Arizona State drops weekend opener to Minnesota-Duluth

Minnesota Duluth v Arizona State - NCHC Playoffs Game Two | Zac BonDurant/GettyImagesThere was plenty of pomp and circumstance as the game started on Friday night with Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin being recognized for coaching his 1,000th career game, all with the Bulldogs since being named head coach for the 2000-01 season.

Congratulations to head coach Scott Sandelin, who has OFFICIALLY now coached in 1,000 games at UMD! pic.twitter.com/wHvNM0wal0

— UMD Men's Hockey (@UMDMensHockey) December 13, 2025After the video montage, there was still an important conference game to be played, and the first period played out like a calculated chess match. The Bulldogs had the slight edge…