TEMPE – Riding a five-game losing streak, Arizona State hockey (13-19-1, 6-14-1 NCHC) entered the weekend just one point up on the Omaha Mavericks (11-20, 6-14-0 NCHC) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Following a 4-2 Friday night defeat, the Sun Devils sit on the outside looking in.
“It’s embarrassing, I hope our guys feel embarrassed,” ASU coach Greg Powers said.
The night got off to a promising start, senior forward Cruz Lucius snapped his 11-game goalless drought just four and a half minutes into the game. His linemate, senior forward Bennett Schimek, had the secondary assist, putting him in sole possession of eighth all-time in program history for points, passing former Sun Devil captain Josh Doan.
The Mavericks didn’t seem to be phased by the early goal and swiftly answered 59 seconds later. A failed clearance by junior co-captain forward Kyle Smolen led to a perfectly placed tip from the high slot by freshman forward Marcus Nguyen.
Two minutes later, it was another mistake from a senior. This time, it was defenseman Tucker Ness who got called for interference, putting Omaha on the power play. The Mavericks needed 52 seconds to break the tie. Sophomore forward Brett Hyland was parked in front of the net as the puck found him miraculously. Hyland went to the backhand, beating ASU senior goaltender Connor Hasley.
“I felt like when they scored, our guys just stopped playing for whatever reason,” Powers said.
The middle frame saw plenty of opportunities come the Sun Devils’ way. Three power-play opportunities were presented, but ASU couldn’t generate anything. A power play that struggled last weekend in Kalamazoo picked up right where it left off.
“Our guys didn’t skate, didn’t work, it didn’t make any sense,” Powers said.
Despite the frustration beginning to set in, Arizona State trailed by one goal heading into the third period. Things got off to a rocky start when ASU sophomore defenseman Sam Court took a tripping penalty.
The already potent Maverick power play was ready to strike once again. After some sustained offensive zone time, Omaha freshman forward Jérémy Loranger played give and go in the high slot before being allowed to walk in and go top shelf, beating Halsey’s glove side to give the Mavericks the two-goal lead.
Just under eight minutes later, the Sun Devils were pressing. Sophomore defenseman Brasen Boser had an opportunity from the left circle but missed the net high. The puck rattled around the glass and exited the zone. Two Omaha forwards were going full speed the other way, creating a breakaway for Nugyen. A silky backhand to forehand deke opened up plenty of net, and Nugyen tucked in, putting the exclamation point on the victory.
With just under four minutes to play, Lucius potted his second off a miscue from Omaha senior goalie Simon Latkoczy. It would prove to be too little too late. The Mavericks put it in cruise control and skated away with the victory.
The Sun Devils have now lost five straight games overall and at Mullett Arena. At this time last year, the team was competing for first place in the conference and now finds itself in the basement with three games to go. The message from Powers is simple ahead of the team’s final home game.
“The season is on the line; they need to play like it,” Powers said.
The series finale will also feature Sparky’s senior night celebration. Schimek, Lucius, Ness and Hasley will be honored pregame. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. at Mullett Arena.
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