ASU Hockey: Sun Devils welcome No. 1 Ohio State to Tempe

After sweeping Alaska Fairbanks last weekend, the ASU hockey team hosts the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, a favorite to win the National Championship.

As a new college hockey program, you want to continually defy the odds and set new standards.

Inside the Arizona State Sun Devils players’ lounge is a framed table which reads “NCAA Division I Program Progress”. Five slots remain empty: First Home Sweep, First Winning Season, First NCAA Tournament Win, First NCAA Regional Championship and First National Championship.

Coach Greg Powers and the Sun Devils have filled one of those empty slots. With their first home sweep coming against Alaska Fairbanks this past weekend, the Sun Devils opened their most highly touted campaign to date.

However, Arizona State must continue forward as The Ohio State Buckeyes have landed in Tempe, with a significant number in front of their name: No. 1.

The Arizona State Sun Devils are looking to set a statement this weekend, with all of college hockey watching. This will be just the first of many of the star-studded teams the Devils will take the ice with this season.

If they hope for any result similar to last weekend’s, they will have to rise to the occasion and play a much tighter and more complete brand of hockey.

The Buckeyes roll into Tempe housing the most dynamic and terrifying offense college hockey has to offer led by Tanner Laczynski, Mason Jobst and Dakota Joshua.

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Laczynski, was an unstoppable force in the NCAA last year, posting 47 points in 41 games, en route to helping the Buckeyes reach the National Championship.

His speed and playmaking ability causes havoc for any defense, and no team is safe when he is on the ice. He will be looking to continue to put up better numbers each season as he enters his junior year and the Sun Devils will have to be aware whenever he is out there.

What could be more troubling for ASU than Laczynski being out on the ice? The prospect of him being paired with Joshua and Jobst.

Joshua has proven he is a monster to defend. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he plays a power game that the Sun Devils will have to keep in check.

The most important part of defending Joshua? Keeping him to the outside.

Arizona State’s blueline will have to contain him and angle him into the corners to avoid his strong moves and pushes towards the goal.

Mason Jobst, don’t let his size fool you. He is very, very dangerous. He plays a similar game to that of Sun Devils Forward, Demetrios Koumontzis.

He’s fast, versatile, dangerous in the offensive zone and most of all he hounds pucks, losing very few battles. Jobst will provide the Sun Devils with very little time to make a decision with the puck and will make them pay for it if they cough it up.

Arizona State will have to be much better in their own end with these three Buckeyes leading the way.

The Sun Devils will have to ensure they maintain their defensive assignments and aren’t caught running around. It didn’t come back to bite them against UAF, but OSU will be sure to capitalize on any chance Arizona State gives them.

Although, this Ohio State team may be dangerous on the offensive end, they have a glaring weakness in their defense, a weakness that cost them a national championship.

The Sun Devils will have to look to capitalize on the Buckeyes mishaps on defense. OSU does have a strong goalie in senior Sean Romeo, but with the offensive prowess and talent on ASU’s offense, they should not have problems putting pucks by Romeo.

If Arizona State hopes to pull off one or both upsets this weekend, and really put themselves in the NCAA spotlight, they need their depth to be on display.

ASU will need their skilled freshman to play well and use their skill and speed to create scoring chances for themselves. Whilst, relying on Joey Daccord to continue to be the best player for this team, and lead them in an upset over No. 1 Ohio State.

The Arizona State Sun Devils will have their hands full this weekend, for what is expected to be a packed house at Oceanside Arena.

The Sun Devils didn’t disappoint their home supporters last weekend and will look to do more of the same against a much better opponent.

Ohio State will be a tall task for this young Sun Devils team, but they need this challenge to assess where they are at as a program, and how they can continue to improve for the long stretch.

dark. Next. ASU Hockey: Q&A with Ohio State head coach Steve Rohlik

There is no question Arizona State will be able to contend this weekend. However, their ability to push OSU back on their heels and pull off an upset, will be up to how well Joey Daccord plays and how tight of a game ASU brings.