ASU Hockey: Sun Devils drop two in Wisconsin

(Photo: Gabrielle Mercer/WCSN)

Coming off back-to-back home wins against Southern New Hampshire, Arizona State was unable to build on the momentum, losing two consecutive games to the University of Wisconsin. Unlike their last road trip, the Sun Devils were able to net a goal in both games, but settled for just one in each contest. ASU now has a 3-6 record in NCAA play.

Wisconsin 5, Arizona State 1
After a scoreless first period, the Sun Devils grabbed the lead on Jordan Masters’ third goal of the season, which made him the team’s leading scorer. However, the good news would stop there, as the Badgers went on to score five unanswered goals.

Ryland Pashovitz faced a barrage of shots in his fifth start of the season in net. Altogether, 51 came his way, with progressively more in each period. Wisconsin goalie Matt Jurusik wasn’t under the same kind of pressure as Pashovitz. ASU managed just 18 shots in the entire game, making a comeback difficult due to the lackluster offensive attack.

As for some positive takeaways for the Sun Devils, three players – Jordan Masters, Joe Lappin, and Matt Kennedy – had a positive plus-minus. Masters also led the team with four shots in the game. On the other hand, he also committed two penalties, contributing to the nine on the day for ASU, as opposed to just five from Wisconsin.

Joey Raats did not record an assist in the game, marking the first time that he has yet to get one in a game in which the Sun Devils scored a goal.

The win was the first of the year for the Badgers after three losses and three ties to begin the season.

Wisconsin 2, Arizona State 1
ASU improved drastically on Halloween after its loss on the previous night. The Sun Devil defense was much better against the Badgers’ offensive attack, limiting them to 36 shots, 34 of which were saved by Pashovitz, who once again started in goal over David Jacobson and the injured Robert Levin.

Much like in the first game, Jordan Masters was the lone goal scorer for ASU. He had three of the team’s 26 shots against Jurusik. Garrett Peterson and Joey Raats led the team with four each.

Seamus Malone and Jedd Soleway each had two points in the win for Wisconsin. Malone and Grant Besse led Wisconsin with three points over the two games.

The physicality from the first game was not as present in the this contest, as there were just seven combined penalties from both teams in the game. ASU had six less than they did on Friday night.

The Sun Devils are now 0-6 on the road in NCAA play and have been outscored 24-7 in those games.

You can contact Jacob Janower via e-mail or on Twitter @JanowerJacob

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