First place is within reach heading into home series against OSU

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Only six points separate the top eight teams in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association heading into this weekend’s series between first-place Ohio State and sixth-place Lake Superior State.

This weekend’s series, which is Friday and Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena, is one of only two remaining home series for LSSU (13-11-4 overall, 8-9-3-3 CCHA), which is 1-2-2 in its last five games. OSU (14-7-4 overall, 10-6-4-1 CCHA) is 0-3-2 in its last five outings.

LSSU mathematically has the potential to jump from sixth to first in the standings. The Lakers and Notre Dame are tied for sixth place in the CCHA with 30 points, while the Buckeyes are on top with 35. The Lakers have taken at least two points during every series this season except one -- the Dec. 2-3 series at Ohio State during which the Lakers lost 5-2 and 2-1. The Lakers hope to avenge those losses this weekend against the Buckeyes.

The Lakers are coming off a 2-2 tie and 2-1 shootout victory at Michigan State, improving to 3-0 in shootouts this season. Ohio State lost a shootout 2-0 at Ferris State on Jan. 21 and dropped to 1-3 in the tie-breaker format.

LSSU’s freshmen class lead the Lakers in scoring against OSU earlier this season. Forwards Buddy Robinson (3-3—6) and Chris Ciotti (3-7—10), and defenseman Kevin Czuczman (2-7—9) all tallied one goal.

Chris Crane, OSU’s leading point grabber with 14-9—23, and teammate Danny Dries netted two goals during the sweep over LSSU. Crane leads the league in goal scoring against CCHA opponents with 12 goals. Junior forward Domenic Monardo leads the Lakers with 8-13—21. Junior forward Nick McParland (12-7—19) leads the Lakers in goal-scoring and is tied for eighth against league opponents with eight.

LSSU leads the league in power-play success at 18.8 percent, while OSU is fourth at 17.1 percent. The Buckeyes, however, have enjoyed more man-advantage opportunities than any other team in the CCHA -- by a large margin. They have scored 18 goals on 105 chances, while LSSU is 12-of-64.

This weekend’s series against Ohio State is important for LSSU’s pair-wise rankings. The Lakers are tied for 20^th, while the Buckeyes are tied for third. Earning at least a split against a top-10 team will help LSSU climb back into the top 16 and have a shot at an NCAA Tournament bid.

The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday night. Both games will be broadcast live on 99.5 Yes FM with a pay-per-view video webcast on B2/America One. Prior to Friday’s game, LSSU Student Life will sponsor a free tailgate party, which is open to the public. The CCHA “Road to the Joe” Tour stops at Taffy Abel Arena on Friday. Stop by the CCHA booth and register to win special prizes.