Arizona State hockey thrives in loud, home environment, takes Game 1 vs Minnesota Duluth
The Arizona State hockey team won its first National Collegiate Hockey Conference quarterfinal game against Minnesota Duluth, but the effort didn’t impress head coach Greg Powers.
ASU scored twice early in the first period in Friday’s opening game of the best-of-three series, but UMD took advantage of the Sun Devils’ haphazard play in the second. It was defenseman Anthony Dowd, who saved the day when he finished a persistent shift with the game-winner in the 4-3 result.
“The difference was, somehow we found a way to put one more in the net,” Powers said. “It was a sloppy, back-and-forth game. I told the guys after the game, It’s all about getting wins and advancing, and we did that. But tomorrow, we got to be better... We have to be better than we were tonight if we’re going to end this tomorrow.”
With white towels waving around, reminiscent of the WhiteOut tradition from the heyday of the Arizona Coyotes, the Sun Devils made the crowd go from loud to raucous less than four minutes into the game.
Ryan Kirwan, the NCHC's leading goal-scorer, had some time and space to work with, which UMD regretted immediately as he sent his shot over goaltender Adam Gajan at 3:51 for the 1-0 lead and his 24th of the season.
However, the early start fizzled once ASU started showing rust from the bye week over the previous weekend during the second period.
ASU had a hard time managing pucks, leading to UMD tying the game at 3. The Bulldogs sent a myriad of looks past senior goaltender Luke Pavicich and compiled six more shots than the Sun Devils, outshooting them 13-8. UMD's efforts were rewarded when defenseman Owen Gallatin won a puck battle in the corner and saucered a pass to an open Zam Plante from the slot for a tied score at 13:29.
"We weren't happy with our second period, to be frank," forward Bennett Schimek said. "We weren't playing hard enough and weren't stopping. We had to get back to how we started the game and get back to the way we know how to play the game."
Even though ASU responded with a much-needed goal in the third from Dowd, the Sun Devils aren't fulfilling Powers' long-term visions for the team.
“They just outworked us. They were winning races, winning battles," Powers said. "I’m not trying to be negative, but we found a way to win and I’m really proud of our guys for that, but the process wasn’t going to be good enough if we’re going to go on a deep run. It’s not even close.”
The game served as the official return of forward Charlie Schoen, who hadn’t played since Feb. 14 and has been a healthy scratch.
While typically on the first line, Schoen excelled on a versatile fourth line with defenseman Tucker Ness at left wing and Ryan Alexander at center.
"They ended up being our best line," Powers said. "They were easily our best line tonight, and the other three lines, they stunk. We got to be better."
Schoen was on a mission in his return and caught UMD flatfooted when he scored on an unassisted breakaway at 6:44 in the first period. He had another great opportunity in the second when he whirled the puck around a UMD defender before his shot was saved.
“He was awesome. He gave us energy, he gave us speed, tenacity, he was good on the wall," Powers said. "He gave us exactly what I wanted him to give us and he was probably our best player tonight.”
The Sun Devils are now one win away from advancing to the semifinals next weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota, and will play Game 2 on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Mullett Arena.
If the Bulldogs win, the teams will have a Game 3 on Sunday at 6 p.m.
How to watch Saturday’s ASU hockey game
The game will be shown on Channel 45, KUTP in Phoenix, and NCHC TV (Internet subscription).