It was a rematch of Friday night's game, which ended in a 5-1 final in favor of the Wisconsin Badgers (2-3-3).
But this time, ASU hockey (3-6) kept it much closer. Saturday's contest went down to the wire—with a 2-1 deficit and under a minute remaining, the Badgers hit the side of ASU's empty net.
Then, freshman Jordan Masters took an outlet pass from Nicholas Gushue but his breakaway shot went wide right with about 15 seconds remaining, the final chance in a wild contest.
The Sun Devils ended the Wisconsin trip with a 2-1 loss and nothing to show for their efforts on Saturday at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin's Jedd Soleway scored the first goal just under four minutes into the game.
After more than 30 minutes of play, Masters brought the Sun Devils even with his fourth goal of the season. The goal followed a typical team trend this year because it was assisted on by two defensemen, Brock Krygier and freshman Jake Clifford—it was Clifford's first-career point.
But Wisconsin had an answer, and it was a quick one. Just three minutes after Masters pulled ASU even, Seamus Malone gave the Badgers the 2-1 lead with his second goal of the season.
Powers started Ryland Pashovitz, who finished Friday's game with 51 saves. On Saturday, he finished with 36 saves, and also of note was that the Badgers' second goal went off of his skate, a representation of how close the game was.
The Sun Devils showed signs of improvement Saturday. They were only outshot 36 to 28 and while they were unable to convert on any of their four power plays, they killed all three penalties.
ASU will get a week off before heading to Sault St. Marie, Minnesota, to play two games against Lake Superior State.
Related Links:
Pashovitz saves 51 as ASU hockey drops first in two-game set at Wisconsin, 5-1
Sun Devil hockey back on the road for two game set at Wisconsin
Reach the reporter at Justin.Toscano@asu.edu or follow @justintoscano3 on Twitter
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