What’s a little snow in the forecast? The threat of a foot or four hasn’t put a damper on what should be white hot action in the SUNYAC this weekend. Jammed at the top, in the middle, all over. This penultimate weekend could be what determiness the post-season fates of each of the nine squads in the league. Every game on the slate could have an impact on who captures the SUNYAC regular season crown, or for that matter, who sees their playoff chances snowed under, weather permitting, that is.
Friday, Feb. 8
No. 14 Geneseo at No. 9 Plattsburgh
This could be the game of the week. A first-round bye could be hanging on this, and certainly a shot at the SUNYAC crown is. Sitting two points behind second place Geneseo and three behind Oswego, Plattsburgh all but has to win to avoid having to play a first-round quarterfinal, the consequence of last Saturday’s upset loss at Fredonia. The Cardinals do respond well to adversity, and the time for a bounce-back couldn’t be better for them. Still, that’s easier said than done against the Ice Knights, who are clicking on all tappets right now. Plattsburgh 3-2
Brockport at Potsdam
With a tenuous one-point hold on the sixth and final playoff spot, the Golden Eagles must avoid breaking one of hockey’s Golden Rules: Thou shalt not lose to a team below you in the standings (see Plattsburgh and Fredonia). Potsdam, currently in last but three points behind Brockport, has no wiggle room. The Bears have to win or prepare for hibernation. Potsdam 2- 1
Saturday, Feb. 9
Cortland at Buffalo State
The Bengals can still host a home playoff game, but they can still find themselves out of the playoffs, which is to say that they are in control of their fates. Such is not true for Cortland. The Red Dragons can be maddeningly inconsistent, while Buffalo State can get scoring from several different sources. Buffalo State 4-2
