For the second time in two weeks and maybe the second of five meetings this season, the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team will welcome the Carleton Ravens to North Bay.

After their first meeting in December went the Ravens' way, the Lakers bounced back and earned some revenge earlier this month, winning 4-1 thanks to one of their best efforts of the year.

And with the regular season behind both teams, the Lakers and Ravens will renew hostilities in Round 1 of the OUA Playoffs beginning Wednesday night in North Bay.

Nipissing enters the series on a run of 4-1-1, with their only regulation loss coming to the powerful and league-leading UQTR Patriotes.

In the final weekend, playing on the road against Queens and UOIT, the Lakers earned three of a possible four points to enter the post-season with some momentum.

The strong finish to the season erased memories of a tough January, where they Lakers went 2-5-0, despite playing well enough to win more than their share in the first month of 2016.

Maybe more important than their finish, is the way they played Carleton this season in their two meetings.

While the first showdown went the Ravens' way, it was far from a lopsided victory and took a late power play marker for the Ravens to put the game away.

Nipissing goalie Kirk Rafuse was stellar in net, making 46 saves in the loss.

Colin Campbell scored the lone Lakers goal in that game and also added a goal and an assist in the victory in North Bay on Feb. 5.

Campbell had a big year, finishing second on the team in points with 17 and first in goals with 12, including a team-leading three game-winners.

Erik Robichaud was the team's top scorer with 19 points, while Mackenzie Keirstead had 17 points, leading Lakers' blueliners.

While those three lead Nipissing overall, the key to any success in the playoffs will be a combination of a balanced attack and strong play in their own end, along with very good goaltending.

The balance hasn't been a problem this season, the defensive play has been good and overall,l both goalies, Rafuse and Domenic Graham, have been strong enough to give Nipissing a chance against any opponent.

Carleton is led by a potent offensive attack, but is often plagued by their undisciplined play.

Four Ravens scored 10-plus goals, with Ryan Van Stralen pacing the attack with 22 goals.

While the Ravens are a well-balanced and tough team to play against, Nipissing neutralized them in their second meeting and will look to do the same in the series, beginning with Game 1 Wednesday night.

 

FEBRUARY
Wed. 17	Carleton *	OUA Game 1 - Memorial Gardens		7 PM
Sat. 20	at Carleton *	OUA Game 2 - Ice House		7 PM
Sun. 21	at Carleton *	OUA Game 3 - Ice House *if necessary		7 PM