Arizona State hockey finally hit the ice a weekend ago and was able to earn a split against Independent Lindenwood on the road. A strong start in game one with a 5-0 shutout by Samuel Urban turned sour in game two, with a 9-6 defeat to the Lions. They turn their attention back home, where Holy Cross will come to Tempe to open the home non-conference slate. Here’s what you need to know.
Takeaways From Opening Weekend
Despite the 1-1 record leaving Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, MO, the Sun Devils can’t be too upset with their performance. In the opening-night shutout, Arizona State’s special teams were fantastic, going 2/5 on the power play with 8 shots on goal, and held Lindenwood to 0/5 on the power play. They were able to get a lead and hold it, which is exactly the script that they want to replicate in the series against Holy Cross.
In game two, however, there was plenty to clean up. They allowed three goals in the first five minutes to fall behind quickly, and did so again late in the 2nd period, allowing four straight goals in under six minutes. These types of blitzes can bury a team’s chances, whether they come when trying to protect a lead late, mount a comeback, or even just in the middle of a matchup. Beyond that, seven goals allowed with the goaltender in net, and nine total, is an unsustainable method of play, regardless of the offensive firepower shown in the first weekend.
There were some bright spots in game two, as the Sun Devils showed resilience. After three unanswered goals, Arizona State bounced right back with four of their own to take the lead for the first time in the game. They also brought it back to a one-goal game with 15 minutes left in the 3rd period, despite having given up seven goals to that point. The offense, averaging 5.5 goals per game through two games, has been extremely impressive and will try to continue the momentum back home.
A Look At The Opposition
Holy Cross will travel cross-country for this non-conference matchup from Worcester, MA. This is their first visit to Tempe or Mullett Arena, as the previous three matchups have been played in Worcester. They finished fourth in the Atlantic Hockey America conference a season ago…