TEMPE, Arizona - Arizona State snapped a 1-1 tie on a point shot through traffic six minutes into the third period and held on for a 2-1 non-conference victory over Boston College on New Year's Eve at Mullett Arena to earn a weekend series split.
The Eagles dropped to 7-6-4 (5-3-3 HEA) and saw their unbeaten streak halted at five games (3-0-2). The Sun Devils improved to 10-11-0 to close out 2022.
BC finished the night with a 43-18 edge in shots on goal and ASU blocked another 23 Eagle attempts. TJ Semptimphelter made 42 saves for the Sun Devils, who killed off all five Boston College power plays.
After a scoreless first, Arizona State took the lead at the 8:54 mark of the second period on the power play. Lukas Sillinger sent a pass inside the left faceoff dot for Josh Doan, who quickly snapped a low shot through the five-hole of Mitch Benson.
The Eagles equalized late in the middle frame on a 2-on-2 rush involving Colby Ambrosio and Nikita Nesterenko. The latter slipped a pass to the former just over the blue line and Ambrosio closed in on net before flipping a forehand shot into the roof of the net glove side.
Charlie Leddy collected the secondary assist on the tying tally at 17:21, which extended Nesterenko's career-high point streak to seven games.
ASU went back ahead for good six minutes into the third when Ethan Szmagaj sent a fluttering wrist shot from the right point into the net through a screen on Benson at the edge of the crease. The play was reviewed for goalie interference but the call on the ice stood.
BC out-shot Arizona State 17-1 in the third period and pulled Benson with 1:35 remaining in regulation, but the Eagles couldn't force overtime.
Boston College will face UMass at Frozen Fenway next Saturday at 6 p.m
