How Can Syracuse Flip the Script in CHA Play?
By Andrew Della Piana | @dellie_5
It’s no secret that Syracuse women’s ice hockey has struggled to get out of the gate in conference play, having been swept by Penn State and Robert Morris the previous two weekends.
The bright spot for this Orange team has been their special team as they continue to progress under second-year head coach Britni Smith. Currently, SU has the best penalty kill in the league, killing 87% of its penalties, which improves from 84% the previous season. In terms of the woman advantage, the ‘Cuse netted three power-play goals against RMU over the weekend, giving them five in the last four games.
Another problem that the Orange do not have to deal with is netminder Allie Kelley. The St. Anselm transfer made 36 saves for the second game in a row over the weekend, which brought her series total to 72. She’s made at least 35 stops and saves in five straight games and at least 32 saves in nine outings this season.
The biggest issue, however, has been playing the full 60 minutes, particularly in the final 20 minutes. On Saturday, the Orange were tied 1-1 going into the third period against the Colonials, but RMU scored two goals to SU’s one to win the game. Overall this season, Syracuse has outscored opponents 4-2 in the third period in wins and ties, but has been outscored 18-6 in losses.
This next opportunity for Syracuse to notch its first conference comes next weekend on November 17th and 18th when SU hosts Lindenwood at the Tennity Ice Pavilion for Alumni Weekend.
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aedellap@syr.edu | @dellie_5
