Lakers unable to replicate opening night success against St. Norbert

Confidence was high for Oswego State heading into the second game against the No. 4 St. Norbert Green Knights, but Oswego was unable to duplicate Friday’s effort, dropping the game 4-1.

Riding high off the 5-4 win the night before, the Lakers tried to put together yet another statement performance, but fell well short of the mark as they struggled to get anything going offensively while St. Norbert made shots with ease.

From the opening faceoff, St. Norbert tried to continue the offensive frenzy that both teams displayed the night before, putting six shots on goal within the first 3:32. The Green Knights kept the pressure on as Oswego spent 10 minutes shorthanded, collecting five penalties in the first period alone. 

The penalties finally caught up with the Lakers as Gustav Portillo buried a one-timer from the right wing with 29 seconds remaining in the first period during a five-on-four advantage.

The shots kept coming from St. Norbert heading into the second period, as Michael Manzi had already faced 20 shots on goal just five minutes into the period.

The Green Knights’ onslaught started when both Logan Dombrowsky and Ben Ulve made quick moves to beat Michael Manzi, giving St. Norbert the 3-0 lead heading into the third period.

The third period didn’t start any better for the Lakers, as they picked up two quick penalties. The second proved costly, as Portillo was able to snipe his second goal of the night on the power play.

Across the two games in Wisconsin, the Lakers were handed down 10 minor penalties. Oswego State interim head coach Jon Whitelaw showed frustration after the game, calling out his team’s undisciplined play.

“We can’t keep taking six, seven, eight penalties a game,” Whitelaw said. “It’s not a winning formula, and we need to play a more disciplined version of hockey, a better version that I know we’re capable of.”

The Lakers wouldn’t go home empty-handed, however, as they picked up a power-play goal of their own thanks to the diving effort of junior Colin Vassallo, who scored his third goal of the season.

The Lakers will look to shake this one off quickly and bounce back at home as they face off against the No. 11 Geneseo Knights at the Deborah F. Stanley Arena on Nov. 6 at 7  p.m.