TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State fell to UMass-Lowell, 4-0, after failing to capitalize on six power-play opportunities in their return to Oceanside Ice Arena on Friday night.
ASU (6-13-4) held the River Hawks (13-9-0) to a scoreless first period, putting on a defensive showcase as the Sun Devils killed UML's sole power-play of the game just five minutes into the competition.
"I thought we controlled the first pretty well, and then they outplayed us in the second," said head coach Greg Powers. "They're a veteran-laden, successful program."
The tale of lost opportunities during power-plays began in the first when ASU couldn't put anything together during either of their two advantages. Arizona State would have four more chances throughout the next 40 minutes but were kept off the scoreboard. The lack of capitalization ultimately would lead the Devils to their second shutout loss at Oceanside this season.
"We're going to pull a lot of positives from this game," said Powers. "We had some pushback, we were physical and had our feet moving, got pucks in behind in behind their defense and we were pretty effective."
After 26 minutes of scoreless play, UML landed on the scoreboard first with a slapshot from the left circle. Five minutes later, the River Hawks increased their lead to 2-0 going into the third period.
ASU's lines had several grade-A scoring chances to rally in the third but fell short of beating UML goaltender Tyler Wall.
The River Hawks had the last say when their leading goal scorer Kenny Hausinger collected two back-to-back goals in the third for his second multiple-goal game of the season.
Netminder Joey Daccord recorded his 11th night with 30-plus saves in the last 12 appearances.
Round two against the River Hawks is on Saturday night at Oceanside at 7:05 p.m..