Arizona State’s Artem Shlaine, right, battles Northern Michigan University captain Tanner Latsch for control of the puck as Shlaine, a player at NMU last season, sets up and earns an assist on a final empty-net goal in the waning seconds of their game played at the Berry Events Center in Marquette on Friday. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

fMARQUETTE — Despite standout goaltending from Ryan Ouellette and a determined penalty kill, the Northern Michigan University hockey team couldn’t overcome its offensive struggles as Arizona State eked out a 3-1 victory on Friday night at the Berry Events Center.

“I thought we deserved it when it was 1-1, but we weren’t able to capitalize and make that extra push and take advantage of the momentum that we had,” Wildcats head coach Dave Shyiak said.

The Sun Devils finished with a big 40-17 shots on goal edge, continuing Northern’s trend of being outshot in every game this season.

When asked about the recent high shot counts against his team, Shyiak said the team defense needs to continue improving.

“It’s one of those things where you got an experienced group,” he said. “But as I mentioned, a lot of (the Arizona State shots came) from the outside. They weren’t caused from a ‘D’ zone structure. They were caused from not managing the puck.

“So that’s been continued with our group, and that’s been certainly addressed, and that’s what we’re going to try to improve on, day by day and game by game.

“Our penalty kill was strong tonight, and Ouellette was outstanding, but we need to build on that and make those defensive efforts lead to more chances on offense.

“Our guys did some good things, but they got 11 guys that have a lot of college games, and we’re inexperienced, and like I said we’re going to be up and down, but I’ll take that.

“But you always want a little bit more and find a way to dig in and win that one.”

The Sun Devils took control and kept the puck in front of Ouellette, who finished with 37 saves. ASU broke through with 7:10 left in the first period when Bennett Schimek netted a cross-crease shot.

The Wildcats responded a little over four minutes later when Anthony Cliche fired a shot from the blue line, tying the game 1-1 and giving NMU momentum heading into the second period.

Despite ASU leading in shots 10-7, the Wildcats held their ground with disciplined defensive play.

Northern’s defense continued to be tested in the second. Early on, an ASU shot was reviewed for a possible goal, but a no-goal call was upheld, keeping it tied. A slashing penalty against NMU’s Jakub Altrichter led to an ASU power play, but the Wildcats’ penalty kill held firm, shutting down ASU’s chances.

In the latter stages of the period, NMU’s Medrick Bolduc was assessed a five-minute major penalty for charging after a hard hit on ASU’s Anthony Dowd, giving the Sun Devils a long power play almost through to the end of the period.

Ouellette and the Wildcats’ defense rose to the challenge, fighting off the extended man advantage to keep the Sun Devils from retaking the lead. ASU added another 14-4 shots advantage for a two-period total of 24-11, but the Wildcats stayed in the game with a gritty defensive effort.

As the third period unfolded, the teams battled fiercely for possession. But ASU continued to maintain an edge in shots, showcasing their offensive firepower. The Wildcats struggled to generate scoring opportunities, with their shot count stagnating since the first period. With 8:14 left, NMU earned a power play after the Devils’ Brasen Boser was called for holding, but the Wildcats failed to capitalize.

Then with just over three minutes remaining, ASU’s Ryan Kirwan broke the deadlock, scoring what proved to be the game-winner during a delayed penalty, putting the Sun Devils up 2-1.

NMU pushed back in the dying minutes, but the Sun Devils’ Benji Eckerle sealed the game with an empty-net goal in the final 10 seconds for the final two-goal margin.

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.