The York University Lions women's hockey team will look to even the season series – and gain some playoff momentum – against the Guelph Gryphons this Friday at Canlan Ice Sports. It will be the Lions' second-to-last regular season game before wrapping up the campaign next week.
 
The Match-up: No. 10 York (13-7-0-2) vs. Guelph (10-6-1-3)
 
Game Details
Friday, Feb. 7 @ 7:15pm, OUA.tv
 
Home/Away records
York – 7-3 at home
Guelph – 4-5 on the road
 
Streaks
York – Lost 2
Guelph – Won 1
 
Last Meeting
In the only regular season contest between these two adversaries, it was the Gryphons prevailing with a 3-1 win. They scored three unanswered goals to open the game's scoring and did not relinquish the lead.
 
Overall, the Gryphons have won nine straight against the Lions dating back to the 2014-15 season. York has earned points in three of those contests by pushing them to overtime.
 
QUICK FACTS
 
York

• Keeping it close. York lost two games in their northern Ontario road trip last week, but both those games were one-goal contests decided in the third period or later. Nipissing scored their game-winning goal in the final frame, while Laurentian downed the Lions in a shootout to wrap up the weekend.
• Offensive output continues. York has produced scoring regardless of whether they win or lose, notching six goals in their last two games. They are second in the OUA in goals for (60), and third in goals-per-game (2.76).
• Nationally recognized. The Lions continue to be a ranked team in the U SPORTS Top 10, checking in at No. 10 this week. They've stuck in the rankings despite recent losses, but did drop one spot from No. 9 last week. They've been as high as No. 7 this season.
• Season winding down. Following this contest, York will finish the regular season versus Laurier. The game will also be their last at York before the postseason begins.

 
Guelph

• Win vs. Ryerson. The Gryphons will try to string together a second consecutive win after beating Ryerson in their last contest 3-1. The Gryphons scored all three of their goals unanswered en route to the victory.
• Consistency is key. Guelph has not been streaky this year; they've only lost back-to-back games twice.
• Good special teams. York will want to stay out of the penalty box against the Gryphons, who are third in the OUA in power play goals (14). Gabriele Underwood is tied four second in the league, with four of her goals coming on the advantage.
• Road warriors. This game will be the fourth in a row for Guelph while playing as the visitors – their longest stretch of the season. They're 1-2 in that time, with losses at Waterloo and Brock. The Gryphons will return home next weekend.

 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
 
York
 
Kelsey McHolm – York's leading goal scorer pulled ahead of the pack with her performance in the Lions' last game, where she notched a hat trick against Laurentian in a 4-3 shootout loss. Her second and third goals came under a minute apart from each other, as the Winnipeg, Man., native led a comeback that fell just short.
 
Courtney Gardiner – After not suiting up for the Lions for nearly two months, Gardiner has a point in each of York's last three contests. This has vaulted the junior into sole possession of fourth in team scoring – with six goals and six assists.
 
Guelph
 
Miranda Lantz – Coming off a multi-point game vs. Ryerson, Lantz is now second in Gryphons scoring. It was her first two-point performance since she notched the same number against Queen's on Nov. 15. The defenceman is fourth in scoring amongst all OUA rear guards with 13 points.
 
Kari Shell – The Gryphons' leading scorer is coming off a two-assist game against Ryerson, with both of them coming in the game's third period. She has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) this season.