TEMPE – Oh Canada! Three Canadians put on a show in the desert as Sun Devil Hockey buried the Lindenwood Lions in an avalanche of goals to secure a commanding 8-2 victory on Friday night. Dylan (2G, 2A) and Ty Jackson (4A) and Lukas Sillinger (2G, 1A) combined for 11 points while leading ASU to the largest margin of victory in program history and two additional program-record tying benchmarks.
ASU's eight goals ties a program record for most Sun Devil goals scored in a game and its 53 shots on goal ties the program record for most SOG in a single game. The six goal differential tonight is a new program record for largest margin of victory.
The scoring blitz was aided by six different goal scorers with eight different Sun Devils tallying assists. The eight goals are the most since Nov. 28, 2020, against then-No. 14/15 Wisconsin.
The Sun Devils (14-18-0) scored three goals against the Lions (7-18-0) in the opening frame, the most in a period since Oct. 21, 2022, against Colorado College. The scoring frenzy continued in the middle frame as ASU notched four more. It's the first time that the Sun Devils have tallied four in a single period since Dec. 10, 2021, against then-No. 18 Clarkson.
Dylan Jackson achieved his first collegiate career two-goal game, adding two assists, for a four-point night. His partner in crime, Ty Jackson, achieved his fifth multi-point game in the maroon and gold. It's his second multi-assist game as a Sun Devil, but the program's first four-assist game since James Sanchez, who achieved the feat against Wisconsin on Feb. 21, 2020. Additionally, Sillinger added two goals for his fourth career multi-goal game.
Robert Mastrosimone (1G, 1A) and Ryan O'Reilly (1G, 1A) both had multi-point games to contribute to the historic night.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Period:
The penalty kill unit was successful for the Sun Devils after nullifying a Lindenwood power play in the opening three minutes of the game. Immediately when play returned to full strength the ASU offense saw many opportunities in front of the net, and capitalized off a deflection as Lukas Sullinger put away his eighth goal of the season for the Sun Devils to lead, 1-0. He was assisted by twins Ty and Dylan Jackson
After the goal, the Sun Devils enjoyed two power play opportunities within a five-minute span, but Lindenwood defended successfully to keep the game within one.
About five minutes remained in the opening frame and the Sun Devils remained on the prowl in the Lions' zone. Ryan O'Reilly knocked in his seventh goal of the season to double the Sun Devil lead, 2-0, with 5:17 remaining.
Inside the final two minutes of play ASU took advantage of its third power play in 20 minutes. Dylan Jackson snuck in his eighth goal of the year after silky passes from Ty Jackson (9A) and Lukas Sillinger (12A).
Second Period:
The ferocious Sun Devil offense attacked the Lions from the beginning of the second frame. The Mastrosimone magic continued at Mullett as he smacked his team-leading 10th goal of the year, assisted by team captain Josh Doan (16A) to give ASU a commanding 4-0 lead.
Without giving the Sun Devil faithful a chance to sit back in their seats, 32 seconds passed until Sillinger sent his second goal of the night past the Lions netminder, extending the ASU lead to 5-0. He was once again assisted by the Jackson twins, who combined for six assists on the night.
Lindenwood thought it had scored its first goal but a successful ASU challenge revoked it. Seconds later, Lindenwood managed to put the puck in the net to make it 5-1 with eight minutes remaining.
After their goal, the Lions were immediately down a man due to a penalty call, their sixth of the game. Ryan Alexander got in on the scoring action with his ninth goal of the year, assisted by Mastrosimone (21A) and Tim Lovell (10A), who returned to the lineup after missing eight games.
Inside the final three minutes, Ty Murchison lit the lamp on a nice coast-to-coast two-on-one effort with an assist from Ryan O'Reilly. It is Murchison's first goal since the season opener on Oct. 7, 2022 at Bemidji State. O'Reilly was able to notch his seventh assist of the season and obtain his first multi-point game since Dec. 3, 2022 against then-No.1 Denver.
Third Period:
On two separate occasions, the Sun Devils thought they scored, but officials ended up reversing both calls.
Lindenwood scored its second goal of the night to make it 7-2 during four-on-four play.
With four-on-four still in effect after the Lions' goal, the Sun Devils responded 40 seconds later as Dylan Jackson scored again. ASU's eighth goal of the game ties a program record for most ASU goals scored in a single game. Ethan Szmagaj joined the points party and earned his ninth assist.
UP NEXT:
Arizona State will look for the Sweep over Lindenwood at Mullett Arena at 7 p.m. MST. Coverage can be seen on ASU Live-Stream-3 and heard on FOX SPORTS 910, the home of Sun Devil hockey.
QUOTES:
Arizona State Head Coach Greg Powers:
On power play:
"We had two (power play goals) today, which is great. We got two up in Alaska, so it's coming back. With Timmy (Lovell) back on, it was huge. He had jump, you could tell he was excited to be back out there with his teammates and we are excited to have him. (Demetrios) Koumontzis has been great for us in the back and we kept him back there. Having those two guys out there gives us so much offense from the back end and the ability to put teams on their heels, and they did that tonight. And then it gets contagious. Guys like (Jack) Judson and (Jacob) Semik are jumping into the play and (Ethan) Szmagaj and (Ty) Murchison. Murchison had a goal tonight. They're throwing pucks on net. It gets contagious and it gives that confidence to our entire team."
