Where: Lansing Chapman Rink Williamstown, MA
When: 4 PM Friday 1/11/13
Video/Audio: Teamline Video
Stats: Skidmore : 3.53 G/GM Scored (18th in Nation)
4.00 G/GM Allowed (56th in Nation)
Williams : 2. 40 G/GM Scored (<60th in Nation)
1.70 G/GM Allowed (5th in Nation)
The Lowdown: Stylistic Clash
It doesn't take Nate Silver to figure out that these teams have opposite strengths: Williams on Defense and Skidmore on Offense. Williams, whose spacious chasm between national rank in offense and defense is the largest in D-III, enters the game on a 5-0-1 tear, landing them in the national rankings for the first time this season.
Skidmore leaves the comforts of Anastasio-ville and heads into Williamstown winners of two straight after a three game losing streak. The Thoroughbreds won their last game 7-6 over Western New England. To put this matchup in perspective, the 13 goals in that game are more than the last four Williams games combined.
Key(s) to the game: The Early Goal Gets the Game
If Skidmore wants to pull the road upset, they'll want to try and jump out in front early. Skidmore is 3-0-1 when leading after one and Williams is 0-2-0 when trailing after the first period. Conversely, Williams is 5-0-0 when leading after two, so the Thoroughbreds better not let the dreaded purple cows carry a lead into the final period.
Players to watch
Skidmore: Vlad Gavrik (F, Jr.) The Thoroughbreds feature a balanced offense with five players all in double digit points. The 6'4" Ukrainian born Gavrik leads the team in points (6-11-17) and is coming off a three point effort (1-2-3) against Western New England.
Williams: Sean Dougherty (G, So.) In his first year as a starter, Dougherty is statistically the third best goalie in the country (1.59 GA, .946 save percentage). The sophomore netminder has let up only one goal in each of the last four games, and hasn't let up more than three in any game this season.
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