SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.– Freshman Joe Lappin knew the goals were coming. He had 23 shots on goal for the season and only one goal. Sooner or later, the puck would have to bounce his way.
It did in a big way Friday night, netting two goals, including the game-winner in a 3-2 victory of Lake Superior State in front of 1,978 at Taffy Abel Ice Arena.
"Great effort by our guys again led by some young kids that just really stepped up," head coach Greg Powers said. "I had a talk with Lapp about finding a way to get us more production and he did just that. We'll enjoy this one until we get on the bus and it's back to work for tomorrow."
Both teams traded zeroes in the first before Lake Superior State broke through just shy of the midway point in the second period. The goal seemed to wake up the Sun Devils, who responded with two in the following six minutes. First freshman Ryan Stevens took a puck down the right-wing side and barrelled through defenders before sneaking it by the Lakers' goalie, his first goal of the season. Joe Lappin hit his first of the game just over two minutes later.
Arizona State kept the pressure on to begin the the third, with a perfect draw play, from Matt Kennedy to Jordan Masters to Lappin, who gave the Sun Devils a 3-1 lead.
Lake Superior State got one back at the 3:41 mark of the third, but even an empty net late in the game could not help the Lakers get the third goal they needed.
Freshman Ryland Pashovitz started in net, the fourth consecutive road game that he got the call. Once again he rose to the challenge, allowing two goals and making 24 saves on the night.
Arizona State improved to 2-1 against the WCHA conference this season. The Sun Devils will look to complete the sweep Saturday at 5:07 MT/7:07 ET.