TEMPE, Ariz.— Coming off a dominant win the last time these two teams met in the rink, Arizona State (3-1-1) looked to repeat that same performance once again today versus Loyola Marymount (4-5). Following today's match, it is safe to say that in this D2 Men’s hockey matchup, the Sun Devils did not disappoint. An offense masterclass in the second period and great goalkeeping from ASU’s goaltender William Kelly led to a 7-1 win over LMU.
There really isn’t a better place to start than the very eventful second period, which saw four goals scored, great defensive play, and even an ejection. In the second period, the Sun Devils showed their offensive prowess and capitalized on the Lions' many mistakes and penalties.
ASU scored four of its seven goals today in the second period. The first of the period came during a power play. It was defenseman Ethan Sanders who scored the goal and was assisted by his fellow defensemen, Chase Sechrist and Liam McGinnis.
Penalties and mistakes were the story for LMU, especially in the second period.
The Lions had six penalties just in the second period. Two of their penalties immediately led to scores for ASU. This eventually led to the ejection of LMU’s head coach, Daniel Kim.
Offensively, the Sun Devils capitalized on their power plays and were dominant and aggressive all game.
ASU also didn’t have a standout player offensively because they were so good at working as a team. The Sun Devils had six different scorers who combined for seven goals.
However, defensively, there was one specific standout, and that was the left glove of ASU’s Kelley. It seemed that no matter what the Lions threw at him, Kelley would make the play.
Prior to this game, Kelley had 90 saves in three games played. In this game alone, Kelly had 40 saves and went 40/41 overall.
Even when LMU had the advantage or a power play, no puck was getting by the right stick and left glove of Kelley.
The Sun Devils capitalized on mistakes and power plays throughout the game. However, LMU could not say the same. It’s one thing to commit penalties and mistakes, but when you struggle to capitalize on the advantage. Then you are really in trouble.
The Lions only managed to score on one of the eight penalties from ASU. LMU had very poor shooting throughout the game as well.
On another note, the Sun Devils made the Lions’ Forward Alex Skendarian a non-factor today. Skendarian had scored five goals in five games before today.
It was an overall great victory for ASU and a poor showing for LMU, as they have been outscored 16-4 in the last two games.
Head Coach Daniel Kim and the LMU Lions fall to (4-6) on the season. While Head Coach Zack Kowalchuck and the ASU Sun Devils improve to (4-1-1) on the campaign.