The single goal of the night came in the third period to back up freshman goaltender Samuel Urban’s 37-save night—securing his first career shutout and third-straight win as a starter.
Heading into Saturday’s game, Arizona State was smack dab in the middle at fifth place in the NCHC standings with 14 points (4-6-1), (6 points behind number 4 Western Michigan).
On Saturday they looked to gain some much-needed ground in the division and split the series with last place Miami (10 points 3-6-2 in conference).
Miami’s powerplay got its first opportunity just four minutes in, despite the RedHawks powerplay registering five shots on goal, ASU freshman goalie Samuel Urban held strong keeping the game knotted at zero.
Shortly after the first kill, an after-play altercation put ASU sophomore Logan Morell in the box for roughing, resulting in another powerplay.
The RedHawk’s second powerplay opportunity amounted to nothing, keeping the game 0-0.
The first period ended scoreless, but eventful, with Miami leading in the shot department, 17-10.
Five minutes into the second period Miami’s right winger Nicholas Mikan, drilled a defenseless Sun Devils captain Kyle Smollen into the boards resulting in a five-minute major for boarding.
A five-minute Devils powerplay saw five-shots on goal, but nothing got past Miami sophomore goalie Matteo Drobac.
After 40 minutes of play both teams remained deadlocked at 0, Miami having 26 shots to ASU’s 22.
With 8:46 left in the game, ASU’s third line created a three on two rush and finished with a backdoor backhand from sophomore Noah Powell, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead.
The RedHawks pulled the goalie in the last two minutes to get the extra attacker on the ice.
With 19 seconds left, Miami lost their man advantage, as defenseman Vladislav Lukashevich went to the penalty box for tripping.
The Sun Devils power play ran out the clock and the Sun Devils completed the shutout.
The third star was ASU freshman Sam Alfano, who had the primary assist on Noah Powell’s goal.
The second star was Noah Powell who scored the game winner.
The first star was freshman Goalie Samuel Urban with a 37-save shutout.
Postgame, head coach Greg Powers praised his defense and goaltending.
“Our goal was to give up less than two a game this weekend and we did that, if you would’ve told me that we gave up one in regulation both days, I would’ve thought it would be a 6-point weekend, but we’ll take the 4-point weekend,” Powers said.
The regulation win moves ASU to 17 points and 5-6-1 record in conference play.
ASU has two weeks to prepare for their next series, at home vs North Dakota.
