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Offensive Push Not Enough for Hockey to Top #12 Denver

by thesundevils.com
Dec 3, 2021

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Arizona State men's ice hockey team (7-8-0) out shot its opponent, No. 12 University of Denver, on Friday night at Oceanside Ice Arena. Despite registering over 30 shots on target, the Sun Devils ultimately fell to the Pioneers. Game two of the series is set for Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:05 p.m. MST on Pac-12 Insider.

Colin Theisen extended his point-scoring streak with the first Sun Devil goal in the third period. The graduate forward notched five points in the last three games, including two goals. Jordan Sandhu scored his first collegiate shorthanded goal late in the third period for the final score of 6-2. 

ASU has scored at least two goals in every game this season, totaling 55 goals through 15 games. 

Junior goaltender Ben Kraws made his third consecutive start in net, notching 23 saves. The ASU defense put in the work on Friday night with an emphasis on blocking shots, combining for 16. 

FIRST PERIOD

  • ASU brought the offensive heat to start the game, but couldn't capitalize on any opportunities in the first five minutes. Denver landed on the board first at the 5:31 mark.
  • A penalty assessed to ASU's Demetrios Koumontzis at 9:46 for slashing put the Sun Devils on the kill. The Sun Devils killed the Pioneers' man-advantage opportunity, allowed only two shots for DU and flipped the switch - shooting two of their own while down a player.
  • With three minutes left in the first, the No. 4 power play squad in the country went to work but ultimately couldn't connect to close the gap heading into the first intermission. 
  • ASU outshot DU 12-3 in the first period

SECOND PERIOD

  • The next power play advantage went to ASU after DU was called for boarding at 5:40 but the Pioneers were once again able to kill the Sun Devils' advantage
  • Following another Sports Center-worthy save from starting goaltender Ben Kraws, extracurricular activities occurred behind the net. Ethan Szmagaj was called for roughing at 10:03. 
  • A slew of penalties occurred resulting in nine total penalties called between both teams. The Pioneers scored a power play goal at 13:20 to extend their lead, 2-0. The calls eventually shook out to give ASU a power play at 14:54 but nothing came to fruition. 
  • DU outshot ASU 11-8 in the second frame but ASU still led overall shots with 20-14

THIRD PERIOD 

  • Colin Theisen ignited the ASU scoring with a backdoor goal at 5:25 with an assist from Demetrios Koumontzis. Koumontzis wrapped around the entire offensive zone with the puck before hustling through the slot and firing a shot, opening up an opportunity for Theisen to score on the rebound.
  • Jordan Sandhu scored a shorthanded goal at 17:45, his first collegiate shortie, bringing the score to 6-2. 

GAME NOTES

  • Friday night was the sixth time this season that ASU has over 30 shots through 60 minutes. The Sun Devils finished the night with XX. 
  • Colin Theisen is on a three-game point streak totaling five points in the last three matchups. 
  • Ben Kraws made his third consecutive start in net. 
  • Jordan Sandhu's shorthanded goal was the first of his collegiate career and his first goal of the season. 

UP NEXT
ASU (7-8-0) take on No. 12 Denver (9-4-0) on Saturday, Dec. 4 in the finale of the two-game series on Pac-12 Insider starting at 7:05 p.m. MST.

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