BUFFALO, N.Y. – Oswego Women's Hockey hit the road this afternoon, heading west to Buffalo where they will face the Buffalo State Bengals in the last two games of their regular season. The Lakers came out with confidence but would struggle to gain offensive possession. Once they settled in to the rhythm of play, Oswego controlled the game at both defensive and offensive ends. Despite not being able to capitalize on their power play opportunities, they were able to put up 2 goals for a 2-0 shutout win on the road.  

THE BASICS  
 
Final Score: Oswego 2 (13-10-1, 11-5-1 SUNYAC), Buffalo 0 (2-21-1, 0-17-0 SUNYAC) 
Location: Buffalo State Ice Arena | Buffalo, N.Y.  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED  

The Lakers came out ready to dominate but had to wait to have some fun on offense as they would have to kill off a holding penalty drawn by Junior starting defenseman Myah Booth at 3:32. After the successful penalty kill, the Lakers began to gain some offensive momentum but would struggle to connect on passing plays. A hook under the arm of Lizzie Burke would award Oswego their first power play of the game at 7: 05. Despite 2 crucial scoring chances, the Lakers did not break through on the power play. A final surge from Rachel Corbett and line mate Ashlyn McGrath would result in a scramble in front of Buffalo's net but would get blown dead before Oswego could capitalize. The first period would close out with the score standing at 0-0. 

Another penalty from Booth would put the Lakers back on the penalty kill for the opening minutes of the 2nd period. Despite being shorthanded Simone Bednarik and Sophia Krykostas tested Buffalo net minder Jessica Auge with a nifty back door play but the game would remain scoreless as the Bengals power play expired. A strong dive, by Junior Tessa Mucha, down the right side of the O-zone would result in an Oswego power play. Although the Lakers did not score on the PP, Freshman Helen Vandamme would put the puck top shelf off a goal line pass from defensive partner Rylee Preston. Improving the score to 1-0 at 8:36. Oswego would continue to dominate but would have a hard time handling and possessing the puck in the neutral and offensive zone. The Lakers would end the second period on a power play and with the score remaining 1-0 in their favor.  

The Lakers opened the final frame of play with some jump, after two slower paced periods, Junior Mack Hull responded Buffalo's breakaway opportunity with the second and final goal of the night for Oswego just 1:22 into the third period. Extending their lead to 2-0 over the Bengals. A miscommunication on the Buffalo State bench resulted in a too-many-women misconduct and another power-play opportunity for the Lakers at the halfway mark of the third period. Both teams would trade offensive zone time and shots on net, but neither could find a way to add to the scoreboard. The Lakers would close out the game with a 2-0 shutout win on the road.  

WHAT'S NEXT  
The Lakers will face off against the Bengals tomorrow Saturday, February 17th at 3:00 PM for the second contest of the two-game series and their final game of the regular season. 

Written By: Matilda Pethrick 

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