The Mercyhurst Lakers (2-9, 0-3 NEC) are set to face the LIU Sharks (8-1, 3-0 NEC) on Saturday at Shark Stadium in Brooklyn. The Lakers come off a narrow overtime loss to Wagner, where Braeden Mastine scored two goals, and six different players contributed to the scoring. LIU remains strong this season with their only loss against Rutgers, and they boast several key players, including Ben McIsaac, who leads in goals with 24. With Mercyhurst looking to secure their first conference victory, this matchup presents a critical opportunity for both teams.

By the Numbers
  • Mastine leads the Lakers with 2 goals in their last game and has a total of 18 goals this season.
  • LIU's Ben McIsaac has 24 goals and 32 points this season, leading the Sharks.
  • Tyler Moritzen has 110 saves for the Lakers this season, with a 43.1% save percentage.
  • LIU's goalie, Tyler Gresh, has made 70 saves and allows 7.73 goals per game with a 53.8% save percentage.
Yes, But

The Lakers struggle with consistency, evident in their lack of conference wins, while the Sharks have a strong overall record, showcasing the disparity in performances this season.

State of Play
  • The Lakers are seeking their first NEC win amidst a challenging season.
  • LIU, undefeated in conference play, is aiming to maintain momentum leading in the standings.
What's Next

If the Lakers can capitalize on their key player performances and improve their defense, they might shift the tide against the Sharks. A loss could significantly impact Mercyhurst's momentum moving forward.

Bottom Line

This game is pivotal for Mercyhurst; securing a win against a strong LIU team is vital for their confidence and aspirations in the NEC. The outcome could reshape their trajectory for the remainder of the season.