Elimination looms as Arizona State drops weekend opener

Joe Camporeale-Imagn ImagesEntering Friday night, Arizona State had control of their own destiny, clinging to a slim chance to make the NCHC tournament as the No. 8 seed. That control was taken away, leaving the Sun Devils in a do-or-die situation in the final game of the regular season.

— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) February 28, 2026For the 4th straight game, the Sun Devils got on the scoreboard first. Sam Alfano took an excellent no-look pass from Noah Powell and fired it past goaltender Johnny Hicks at the 6:37 mark of the first period for the 1-0 lead, Logan Morrell credited with the secondary assist. The Sun Devils would hold that lead through the first intermission and for the…