It may not be intentional, but the Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team and Western Mustangs have developed a pretty good rivalry.

After both teams swept their first round series matchup, they'll face off for the second consecutive year in the post-season, this time, it's in Round 2.

The Mustangs eliminated the Lakers last year as Western proceeded to win the OUA and CIS Championships, while the Lakers got their first taste of the playoffs in their second season.

While the Mustangs were heavily favoured last year, it will be a different story this time around.

The Mustangs finished third in the OUA, but just a point ahead of the Lakers who finished in fifth place, although Nipissing was 2-0 versus Western this season, defeating them by a single goal both times.

In their first matchup, in North Bay, the Lakers slipped past the Mustangs 1-0 on the strength of a goal by Jade Gauthier and 23 saves by Jackie Rochefort.

The shutout was one of five Rochefort recorded throughout the 2015-16 season.

The second meeting between the two teams was another one goal thrilled, this time in London, but the results were the same.

Nipissing erased a 2-1 deficit with two straight goals in the second period to walk away with a 3-2 win, snapping a three game losing streak.

Kaley Tienhaara, Bronwyn Bolduc and Kaitlyn McManus all scored in that game and Sabrina Picard made 32 saves for the win.

Overall, through two games against Western, the Lakers were led by Bronwyn Bolduc who had a goal and an assist.

Stacey Henshaw, Molly Sipprell and Ava Keis also picked up points in the two victories.

Special teams wasn't actually a huge factor in the two meetings, but based on the overall numbers, could be moving forward.

The Lakers penalty kill killed off 13 of 15 Mustangs opportunities, while scoring a shorthanded goal in the second game.

Nipissing's power play was 0-for-6.

During the regular season, Western ranked fourth in the OUA in power play per cent at 15.6, while Nipissing was clicking at just 8.9 per cent.

Western's penalty kill was impressive, too, ranking second in the league at 90.6 per cent and was 100 per cent against Nipissing in their two games.

In the first round of the playoffs, Western was 0-for-4 with the man advantage and was perfect shorthanded.

Nipissing was 1-for-7 on the power play and killed off 88.9 per cent of their penalties, allowing just one power play goal.

In what is shaping up to be a great series – and a low scoring one – the Lakers and Mustangs will renew their rivalry Wednesday night at Memorial Gardens, as Nipissing will host Game 1 of the series.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.

Game 2 will be Saturday in London at 4 p.m. and if necessary, Game 3 will be Sunday at 4 p.m. in London.

 

MARCH
Wed. 2	at Nipissing	OUA Game 1 - Memorial Gardens		7 PM
Sat. 5	Nipissing	OUA Game 2 - Thompson Arena		4 PM
Sun. 6	Nipissing	OUA Game 3 - Thompson Arena *if necessary		4 PM