On the second line and seeing them more:
"They have been together for 6, 7, 8 games now. They've been together and I've kept them together because they have been generating. They've been generating so many chances and up in Alaska, (Lukas) Sillinger could have had four goals on that Friday night, their goalie just stole a few from him and played really well. So he has really been generating, they all have, and tonight they had some pucks go in and he is at nine goals on the season and counting, so that is good."
On the aggressiveness in game:
"The guys played hard, it is something that we emphasize every day. It's just compete, play hard, skate, finish checks, stay above pucks. Tonight we did it for the most part. But, the last 10 minutes, I think it got away from them a little bit. But it's also tough to do when you are up 8-2. Guys start to get away from what's working. But I thought we played the right way for about 50 minutes tonight and got rewarded."
Ty Jackson
On their dynamic line tonight:
"I thought we were skating really well, I think that was the biggest thing. We were winning our puck battles. I know Sillinger loves to make plays out there and same with Dylan (Jackson). I just try to get some space and move my legs and usually they'll find me. I think we were just clicking tonight."
On the win tonight:
"I thought tonight, especially after last weekend off, we really got our legs back. The travel can be tough playing here at ASU because we're all over the place… that week off helped us."
On getting a win tomorrow:
"Coach always says "play the full 60" and tonight in our third period we kind of got away from it a little bit, so we need to make sure we get off to that good start again. That's the biggest thing. just get out to that good start and score that first goal, get some shots on net, and move our legs."
On the goals coming in bunches:
"Hopefully a confidence booster tonight. Like Dylan (Jackson) said… to get a night like this in, is definitely a confidence booster for a lot of the guys."
On getting some power play goals:
"Definitely a lot of work this week. Units have changed quite a bit throughout the year which makes sense because we haven't been consistent, but I think this unit that we played with tonight, we've played with for a couple of weeks now so we're starting to figure out what each other's tendencies are and are starting to click better."
Dylan Jackson
On getting a win tomorrow:
"Just stick with it. I think we were off to a really good start, so just trying to do that again."
On the goals coming in bunches:
"We tried to score a little bit, so it feels good (getting the program-record eight goals) and I think it helps when lots of guys on the team today were scoring."
On getting some power play goals:
"It felt good. We were working a lot on it this week, so I think that helps."
On leaning on the PK:
"I think we can trust them a lot. They always get the job done. They've been blocking a ton of shots. It's great seeing them do that, but it gives us energy too."
ASU's eight goals ties a program record for most Sun Devil goals scored in a game and its 53 shots on goal ties the program record for most SOG in a single game. The six goal differential tonight is a new program record for largest margin of victory.
The scoring blitz was aided by six different goal scorers with eight different Sun Devils tallying assists. The eight goals are the most since Nov. 28, 2020, against then-No. 14/15 Wisconsin.
The Sun Devils (14-18-0) scored three goals against the Lions (7-18-0) in the opening frame, the most in a period since Oct. 21, 2022, against Colorado College. The scoring frenzy continued in the middle frame as ASU notched four more. It's the first time that the Sun Devils have tallied four in a single period since Dec. 10, 2021, against then-No. 18 Clarkson.
Dylan Jackson achieved his first collegiate career two-goal game, adding two assists, for a four-point night. His partner in crime, Ty Jackson, achieved his fifth multi-point game in the maroon and gold. It's his second multi-assist game as a Sun Devil, but the program's first four-assist game since James Sanchez, who achieved the feat against Wisconsin on Feb. 21, 2020. Additionally, Sillinger added two goals for his fourth career multi-goal game.
Robert Mastrosimone (1G, 1A) and Ryan O'Reilly (1G, 1A) both had multi-point games to contribute to the historic night.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Period:
The penalty kill unit was successful for the Sun Devils after nullifying a Lindenwood power play in the opening three minutes of the game. Immediately when play returned to full strength the ASU offense saw many opportunities in front of the net, and capitalized off a deflection as Lukas Sullinger put away his eighth goal of the season for the Sun Devils to lead, 1-0. He was assisted by twins Ty and Dylan Jackson
After the goal, the Sun Devils enjoyed two power play opportunities within a five-minute span, but Lindenwood defended successfully to keep the game within one.
About five minutes remained in the opening frame and the Sun Devils remained on the prowl in the Lions' zone. Ryan O'Reilly knocked in his seventh goal of the season to double the Sun Devil lead, 2-0, with 5:17 remaining.
Inside the final two minutes of play ASU took advantage of its third power play in 20 minutes. Dylan Jackson snuck in his eighth goal of the year after silky passes from Ty Jackson (9A) and Lukas Sillinger (12A).
