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We Meet Again: The Saint Benedict and Concordia hockey teams meet for the second time this season, but this time it's for points. Placement in the MIAC standings is on the line, when the Blazers and Cobbers square off, starting at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 18 and 2 p.m., Jan. 19. The Blazers enter at 4-3-3 overall and 2-3-1 in the in the conference, with Concordia at 4-5-3 overall and 3-2-1 in the MIAC.
About Concordia: The Cobbers have lost their last three games, most recently a 5-2 non-conference tilt against St. Olaf in their return from the holiday break. After a 3-1-3 start to the season, the Cobbers have won just one of their last five games. Goal scoring has been an issue this season, as they rank at the bottom of the MIAC at just 1.83 goals per game. Seven times in their 12 games they have been held to a goal or less. Handling the bulk of the scoring for the Cobbers has been Breann Julius whose seven goals on the season rank fifth in the conference, and five power play goals rank first. In conference action early in the year, the Cobbers took at least one point each weekend.
Last Meeting: These two teams played to a
3-3 in the second game of the season, with the Blazers also at home in St. Cloud, Minn. Concordia was ranked No. 10 in the nation at the time and jumped out to a 1-0 lead after the first period. The Blazers came back to hold leads of 2-1 and 3-2 during the second, before a power play goal from the Cobbers evened the score at 3-3 heading into the third. The defenses held strong, allowing just a combined 12 shots in the third period and overtime combined as they played to the tie.
The Storyline: Which team can jump start the second half and move up in the conference standings. Concordia's seven points have them in a three-way tie for third place and just three out of second. Meanwhile, the Blazers five points has them down in seventh, but well within striking distance of the third place trio. Six teams are log-jammed from third through eighth place, with just three points separating them. It will be a sprint to the finish with just six series left to play. Teams are going to begin separating themselves, and one bad weekend may be enough to knock you out of contention.
Who To Watch:
Alli O'Brien has been on fire lately, notching at least one point in five straight games, capped by her first career two goal game in the win over Concordia (Wis.) last week. She has eight points during the stretch, and has taken over the team lead. On the other end of the ice,
Jenna Traut is turning in one of the best seasons between the pipes in the MIAC this year. She is currently the MIAC leader in goals against average with a 1.10 mark, and in save percentage with a .958 tally. Also her .600 winning percentage ranks fifth.
Megan Brettingen scored three goals in the first two games of the year, including once against the Cobbers. With four goals on the year, she is tied for the team lead.
Last Time Out: The Blazers hit the ice just once last week, making their return from a six-week layoff for the semester break. There was no rust showed in their return, as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead over visiting Concordia (Wis.). Concordia eventually got one back late, but it wasn't enough as the Blazers skated to the 2-1 win.
Alli O'Brien scored both goals for the Blazers, charting her first career two goal game in the process. All three goaltenders earned time between the pipes, combining for 28 saves, led by
Dory Johnson's 12 in the first action of her career.
