COLUMBUS, Ohio. – It's that time of year where you need to win in order to advance and the Panthers did just that tonight. Davenport defeated Arizona State 6-3 and are one of eight teams remaining in the ACHA National Championship. The Panthers struck first and last during this game, scoring two empty net goals in the third period.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score: Davenport 6, Arizona State 2
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Records: Davenport 27-7-1, Arizona State 20-10-0
 
GOALS PER PERIOD
1^st Period: DU-1, ASU-0
2^nd Period: DU-3, ASU-2
3^rd Period: DU-2, ASU-1
Final: DU-6, ASU-3
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-Davenport struck first in the opening period, with a goal by Ian Thompson in the 14^th minute of the period. He was assisted by Joey Ogden and Alyx Fonseca. The Panthers outshot the Sun Devils 19-7 during the period.
-In the second period both teams had their offense clicking as a combined five goals were scored. Davenport edged out Arizona State by scoring three goals compared to their two. Kody Polin, Jordan Simmonds and Alex Hulford all scored one goal to help DU take a 4-2 lead heading into the third period.
-The Sun Devils came out in the third period and made things interesting. They scored a goal in the ninth minute of the period and Davenport was holding onto a 4-3 lead. The Panthers notched two empty net goals in the last minute and a half to hold off the Sun Devils and advance in the tournament.
-Hulford led DU with two goals.
-Ogden was the leader in assists with two.
-Jason Rhynold played the whole game in the net and he recorded 20 saves.
 
UP NEXT
Davenport advances to the quarterfinals and will take on Adrian College Sunday at 5:00 p.m. The winner will advance to the semifinals that will be played on Monday.
 
Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Photo credit: UM-Dearborn Sports Information Department