Air Force (6-6-2, 2-3-1 AHA) at Mercyhurst (3-9-2, 2-2-2)

Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., at Erie, Pa.

Streaming / Radio: FloHockey.tv / 1300 AM

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Air Force stayed on the road after last weekend’s series at AIC, and the Falcons typically thrive when they get a short break from the rigors of the Academy grind. And they’re playing a team in Mercyhurst that can play into their strengths. The Lakers like to push the pace and play a high-risk, high-reward style that can leave them exposed to out-numbered attacks if they turn the puck over. And this Falcons team is fast enough and talented enough to make Mercyhurst pay dearly.

After winning four of five games, the Falcons took just one of six points at AIC. A promising tie on Friday was following by an uneven performance in Saturday’s loss. The penalty kill continues to be one of Air Force’s strengths. It’s been successful 29 of the past 31 tries. Its power play had played well until Game 2 at AIC and overall is converting at 22.2 percent (22nd in Division I). Mercyhurst has one of the nation’s worst power plays statistically (6.5 percent), but that was the case with Bentley two weeks ago and they got the only two PPGs against the Falcons in their recent PK run. The Lakers’ penalty kill is solid (84 percent). Mercyhurst, which started its season again against highly ranked Penn State and Ohio State, is coming off a sweep at Holy Cross.

Defenseman Luke Rowe, who captured Atlantic Hockey Defensive Player of the Week honors, has four points in the past three games. His 11 overall are tied for second on the team with fellow co-captain Willie Reim. Reim’s five goals are tied with juniors Nate Horn and Will Gavin for the team lead. Gavin’s 12 points top the team scoring list. After one point in the first seven games, center Clayton Cosentino has six in the past seven, including a point in three consecutive games. … Guy Blessing is finding his groove in net. After a rocky start to the season, he has allowed 17 goals in his past seven starts. Take away the team’s defensive implosion in the first 10 minutes against Bentley on Nov. 11, and it’s 13 in the past six. … The Lakers went with a tag team of Tyler Harmon and Owen Say in net in last weekend’s sweep. Harmon’s save percentage is better (.907 to .897) but Say has a lower goals-against average (3.48 to 3.78). Rylee St. Onge has team highs of six goals and nine points for the Lakers.

Coaches corner: Mercyhurst’s Rick Gotkin is tops among active Division I coaches in wins with 591, while counterpart Frank Serratore is fifth with 481. Combined they have 65 seasons behind the bench, and they are as enjoyable of coaches to talk about the game with as you will find on the planet.

©First Line Editorial 2022