ASU losing streak grows to 6 following loss to Omaha

TEMPE, Ariz –  Arizona State hosted Omaha at Mullet Arena Friday night. Following the loss against Omaha, ASU is now on a six-game losing streak.

Both teams were passionate about winning this game, but with multiple flaws along the way, it was clear that only one team had the drive to take it home. The Mavericks defeated the Sun Devils 4-2 after capitalizing on multiple Sun Devils’ mistakes. 

ASU’s challenging first-period

From the beginning of this game, the aggression on the ice was a staple tactic for both teams to apply pressure, highlighting how significant this win would be to either team.

Early into the game, ASU senior forward Cruz Lucius scored, putting ASU first on the board. Immediately after, freshman forward Marcus Nguyen made a quick turnaround for the Mavericks, which tied up the score. 

By the end of the first period, ASU had persistent offensive flaws and struggled to put the puck in the net despite multiple shot attempts. As well as playing more on the passive side after Omaha took a 2-1 lead, the Sun Devils found themselves staying bunched together just trying to make sure the Mavericks don’t score another goal.

As the second period progressed, energy from both teams dropped significantly, but as the clock ticked on, the tactics didn’t change. This game struggled to score because both teams focused mainly on defense.

ASU was unable to score any goals on power play, while Omaha scored two.

“We scored none, we lost by two,” head coach Greg Powers said.

ASU overall just seemed discouraged and even frustrated because no momentum seemed to form. Meanwhile, Omaha continued to try to extend its lead but repeatedly missed key shots.

As the second period came to a close, the score remained 2-1 in favor of Omaha. The second period for the Sun Devils really just showcased how a lack of teamwork and penalties can really stump a team.

You win some, and you lose some

In the third period, ASU struggled once again to find that momentum and turning point, as well as overall confidence in this game.

“They’re just not executing right now. And I think a lot of it’s confidence, they know that they’re struggling, and again, you know, these kids care. You know, it didn’t look like it tonight, but I know they do,” Powers said. 

Freshman forward Luke Woodworth secured yet another goal for the Mavericks, going up 3-1. This quick goal at the start of the final period really hurt the Sun Devils’ motivation to keep pushing. 

Cruise scored another goal causing the crowd to go wild. But as time ticked away, ASU just couldn’t find that constant groove, and the Mavericks continued to score goals, only widening the Sun Devils’ deficit, which ultimately caused ASU to fall short, resulting in a 4-2 defeat.  

“Hopfully tomorrow the process is right,” Powers said.

What’s next for ASU?

After ASU’s devastating 4-2 loss against Omaha, the Sun Devils will look to change that momentum going into Saturday. ASU and Omaha will finish their two-game weekend set at Mullett Arena on Saturday night at 5 p.m.