Everything ASU Head Hockey Coach Dave Hakstol Said after Sunday's Loss to Denver in Tempe

A narrow overtime defeat

Arizona State lost 1-0 in overtime to the fourth-ranked Denver Pioneers on Sunday. The defeat completed a sweep for Denver on ASU’s home ice. Hakstol said the team should take pride in its performance and described it as progress toward the level he wants. He said the team is focused on winning in its league, not using opponents as measuring sticks.

Progress in defensive play

Hakstol said ASU struggled to move out of its defensive zone and through the neutral zone on Friday. On Sunday, he saw better movement and a more effective forechecking approach.

He also said the defensive-zone work was faster and harder than in the previous game. The team spent less time defending, which Hakstol said may have helped it stay fresher.

Penalty kill and goaltending

ASU did not get a power-play opportunity Sunday, but its penalty kill held Denver scoreless on four chances. Hakstol called the unit’s work outstanding. Hakstol praised Sam’s performance, saying the goalie handled difficult saves on rushes and helped the team reach overtime. He said Denver created more traffic in the third period, but Sam responded well.

Off week brings work ahead

Hakstol said he had not yet turned his attention to Minnesota-Duluth, which he called a highly skilled and well-coached team. He said ASU would use the off week to focus on its own goals before preparing for that matchup.

He identified conditioning as a priority, saying the team must be ready for more than 60 minutes of hockey and consecutive nights of play. Hakstol also plans to keep building the team’s structure and watch games around the NCHC.