@ Lake Superior State (1/3-4)

[mbenecke]

Fresh off the RIT sweep and riding a 3 game win streak, our Falcons (8-7-2) next head up to Sault Ste. Marie, MI to take on the Lake Superior State Lakers (8-9-1) in what could turn into a key matchup when it comes to CCHA Playoff home ice. They sit 4th in the standings, and we’re 5th, so this would be a playoff matchup if the season ended today, and we would be playing up there. To continue our pursuit of home ice, we’ve gotta go up there and take some points (percentage, whatever) off of them.

Their record isn’t impressive, but they hold a win over Bemidji State, a road sweep at St. Thomas, and they are coming off an effort in their most recent game where they pushed Mankato to overtime, so they will push us hard this weekend. If we can play fast and physical hockey and put up a lot of shots like we did against RIT the last time out, we will have a great chance to win some hockey games this weekend.


NOTABLE STATS:

-LSSU has the #1 scoring offense in the CCHA so far this season, at 2.94 goals per game. They also give up the 3rd most goals per game this year, at 3.06 per game. So, we need to limit their chances and take advantage of ours when we get them.

-We take 4.71 penalties per game, and they take 4.61, good for 2nd and 3rd most in the league, so I expect plenty of whistles this weekend, as well.

-BG leads the CCHA in face-off percentage (.541) this year, and LSSU is 2nd (.505), so that’s another key matchup to watch.

-LSSU blocks the least shots in the league per game, so we should be able to get pucks through to the net - and BG leads the CCHA in shots on goal per game this season, as well.

-LSSU has the #2 power play and the #1 penalty kill in the CCHA, so special teams will be crucial this weekend, especially with the amount of penalties each team typically takes.


GOALIES:

LSSU
Rorke Applebee (Fr.) - 18 GP, 2.79 GAA, .911 SV%

BGSU
Cole Moore (So.) - 14 GP, 2.90 GAA, .906 SV%
Christian Stoever (Sr.) - 4 GP, 1.59 GAA, .948 SV%


Go Falcons! Keep it rolling!

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

I watched the GLI final between MSU and Western. The last time the CCHA saw a game like that was probably the last conference tourney at the Joe. We as a league have a long way to go. With that said, Witten has done a remarkable job up there with the zero-to-negative resources available to him. The deck is really stacked against that guy yet he makes them competitive more years than not. So far this year we've beaten everyone below us but no one above us. These guys are at our level right now (38 vs. 43 PWR, 4th vs. 5th in the standings) so .500 points percent or better has to be the minimum expectation.

Oh, and Happy New Year everybody.

[pdt1081]

Korodiuk listed as a partner with Parker tonight. Stjernberg is scratched.

[mbenecke]

Korodiuk listed as a partner with Parker tonight. Stjernberg is scratched.

Was just coming here to post this. Anyone know why Gus is out?

[BGhockeyfan94]

This camera work is brutal.

[mbenecke]

BG leads 2-0 after 20 minutes.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

The most likely reason for the Gus scratch is that Bill Crawford the LSSU PxP guy butchers the kids name so badly it takes him a series to recover.

Thought we were in trouble the first 10 min but we caught life after the PP goal.

[unfalconbelievable]

Only 6 shots on goal in the 1st period. Though a good percentage if two of those are going in

[mbenecke]

Lead is still 2-0 after 40.

[pdt1081]

The most likely reason for the Gus scratch is that Bill Crawford the LSSU PxP guy butchers the kids name so badly it takes him a series to recover.

Thought we were in trouble the first 10 min but we caught life after the PP goal.

It's either that or McInconsistent refereeing means he'd be good for at least 17 penalty minutes tonight.

[BG84]

The most likely reason for the Gus scratch is that Bill Crawford the LSSU PxP guy butchers the kids name so badly it takes him a series to recover.

I noticed that last season, and #5 has been known as "St. Jernberg" in my house ever since. I was surprised at the butchering because I've thought of Crawford as a pro. Every team provides a pronunciation guide, so there's no excuse.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Aside from the first 8-10 minutes, that was a pretty good game for us. Stoever looked good.

[mbenecke]

3-0 win. We will take a shutout on the road!

[pdt1081]

Aside from the first 8-10 minutes, that was a pretty good game for us. Stoever looked good.

It's one hell of a compliment when a supposedly "better" team comes out with a grab and hold defense. Was a great game to grit out and finish properly.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Per the box score the attendance was 367. I get that the students aren't back yet but still...