out of that line.”
“Our line just has to keep doing that and we’re going to have success and create opportunities for ourselves,” Davies said.
Going to the middle frame the Lakers seemed to have an extra step, even more so than the first. The Ferreira goal was the start of all that.
“I think the locker room was all talking and we all just said ‘bear down’,” Cameron Berry said. “We know how good we can be and we should be good enough. We just came out and did everything right… It’s so nice that we are peaking at the right time.”
After the offensive explosion in the the second, the Lakers upped their goal total from the second period in the third. With five goals from all over the top of the lineup, Oswego State could be officially listed as hot.
“I think we are being more patient with the puck,” Gosek said. “We’re not forcing things and honestly pucks are starting to fall. They started to fall last Saturday, they are starting to fall now.”
The offense wasn’t the only story tonight. The defense was active and shut down the hot Brockport offense all night. The Golden Eagles turned the puck over too much tonight to be consistent offensively, it was because of the solid D core of the Lakers and the forwards playing good two-way hockey.
“We talked about, we don’t like to use the word stepping up, but closing the gap, forcing them to get pucks in,” Gosek said. “We were much better in those areas and you can’t do that unless you have forwards that are coming back hard.”
Matt Zawadzki posted his fifth shutout of the year while making 20 saves. He made some key stops early and the Laker defense allowed even less solid opportunities in the final two periods. This gives him the top total in the nation and he is now also tied for the most shutouts in Oswego State history with Andrew Hare, who has 11.
My Three Stars
3- Matt Galati
The junior continued his goal scoring streak after putting up two more tonight. With six goals in his last seven games he is now tied for fourth on the team in goals. His play tonight was solid on both ends. If he can keep up this impressive run the Lakers are in good hands.
2- Shawn Hulshof
Hulshof put up one goal and two assists in tonight’s blowout. His play was also good on both ends, but really, who wasn’t good on both ends? The Second Team All SUNYAC member finished with a +3 rating and put up four shots as well.
1- Kenny Neil
The Real Deal was impressive tonight once again. He amassed nine shots, two that went in, and also put up an assist. He looked good on the penalty kill once again and was just so good at moving through the neutral zone.
Biggest Moment
A big shot block from Chris Raguseo really showed how active the defense was tonight. They were constantly stopping the Golden Eagles from entering the zone with good back checking and the defense keeping their gaps, not allowing players to cut to the middle. There was really only one chance where a Golden Eagle was able to create a solid chance in the slot and it was after an early Alex D’Oliveira turnover behind the net.
Energy
The energy from the Lakers tonight was top notch. They fed off the crowd and didn’t disappoint. It was a really good sign that they were able to keep piling it on and didn’t let Brockport climb back into the game. This new found energy needs to continue into the next round.
Best Quote
The game of hockey is more fun when you are winning and this Oswego State team is starting to play better, and have a lot more fun.
This one’s from Coach Gosek.
“Sunday here in the training room, Monday’s practice, it’s the first time in months were they wanted to be here. They were excited to be here and it’s contagious.”
With this recent success of quality the games the Lakers are confident and ready for more playoff hockey.
Injury Update
Both Mac Scott and Adrian Ignagni were missing from the lineup tonight again. No real timetables were set up and Gosek didn’t sound too optimistic for either returning real soon. He was hopeful, but it didn’t sound too promising.
Up Next
The Lakers will be moving onto the semifinals of the SUNYAC Playoffs. They have never missed that round of the playoffs and they continued that streak today. SUNY Potsdam lost to SUNY Geneseo today so the Lakers, will indeed, face the Cardinals. After two overtime losses this year to the Cardinals, Oswego State is hungry to finally break through. The playoffs are a new season and both teams know that.
The Lakers will take on the Cardinals this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Plattsburgh. The rivalry continues this weekend.
