Kopperud Scores 2 Goals in 2nd Consecutive Game
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Arizona State men's ice hockey team put on a show early in the grudge match at Alaska Fairbanks on Friday night as Matthew Kopperud notched his second consecutive two-goal game. The sophomore and Hobey Baker award nominee ranks third in the nation in goal-scoring with 21 on the season.
ASU (15-17-0) led most of the game, 2-1, but a late Alaska (13-17-1) goal tied the match, 2-2, with 10 minutes remaining in the third period. The score remained knotted at the end of regulation to force overtime, which consisted of 3-on-3 play for five minutes until a goal causes sudden death. ASU put pressure on early in extra time but ultimately lost, 3-2.
ASU dominated the first frame, outshooting UAF: 12-9. Junior netminder Ben Kraws made his 21st start this season and backstopped the Sun Devils with big-time saves through two Nanook power play opportunities in the opening period. Kopperud's first goal capitalized on yet another power play chance to become his 12th PPG of the year as he continues leading the NCAA.
Slightly over 10 minutes after he lit the lamp for the first time, Kopperud tallied his second with assists from Josh Doan and Colin Theisen. It's the third time in the span of a month that Kopperud's notched a two-goal game. He secured the feat in the opening night at No. 1 Minnesota State on Jan. 28 and in game two against the Nanooks at home on Feb. 5. The Hobey Baker award candidate boasts five multi-goal games this season, including two-straight games with two goals.
NANOOKS KRYPTONITE ??
For the second time @Kopper303 has scored 2 goals in a game against Alaska ?? pic.twitter.com/4MFP8BYRfz
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) February 26, 2022
The second frame was riddled with penalties on both sides. Neither bench could catch the perfect chance, leaving the frame scoreless and ASU still in the lead, 2-1, heading into the third.
The Nanooks picked up speed, scoring the tying goal with 10 minutes left in regulation. In only ASU's second appearance in OT play this year, the Nanooks came away with the 3-2 win.
With an assist tonight, Doan extended his point-scoring streak to three games and stands third on the team in point-scoring with 34 (11G, 23A). Theisen boasts the second-most points on the Sun Devil squad with 37 (17G, 20A).
Kopperud's 38 points is tied for second in total points scored in a single-season with Johnny Walker's record set in 2019-20. James Sanchez holds the record with 40 points in 2019-20.
UP NEXT: ASU looks to split the series with Alaska Fairbanks in a Saturday night showdown, Feb. 26, starting at 9:07 p.m. MST on FloHockey.