Arizona State hockey flips the tables from Friday’s performance and splits the series against No. 6-ranked North Dakota after an offensive surge in the opening two periods.
The Sun Devils get their first win since Oct. 31, defeating the Fighting Hawks 4-2, splitting the series on Saturday.
ASU had the upper hand throughout most of the game, scoring a game-tying goal early in the first period by sophomore forward Cullen Potter, his second this season.
Then, late in the second period, a surplus of action in the remaining minutes for the Sun Devils gave them two late goals from sophomore forward Logan Morrell and junior center Sean McGurn. This hot streak saw ASU boast a two-goal advantage heading into the third period.
North Dakota wouldn’t go out easily. With only about two and a half minutes into the third period, senior forward Ben Striden struck, pulling the Fighting Hawks within one, giving him his seventh goal this season.
However, both teams struggled with penalties Saturday night, with a total of seven combined. Although both teams' penalty kill was absolutely stellar.
The Fighting Hawks were on the penalty kill three times Saturday; the Sun Devils, however, managed to strike on the first opportunity early in the first period, before stalling out and failing to score on the last two.
On ASU’s side tonight, it was perfect, going four for four on the penalty kill against a ruthless North Dakota offense, which it dealt with on Friday, Nov. 14.
After a penalty against Sun Devils freshman forward Jack Beck, with only 2:15 left in the third period. ASU was able to score a crucial empty net goal by senior forward Bennet Schimeck — his fifth this season — while the Fighting Hawks had a 6-4 man advantage on the ice.
Although the Sun Devils scored double the number of goals North Dakota did, they were still outshot again on Saturday.
Saturday was yet another quiet offensive game by ASU, only creating 15 shots on goal to the Fighting Hawks' 41, being outshot again for the fifth game in a row.
On the bright side, for senior goaltender Conner Hasley, his night was electric, having not played since the Ice Breaker Tournament against Alaska-Fairbanks on Oct. 11th. Halsey was able to hold off North Dakota 39 times.
Saturday night's starter in net, graduate goalie Gibson Homer, had a different night from teammate freshman goalie Jan Špunar on Friday.
Unlike Špunar, Homer couldn’t keep up with the Sun Devils, who shot less but converted more often.
Saving only 11 shots on Saturday, Homer and North Dakota look to turn things around in two weeks against Bemidji State.
However, for ASU, the defense was a beneficial factor in Saturday night’s game. Helping Halsey — who hasn’t started in the crease in over a month — cruise to a win.
Next weekend, the Sun Devils will be in a battle, facing off against a currently No. 4-ranked Denver team that is stronger and more agile than the Fighting Hawks.
With prior experience facing the Pioneers, the Sun Devils look to make a statement at Mullet Arena beginning Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. MST.