Mankato, Minn. --- #3 Minnesota State used a big third period in gaining a 5-0 win Saturday in completing a nonconference sweep over Arizona State.
The Mavericks erupted for four goals in the final period and got a perfect performance from sophomore netminder
Dryden McKay to down the visiting Sun Devils tonight.
The host Mavericks wasted no time jumping out to the early lead at the 2:43 mark in the first period. Junior winger
Dallas Gerads received a tap back pass from junior forward
Jared Spooner right in front of the net and thr rugged forward went top shelf, wiring his shot over the left shoulder of ASU netminder
Evan DeBrouwer.
Arizona State was called for a five-minute major and game misconduct penalty towards the end of the second period that extended to the third period and the Mavericks took full advantage in the final twenty minutes of action.
The Mavericks scored twice on the five-minute power play to extend the lead to 3-0 within the first two minutes of the period. Senior captain
Marc Michaelis one-timed a shot off the right post for the first goal and junior winger
Reggie Lutz went top shelf from the right face-off circle for the second. A pair of freshmen scored their first career goals to close out the scoring. Winger
Lucas Sowder scored at the five-minute mark after picking up a loose puck in the middle of the ice and beating DeBrouwer on his glove side. Forward
Ryan Sandelin cashed in on a power play opportunity, scoring off a rebound with 36 seconds remaining.
Minnesota State sophomore goaltender
Dryden McKay (2-0-0) had 14 saves in the game for his fifth career shutout. The Mavericks outshot the Sun Devils by a 44-14 margin in the contest with Minnesota State going three-for-nine on the power play and ASU going zero-for-five with the man advantage.
Along with the three power-play goals and two first career goals, Spooner, sophomore winger
Julian Napravnik and senior blueliner
Ian Scheid racked up two assists each.
The Mavericks will be back in nonconference home action next weekend with the University of North Dakota visiting Friday and Saturday.
Head coach
Mike Hastings commented following the game.
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