Syracuse Sits One Loss Away From Elimination Following a 5-3 Loss to Mercyhurst
By Luke Burgess | @BurgessLuke03
Citrus TV Women’s Ice Hockey Beat Reporter
ERIE, PA — This afternoon’s second period was certainly one to be remembered as Syracuse fell 5-3 to go down 1-0 in a best-of-three playoff series against Mercyhurst.
The aforementioned second period was marked by six goals, three a side, including one of the strangest goals I’ve ever seen in a hockey game.
Forward Mary Sweetapple was just attempting to dump the puck into the Syracuse zone from the center faceoff circle. A crazy sideways bounce later, and the puck was in the back of the net after skipping over the glove of Arielle DeSmet.
Today’s loss can be pinned squarely on the slow start for Syracuse. The Orange conceded a goal just over a minute into the game. When the team plays from behind the entire contest, there is no way for them to put pressure on its opposition.
One bright spot for the Orange was their special teams efforts. Two of the three Syracuse goals came on the man advantage, if the Orange are able to force a game 3, it will almost certainly be due in part to their ability to score with the extra player.
Things look unfortunately bleak for the Cuse. They have not been able to crack the Lakers this year, largely in part to goaltender Ena Nystrøm, who owns one of the best save percentages in the country. Nystrøm looked at her worst today because Syracuse was able to generate traffic in front of the Laker goal, taking away the eyes of the Scandinavian puck-stopper.
It’s do or die tomorrow. Syracuse must get a win against Mercyhurst to keep its season alive. The Orange will spend the night in Erie before getting right back at it tomorrow at 2 p.m.
