The Cyclone hockey team seemed confident heading into last weekend’s games against Oklahoma.

However, two one-goal losses left the Cyclones with a .500 record and a “Black Monday” of practice, focusing on sprints and conditioning while rarely handling the puck.

“We have stressed conditioning — that is our number one thing being addressed in practice,” said coach Al Murdoch. “Number two is puck control. We need to get our passing better.”

The young squad is still trying to get its chemistry down, but better team play comes with experience. With six games under its belt, Murdoch’s team is 3-3. But considering that it has played most of the upper-echelon teams in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, Murdoch is cautiously content.

“In the past, we’ve played soft teams in the beginning of the season,” Murdoch said. “This year, we’ve had some good competition. I’d rather be 3-3 against good teams than 6-0 against soft teams.”

Scoring has been balanced so far this season. Senior captain Cort Bulloch sits with two other veterans atop the leader board. However, freshman Jake Flynn is among three rookies that follow in points.

“I like the scoring from all four lines,” Bulloch said. “The young guys can score, and that is good.”

The young team will have to try everything it can this weekend when Arizona State rolls into town for a two-game series.

The Sun Devils are coming off a two-game sweep of Arizona. The Cyclones are looking to bounce back on the winning track, and that starts with playing smart.

“We have to tighten up our discipline,” Bulloch said. “We have to focus on not taking many penalties, which should help us get back to our winning ways.”

Penalties and special teams are always a big part of a game’s outcome. But one thing in particular had Murdoch’s attention.

“Puck possession will be huge,” Murdoch said. “I believe whoever wins the battle of possession will probably win. Every second makes a difference.”

Murdoch also said winning individual races to the puck is crucial to a Cyclone victory. Bulloch, considered a hard worker by his coach, expects a lot of bodies to be thrown around.

“We have to play the body well,” Bulloch said. “Playing physical and finishing every hit is key to turning the ship around.”

Murdoch knows what the Sun Devils will bring to Ames come Friday night.

“They are a well-coached, physical team,” Murdoch said. “They have taken in some NCAA transfers, so their maturity level is high. It will be a good battle this weekend.”

Both Bulloch and Murdoch know it’s early in the season, but the long-tenured coach understands that the level of play by his team needs to improve.

“It’s time for us to win,” Murdoch said. “We don’t want to get behind the eight ball. I am looking for 60 minutes of good, quality hockey out of my players.”

Puck drops for the first game against the Sun Devils at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. The second game follows Saturday at the same time and location.