Plattsburg, N.Y. - The Lakers traveled in the cold to Plattsburgh, New York on Friday to take on the Cardinals of SUNY Plattsburgh. Although frigid temperatures outside and on the ice, Oswego Men's hockey looks to turn up the heat as playoffs are right around the corner. 
 
THE BASICS 
Oswego 5 (11-6-3, 7-2-1 SUNYAC)
Plattsburgh 3 (10-9-1, 4-5-0 SUNYAC)
Location: Robert B. Stafford Ice Arena | Plattsburgh N.Y. 


HOW IT HAPPENED 
Being rivals, and Plattsburgh losing their last meeting with Oswego, they wanted to come out fast and strike first. Michael Urgo within the first 3 minutes was in the sin bin for tripping and Plattsburgh had their first power play of the night. They wasted no time as on their second shot of the 4-on-5, Tyler Ramm of the Cardinals ripped one past netminder, Brandon Milberg. The Cardinals were up early, just as they wanted. Oswego had a power play of their own with around 7 minutes left and although 3 shots, the Lakers could not capitalize. Shortly after, Plattsburg had another power play opportunity. They say history repeats itself and Plattsburgh proved this as on their second power play of the night they picked up their second goal. Shane Bondy gets it to go and Patrick Cole as well as Jake Sacratini gets credit for the assist. The Cardinals go into the locker room with high spirits being up 2-0 after 1. 

The locker room speech from Ed Gosek brought the energy because in the first 15 minutes of the second period, Plattsburg had 5 power plays. They converted on zero of these after all. At 13:12, Junior Matt McQuade had something to say about the 2-score deficit as he found the back of the net and lessened the Cardinals lead to just one. After killing a couple power plays the Oswego state Lakers were right back on offense as the Lakers scored once again towards the end of the second period. Brandon Cohen squared it all up with his 11th goal of the season. Freshman Jesse Horacek and Nico Paone assisted this one. Oswego battled back and 2-2 was the score going into the last intermission. 2 goals for the Cardinals in the first, 2 for the Lakers in the second. At this point, everyone watching knew this was going to be a nailbiter. 

With a knot in the score 2-2 entering the final period the last thing you want to do if your Oswego is a quick penalty. Nico Paone picked one up for slashing early in the 3rd. The Cardinals absolutely had to capitalize on this power play. Capitalize, they did as Tyler Ramm scored his second goal of the game and Plattsburgh was right back on top…for now. 2 minutes later Daniel Colabufo said, "not so fast", and found the net. Back and forth contests are always good ones and this was just that. Oswego had fire coming out of their sticks as right away they went right again for the net, and it was Brandon Cohen at even strength to take the one goal lead. Shots were flying for both squads, Plattsburgh trying to tie it back up and Oswego trying to get some insurance. Matt McQuade got another shot to go and Lakers were all the sudden up 2 midway through the 3rd. Although 16 shots by the Cardinals, none went through goalkeeper Brandon Milberg. Oswego prevailed and picked up the win 5-3. 
 
WHATS NEXT 
The Lakers have a long week to recoup as they take on the Fredonia Blue Devils under the Friday night lights in 6 days. Puck will be dropped at 7:00pm.
 
Written by Luke Belanger