Second Period:
The ferocious Sun Devil offense attacked the Lions from the beginning of the second frame. The Mastrosimone magic continued at Mullett as he smacked his team-leading 10th goal of the year, assisted by team captain Josh Doan (16A) to give ASU a commanding 4-0 lead.
Without giving the Sun Devil faithful a chance to sit back in their seats, 32 seconds passed until Sillinger sent his second goal of the night past the Lions netminder, extending the ASU lead to 5-0. He was once again assisted by the Jackson twins, who combined for six assists on the night.
Lindenwood thought it had scored its first goal but a successful ASU challenge revoked it. Seconds later, Lindenwood managed to put the puck in the net to make it 5-1 with eight minutes remaining.
After their goal, the Lions were immediately down a man due to a penalty call, their sixth of the game. Ryan Alexander got in on the scoring action with his ninth goal of the year, assisted by Mastrosimone (21A) and Tim Lovell (10A), who returned to the lineup after missing eight games.
Inside the final three minutes, Ty Murchison lit the lamp on a nice coast-to-coast two-on-one effort with an assist from Ryan O'Reilly. It is Murchison's first goal since the season opener on Oct. 7, 2022 at Bemidji State. O'Reilly was able to notch his seventh assist of the season and obtain his first multi-point game since Dec. 3, 2022 against then-No.1 Denver.
Third Period:
On two separate occasions, the Sun Devils thought they scored, but officials ended up reversing both calls.
Lindenwood scored its second goal of the night to make it 7-2 during four-on-four play.
With four-on-four still in effect after the Lions' goal, the Sun Devils responded 40 seconds later as Dylan Jackson scored again. ASU's eighth goal of the game ties a program record for most ASU goals scored in a single game. Ethan Szmagaj joined the points party and earned his ninth assist.
UP NEXT:
Arizona State will look for the Sweep over Lindenwood at Mullett Arena at 7 p.m. MST. Coverage can be seen on ASU Live-Stream-3 and heard on FOX SPORTS 910, the home of Sun Devil hockey.
QUOTES:
Arizona State Head Coach Greg Powers:
On power play:
"We had two (power play goals) today, which is great. We got two up in Alaska, so it's coming back. With Timmy (Lovell) back on, it was huge. He had jump, you could tell he was excited to be back out there with his teammates and we are excited to have him. (Demetrios) Koumontzis has been great for us in the back and we kept him back there. Having those two guys out there gives us so much offense from the back end and the ability to put teams on their heels, and they did that tonight. And then it gets contagious. Guys like (Jack) Judson and (Jacob) Semik are jumping into the play and (Ethan) Szmagaj and (Ty) Murchison. Murchison had a goal tonight. They're throwing pucks on net. It gets contagious and it gives that confidence to our entire team."
On the second line and seeing them more:
"They have been together for 6, 7, 8 games now. They've been together and I've kept them together because they have been generating. They've been generating so many chances and up in Alaska, (Lukas) Sillinger could have had four goals on that Friday night, their goalie just stole a few from him and played really well. So he has really been generating, they all have, and tonight they had some pucks go in and he is at nine goals on the season and counting, so that is good."
On the aggressiveness in game:
"The guys played hard, it is something that we emphasize every day. It's just compete, play hard, skate, finish checks, stay above pucks. Tonight we did it for the most part. But, the last 10 minutes, I think it got away from them a little bit. But it's also tough to do when you are up 8-2. Guys start to get away from what's working. But I thought we played the right way for about 50 minutes tonight and got rewarded."
Ty Jackson
On their dynamic line tonight:
"I thought we were skating really well, I think that was the biggest thing. We were winning our puck battles. I know Sillinger loves to make plays out there and same with Dylan (Jackson). I just try to get some space and move my legs and usually they'll find me. I think we were just clicking tonight."
On the win tonight:
"I thought tonight, especially after last weekend off, we really got our legs back. The travel can be tough playing here at ASU because we're all over the place… that week off helped us."
On getting a win tomorrow:
"Coach always says "play the full 60" and tonight in our third period we kind of got away from it a little bit, so we need to make sure we get off to that good start again. That's the biggest thing. just get out to that good start and score that first goal, get some shots on net, and move our legs."
On the goals coming in bunches:
"Hopefully a confidence booster tonight. Like Dylan (Jackson) said… to get a night like this in, is definitely a confidence booster for a lot of the guys."
On getting some power play goals:
"Definitely a lot of work this week. Units have changed quite a bit throughout the year which makes sense because we haven't been consistent, but I think this unit that we played with tonight, we've played with for a couple of weeks now so we're starting to figure out what each other's tendencies are and are starting to click better."
Dylan Jackson
On getting a win tomorrow:
"Just stick with it. I think we were off to a really good start, so just trying to do that again."
On the goals coming in bunches:
"We tried to score a little bit, so it feels good (getting the program-record eight goals) and I think it helps when lots of guys on the team today were scoring."
On getting some power play goals:
"It felt good. We were working a lot on it this week, so I think that helps."
On leaning on the PK:
"I think we can trust them a lot. They always get the job done. They've been blocking a ton of shots. It's great seeing them do that, but it gives us energy too."