No. 19 ASU hockey found late heroics once again on the east coast. The Sun Devils completed a series sweep over the Princeton Tigers with a 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday night.
Senior forward Jake Clifford came through in the clutch on his birthday. With five minutes winding down in the extra period, freshman defenseman Josh Maniscalco sent a shot toward the net and Clifford was in perfect position to tuck in the rebound.
“That is poetic justice is what happened out there with Cliff,” ASU head coach Greg Powers said. “It’s his birthday today and he’s been through a lot of ups and downs as we’ve grown, and for him to have this big moment on his birthday in his senior year is a good moment for him.”
🚨Alternate behind-the-net view of @cliff_show's game winner. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/YVpFpotijv
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) December 9, 2018
It was also a nice birthday gift to Powers who happens to shares the date with Clifford.
The Sun Devils (12-6) got off to a hot start just like they did on Friday night. Co-captain Brinson Pasichnuk converted on a power-play opportunity for his seventh goal of the season. The junior finished the weekend with three points.
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ASU’s defensemen were able to provide some opportune production. As the first period neared its end, sophomore Jacob Wilson found the back of the net to make it 2-0 for his second goal on the year.
Princeton (3-8-1) wasn’t going to go down without a fight on their home ice in Hobey Baker Memorial Rink. The Tigers found ways to beat junior goaltender Joey Daccord twice just two minutes apart early in the second frame.
The first came from Ryan Kuffner only nine seconds into the second period. Then, the Tigers were finally able to capitalize on the power play with a quality shot from Max Veronneau as he knotted the game up at two apiece.
In the final frame, neither team was able to break the tie despite some strong chances from both sides. Overtime was needed to settle things and it gave Clifford the spotlight.
THE OTHER BIRTHDAY BOY WITH THE GAME WINNER & 🔱! pic.twitter.com/0FbxOJMX9a
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) December 9, 2018
Daccord had another stout performance as he denied 36 shots to help ASU come out on top. it was the second road sweep of the season for the Sun Devils.
ASU is now 3-0 in games that go to overtime this season. And interestingly enough, each win has been on the road against an east coast school (Princeton, Harvard, Penn State).
The Sun Devils get to come back home for the first time in over a month as they host Colorado College for a two-game series at Oceanside Ice Arena. Puck drop is scheduled at 7:05 MST for both games.