By Kevin Dorr and Isabella Apple
#13, Senior forward, Tim Kalinowski
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Orange (4-18-0) dropped two matchups to ESCHL opponent Drexel University (10-7-2) last weekend. The Dragons kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Orange 5-2 and 3-0 to pick up 4 crucial points. This weekend the Orange will play a 3-in-3 (three games in three days) against the SUNY Buffalo Bulls and the Oswego State Lakers.
The Orange struck first in last Friday’s game, courtesy of Sam Hutchinson. Hutchinson, who has been on a tear since the new year, blasted a slap shot from the point to give ‘Cuse the lead 3:40 into the game. That lead was short-lived, as Drexel responded with a goal 57 seconds later. Drexel would go on to add two more goals before the end of the first period.
Goalie Cal Stewart was forced to make many difficult saves in the first period, including one on a breakaway. Drexel’s physical forecheck made it difficult for the Orange to break the puck out of the defensive zone and move to attack the opposition, leading to quality scoring chances for Drexel. The Orange also struggled with reading the play, there were too many failed pinches by defensemen leading to odd-man rushes.
Lucas Prestamo brought the deficit to one at the beginning of the second period, scoring on a spinning backhander. The combination of Hutchinson-Prestamo-Kalinowski created scoring chances all game, buzzing around the offensive zone.
Tony Larkin acknowledged that the Orange need more production throughout the lineup.
“We need to start trusting our systems and that also means trusting each other”, said the rookie. “When we stick to our game we can play with anybody. We just need to maintain faith in each other”.
The Dragons retook their two-goal lead with 14 seconds left in the second period. A deflating goal, considering it came from a broken play and the Orange put themselves in a position to compete for a win for the first 39 minutes and 46 seconds.
Sophomore Alex Oakes explained what it will take to finish periods strong.
“To finish a period strong, we have to trust each other that we will give it our all for each shift,” said the defenseman. “If we do that, we will start seeing more success”.
The Dragons added a breakaway goal midway through the third period, bringing the score to 5-2. A night to forget for the Orange.
Sunday’s game did not go much better for the Orange, as they were shutout for the third time this season. Although they managed to get 35 shots on net, Drexel goaltender Bryan O’Toole kept the Orange off the scoresheet.
After a scoreless first period, the Dragons took a 1-0 lead midway through the second period on the powerplay. An improved Orange penalty kill could not keep Drexel from scoring, as they scored when the power play expired. Drexel added a second goal near the end of the second, taking a two-goal lead into the final 20 minutes.
The Dragons would go on to score a goal in the third period, winning the game 3-0. The Dragons had 47 shots on goal. You read that right, 47.
Although it was a disappointing weekend for the Orange, there were many areas where the team has improved. Alex Oakes has progressed into more of an all-around defenseman after splitting time between forward and defense, which is a great sign going forward.
“I try to keep an offensive mindset,” said Oakes. “I am also trying to be a more confident player as I know I can play well; I just have to go out and do it”.
Oakes’ offensive mindset and confidence were on display in Friday night's game, as he carried the puck well and assisted on Hutchinson’s goal.
The Orange will be home this Friday at 7:00 pm EST against Buffalo, away at Buffalo on Saturday, and will travel to Oswego State on Sunday to wrap up the weekend.
Senior Tim Kalinowski says he’ll have to draw on past experiences in keeping the energy up for three games in one weekend.
“Well, I think personally I’m gonna have to draw [from] playing in Colorado [two years ago]. We played Boulder Friday and Saturday and then Colorado State on Sunday,” recalled the forward. “Looking back I remembered it being pretty fun actually because at that point there’s not much you can do to prepare, you’re so exhausted that you just go out there and play.”
The Orange will need that sort of enthusiasm as their season is wrapping up before they know it. Defenseman Mackenzie Murphy says the main thing is staying healthy and rested this late in the season to be ready for every game day - especially three in a row.
“At this point in the season, I think it’s all about taking care of your body. I know personally, I’ve been feeling pretty sore after the last couple of games and that happens this time of year as fatigue begins to become a factor. I like to make sure I’m staying hydrated, eating well, and stretching often,” commented the alternate captain.
For Sunday’s matchup against Oswego, it’ll be a homecoming for first-year head coach Chris Timmons and assistant coach Jordan Alhart. Murphy says they want to leave it all on the ice for their coaches.
“It was an emotional game the last time we played them. I’m sure [Oswego] wants to get a win against their old coaches. We’re going to have to jump up another level this time around playing on their home ice,” said the junior.
But first, Syracuse will battle out and home-and-home against Buffalo, a non-league team they face every year. The action will start on Friday, where the Orange will host the Syracuse Club Baseball team for “Baseball Night” at the rink. The puck drops against Buffalo at 7 pm from Tennity Ice Pavilion.
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By Email: engelha@syr.edu
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