Schifsky's hat trick leads Michigan to a dominant win over Arizona State

» Garrett Schifsky scored three goals, including two shorthanded goals.
» Logan Stone He secured the victory by making 35 saves and firing 36 shots.
» Mark Estapa recorded one assist and won 15 of 21 faceoffs.

TEMPE, Arizona. – The 10th-ranked University of Michigan hockey team defeated Arizona State 4-1 on Friday night (Oct. 11) to open a non-conference weekend at Mullett Ice Arena. Garrett Schifsky played for UM with his first career hat trick.

Netminder Logan Stone made 35 saves on 36 shots he faced to secure his first win in maize and blue.

The teams played a balanced first half until Schifsky broke between the markers and opened the scoring for the visitors with a goal with 1:42 left. Josh Eernisse received the only assist on Schifsky's opponent after he took advantage of a moody clearance attempt around the boards to intercept the puck at the center wall and fired a pass out to Schifsky for a one-timer from space.

After 20 minutes of play, Michigan went into the locker room with a one-goal lead. The Wolverines had a slim 13-12 advantage in shots on goal and a 13-11 edge in faceoff points.

In the first minute of the second period, Schifsky prevailed again, scoring a goal while shorthanded and increasing the lead to 2-0 just 47 seconds after the start of the quarter. Jackson Hallum scored the only assist on Schifsky's third goal of the young season. The quick tally gave him the third two-goal game of his career in his 44th collegiate game.

An ASU penalty at 1:24 gave the home team an early finish, setting up a brief four-on-four session before UM began its first power play of the weekend.

Michigan's special teams added a power play goal at 3:27 to make it 3-0. Michael Hage deflected a shot TJ Hughes The team scored its second power play goal of the year. Former Sun Devil Tim Lovell scored the second assist on Hage's tally, securing his first point in a Michigan sweater.

With one period left, Michigan's three-goal lead remained intact thanks to 40 minutes of strong defense and goaltending. UM maintained a 24-21 advantage in shots on goal, but both teams were evenly matched at 23 each.

With 5:32 minutes left in the third period, Arizona State was able to cut the lead to 3-1 on the power play and end Michigan's perfect start with the penalty shootout.

The Sun Devils pulled their goalie with two minutes to play in search of a goal to cut the deficit in half. The ASU power play got another chance with 1:52 left when Hallum was sent off for hooking while defending against the extra attacker.

Despite playing two players behind, Schifsky scored an unanswered goal with 80 seconds left in the opening game of the series, making it 4-1. Mark Estapa picked up his first point of the season by assisting Schifsky's hat-trick goal.

At the final whistle, the Wolverines moved to 2-1 on the season with the three-goal victory, their second straight game resulting in a 4-1 victory. ASU added a flurry of shots in the final frame and ultimately prevailed 36-33. Michigan continued its strong play in the faceoff department and finished the night with a 34-29 lead.

On Saturday night (October 12), the Wolverines will look to end their series with the Sun Devils on a high note. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. MST and the game will be broadcast live on NCHC.tv.