ASU Hockey: Sun Devils take down Michigan State in a thriller

After a scoreless first period, ASU hockey (8-3-0) was able to defeat the Michigan State Spartans after two high octane periods of hockey.

It was not until six minutes left in the second period that freshman forward PJ Marrocco scored on a power play to put the Sun Devils on top.

His teammates followed suit, as ASU jumped out to a 2-0 lead after a first period that featured aggressive play with little results.

Then, here came Michigan State.

“We went up two and then, boom, you blinked and we were down 3-2,” said head coach Greg Powers.

Powers went on to credit sophomore forward Filips Buncis, as he took advantage of his opportunities.

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“Fil has done an unbelievable job. He got us a big assist on the first goal and he got us a big goal,” said Powers. “He was the unsung hero.”

The goal that Buncis scored tied the game 3-3 after a six goal period.

ASU faced adversity in a third period that featured intense college hockey.

“We made an adjustment there (in the third). I just felt like we needed to get some sort of spark going,” Powers said.

That adjustment included moving some players around.

“Gruber and Sandy (Jordan Sandhu) and Lemy (Austin Lemieux), I don’t think they played a shift together, even at practice,” Powers said. “It worked. They got two huge goals and put us on their backs.”

Freshman forward Jordan Sandhu scored his first collegiate goal this evening at the right time.

“We’re gonna make sure we’re getting behind them,” Sandhu said. “We’re gonna make sure we aren’t turning it over.”

ASU took a two score lead with under eight minutes to go, eventually winning the game 5-4.

However, the Sun Devils gave up another goal to the Spartans.

“These guys are learning what it takes to close out games,” Powers said. “Managing the puck, getting it in, not making any blind passes. That’s where we made some mistakes tonight.”

The game was unthinkable at times in the third, featuring large hits and even larger saves by senior goalie Joey Daccord.

Even though the team is young, ASU hockey managed to blank Michigan State for the rest of the contest.

The Sun Devils head into tomorrow’s matchup against the Spartans confident in their ability to be better.

“It’s just a structure thing. It’s easy,” Powers said. “It’s a good team and we’re gonna have to be way better tomorrow. I think our guys will be better.”

Next. ASU Hockey: Closer look at Penn State upset. dark

ASU squares off once again with Michigan State tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Oceanside Ice Arena.

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.