(Denver, CO) Sun Devil Hockey handed the unanimous No. 1/1 Denver (12-1-0, 2-1-0) its first loss in 21-straight games with a 3-2 victory on Friday night at Magness Arena. Arizona State’s (5-7-1, 2-3-0) win is the highest ranked in program history and was powered to fruition by Artem Shlaine’s two-goal night and Luke Pavicich’s 30-save performance between the pipes.
Shlaine scored the game-winning go-ahead with only 45 seconds remaining in regulation after he also tallied the opening goal just 35 seconds into the first period.
Pavicich made his fourth consecutive start for the Sun Devils and made a cool 30 saves to protect ASU’s lead for 23 minutes between the second and third periods.
ASU’s win over Denver is its first in the Mile High City in program history.
PERIOD BREAKDOWN
First Period
ASU’s third line forwards of Ryan Alexander (LW), Artem Shlaine (C), and Kyle Smolen (RW) got the start on Friday night in Magness Arena. It only took the trio 35 seconds to score the game-opening goal on Denver netminder Matt Davies. Shlaine was credited with the goal that popped over the pad of Davies after a scrum near the crease. DU tied the game with a power play goal 15 minutes later. DU outshot ASU, 12-10, in the opening frame.
Second Period
About five minutes into play, Benji Eckerle took a shot from a wide angle that forced the DU netminder to make a five-hole save. Eckerle and company celebrated for a goal and the play was reviewed by officials and the on-ice call of “no goal” was upheld. Two minutes later, ASU made good on the shot, scoring a five-hole goal by Bennett Schimek at the seven-minute mark to take the 2-1 lead. Schimek was assisted by Lukas Sillinger and Cullen Potter. ASU held DU to only six shots on goal compared to the Sun Devils’ 15.
Third Period
ASU started the frame with 44 seconds left on its second man-advantage of the night. DU killed the power play chance and then went on their own advantage after a holding penalty on Joel Kjellberg. Luke Pavicichcame up huge in the two-minute span, making five saves to secure the penalty kill for the Sun Devils. ASU went on another kill, but were saved from executing the entire two minutes when DU was called for interference. Neither team could convert on the man-advantage. With four minutes remaining in play, the Pioneers tied the game, 2-2. Just as the game appeared to head for overtime, Shlaine ripped a shot from the high slot with only 45 seconds left for the game-winning goal.
UP NEXT
ASU faces off against No. 1/1 Denver in the second game of the series on Saturday, November 23, at 6 p.m. MST.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Paige Shacklett
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