Arizona State sophomore forward Kyle Smolen netted the game-winning goal in overtime, capping off a 3-2 win on Saturday night to extend the Sun Devil hockey team’s winning streak to five games. The teams traded goals with Minnesota Duluth (5-10-0) tying the game with just over six minutes remaining in regulation. ASU closed the fall semester with a 8-7-1 record.
The Bulldogs set the tone physically and laid several body checks to open the game. It proved to have built some momentum as they kept Arizona State senior goaltender Luke Pavicich busy. UMD outshot the ASU 13-6 in the opening frame and were on the prowl for the game’s opening goal.
Minnesota Duluth kept its foot on the gas in period number two. UMD created more sustained zone time. The Sun Devils also gave the Bulldogs two power-play opportunities. Pavicich stood tall once again and stopped all ten shots he faced.
With just under five minutes remaining in the period ASU senior forward Ryan Kirwan cycled the puck for graduate student forward Ty Jackson who found his twin brother, graduate student forward Dylan Jackson, wide open in the slot. Dylan made no mistake for his second goal of the series to break the ice. The scoreboard read a 1-0 lead in favor of the Sun Devils.
Minnesota Duluth came out for the third period pushing to get the equalizer. At 5:18 into the third frame, UMD freshman forward Max Plante hammered home a one timer. The goal sparked controversy as Pavicich got contacted by a Bulldog. Arizona State coach Greg Powers challenged for goalie interference but after a lengthy review the goal stood.
“My mentality has always been next shot whether I let in a goal or make a save, you just have to focus on the next one,” Pavicich said.
ASU started to get more shots on Minnesota Duluth junior goaltender Zach Sandy. Sun Devil freshman defenseman Sam Court took a slapshot that hit Kirwan up high. Moments later, Kirwan was at the goal mouth and jammed the puck through Sandy to regain the lead. Duluth was still pressing and with six minutes to go, UMD freshman forward Zam Plante tipped sophomore defenseman Aaron Pionk’s point shot that beat Pavicich.
In the waning moments of the third period a scramble ensued in the crease and Kirwan managed to get the puck free from Sandy and Dylan Jackson scoped the puck in the net. However, the referees determined the play was dead so there was no goal–overtime was next. In the extra frame, Smolen saved the day for the Sun Devils and finished the first half on a high note.
“Dylan [Jackson] came off for a change and I saw Becks [Noah Beck] in the corner and I could tell they were a little tired,” Smolen said, the night’s first start of the game. “I know he heard me because I was screaming for it and when the puck bounced towards me instinct takes over at that point.”
Despite getting outshot 23-14 through two periods, ASU found a way to win.
“I thought we were really bad tonight,” Powers said. “We were just disjointed and lacked execution and intensity, but our guys found a way our goalie held us in it, and they grinded out a nice, steady win.”
Pavicich was making his seventh straight start and once again dialed in playing a big part in the weekend sweep. UMD threw 35 shots on goal but came up empty in the end.
“These guys are good, this is a good hockey team,” Powers said about Minnesota Duluth. “They’re way better than their record, and for us to beat them back to back nights not playing nearly at our best, this is a good sign.”
“It goes to show what this group is capable of, even if were not playing at our best we still believe we can win every game,” Smolen said.
Next up for the Sun Devils; rest and relaxation. The team will be back in action on December 28, 2024, with a two-exhibition series against the U.S National Development Team at Mullett Arena in Tempe.
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