The Oswego State men’s ice hockey team has made their way into the postseason yet again. The Lakers are seeded at no. 2, right behind Hobart University, who just completed their first regular season in the SUNYAC with a flawless 18-0 in-conference record. 

Oswego closed out its own regular season in commanding fashion, picking up their third straight win over the Bengals last Saturday, 6-1. The Lakers finished with an overall record of 17-6-2 (14-4 SUNYAC) and now, just four days later, Buffalo State is set to make the 145 mile trip to the Deborah F. Stanley Ice Arena once again.

After a short break from the weekend until now, Lakers head coach Ed Gosek mentioned that their outlook into the first round matchup is different.

“You think it would be easier, but it presents a different approach to it,” Gosek said. “The scouting report really changes a little bit from Saturday evening to Wednesday. The way in which we practice, make sure our guys get their touches and keep the right feel out on the ice.”

Gosek has led the Lakers to 11 different NCAA tournament appearances, six frozen fours and one national championship in 2007. He looks to translate that coaching prowess into Wednesday, coming off of yet another winning season.

Individually speaking, Matt McQuade accounted for two of the six total goals against the Bengals. He has been a dynamic X-factor for the Lakers all season with 11 goals and 13 assists.

The senior captain looks to build upon the recent momentum during his last playoff run in the green and gold.

“At the end of the day, it’s just about the next game… that’s all we’re really focused on right now,” McQuade said. “Saturday’s game is behind us, we played well and the right way, but it’s just about building on that and coming into Wednesday with the same type of energy.”

McQuade was also one of six seniors honored during senior day celebrations on Saturday and hopes to carry his leadership into the playoffs.

“I’m hoping to bring some stability there,” McQuade added. “We’ve had three playoff runs every year I’ve been here… I’ve been through it, I know what it takes to win. There’ll be some adversity, but I’m hoping to bring a little bit of confidence for the boys.”

Other seniors celebrated during the festivities included Connor Gatto, Tommy Bannister, Jonathan Balah, Brandon Milberg, Drake Semrad and Brett Fudger. 

Milberg, one of the aforementioned seniors, started his first game since Feb. 6 against the Bengals and put on a tremendous performance. He made 19 saves, his second-highest mark of the regular season and allowed just one goal over 60 minutes between the pipes.

Should Milberg start over Gavin McCarthy or Michael Manzi in the mid-week contest, he has been preparing the right way after an assertive showing just days prior. 

“Staying dialed in practice, doing the right things every day to recover and keep coming together as a group to give our best effort,” Milberg said. 

Milberg holds down a great save percentage of .918, having allowed just 11 goals through seven games. 

The other two goalies bring about a variety of skills to the roster as well. Freshman Michael Manzi has appeared in 16 games and put forth a save percentage of .918, while second-year tender Gavin McCarthy has started all six games he’s played in and holds down a team-best save percentage of .929. 

Other X-factors to look out for include sophomore Colin Vassallo, who has a team-best 14 goals, collecting one of those last Saturday, along with Connor Gatto and Travis Baker, who have combined for 41 points on a total 16 goals and 25 assists. On the defensive side, sophomore Aidan Cooper has a team-high 30 blocks, while Drake Semrad and Brendan Gillmore are also consistently active forces on the opposing team’s offensive zone.

Historically, the Lakers hold a dominant 59-6 advantage over the Bengals, including a playoff record of 5-0-1. 

The Lakers look to ride their momentum into the quarterfinal matchup tonight, which is set for 7 p.m. in front of what should be a packed wheelhouse.