In the first period of Friday's game, ASU forward Eric Rivard and defender Gianni Mangone as well as UA’s forward Griffen Dyne and forward Mike Adamowicz received two minutes for roughing. ASU beat UA 4-1 on Oct. 10, 2014. (Photo by Mario Mendez)It's safe to say that ASU coach Greg Powers has dominated rivals UA in his coaching career.
No. 1 ASU (22-2) won again, beating No. 20 UA (9-10-3) 3-1 Saturday night to move to 43-1 all-time in the Cactus Cup under Powers.
After allowing ASU to jump out to an early 3-0 lead on Friday, UA goaltender Garrett Patrick came out strong in picking up 16 saves in the opening period.
Both sides generated strong opportunities in the opening period, with ASU controlling most of the possession. Neither team, however, was able to put the final shot in as the first period ended scoreless.
ASU thought they had a goal in the opening minutes of the second period as senior forward Liam Norris' deflection went past Patrick. However, the goal was waved off by officials for a high stick.
The Sun Devils kept up the attack as the period continued, as sophomore forward Michael Cummings finally got ASU on the board off the assist from freshman forward Mak Barden with 11:32 left in the period.
ASU converted again with 6:16 left in the second, as senior forward Liam Norris found a wide open teammate in freshman defenseman Ed McGovern, who knocked in the power play goal to make it 2-0.
Powers and Co. continued the pressure for the rest of the period, with sophomore forwards Kory Chisholm and Sean Murphy each narrowly missing on breakaway attempts in the final minutes.
ASU added onto the lead five minutes into the final period, converting again on the power play as sophomore defenseman Drew Newmeyer had his shot deflected into the net by Norris.
UA didn't go out without a fight, however, taking advantage of several ASU penalties to eventual convert on a power play after UA forward Alex O'Dea's shot got past ASU sophomore goaltender Robert Levin.
Despite several opportunities in the closing minutes, UA could not inch closer to the ASU lead.
ASU's next game is a charity event against Phoenix Coyotes alumni on Jan. 2nd at Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe. Puck drop is expected to be at 7:30 p.m.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- ASU's 22-2 first semester is the second-best start in school history. The team went 23-0-0 in the first semester of the 2013-14 season. ASU ends the first semester 6-1 in WCHL play.
- Despite Garrett Patrick's strong opening period, he gave up three goals to ASU for the second consecutive night.
- Over the four Cactus Cup games this season, ASU has outscored UA 17-2.
- ASU sophomore defenseman Connor Schmidt and UA forward Robbie Wilkinson were both suspended for Saturday's game for their involvement in an altercation during ASU's 6-0 win Friday.
- This was the final game for ASU before a month-long holiday break. After the break, ASU expects the return of sophomore forwards Patrick Yudez and Ryan Ostertag and freshman defenseman Gianni Mangone from injury, as well as the return of senior forward Faiz Kahn.
THREE STARS:
Third Star: Alex O'Dea, UA (one goal)
Second Star: Robert Levin, ASU (1 GA)
First Star: Liam Norris, ASU (one goal, one assist)
Reach the reporter at fardaya@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @fardaya15
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