Second-ranked Michigan beat top-ranked Denver 4-1 on Friday night at Magness Arena, spoiling the night the Pioneers raised their 11th national championship banner. Malcolm Spence scored twice, including an empty-net goal, and sophomore Jack Ivankovic made 27 saves as the Wolverines improved to 6-0-0. Denver fell to 2-2-0 in the first meeting between the teams since the Pioneers beat Michigan in double overtime in last season’s national semifinals.
How the goals came
Jayden Perron opened the scoring at 8:25 of the first period, his eighth goal of the season, with assists from Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen and Will Horcoff. Spence doubled the lead at 10:18 of the second, finishing at the back door off a setup from Henry Mews and Nick Moldenhauer.
Cole McKinney made it 3-0 at 7:47 of the third, from Drew Schock and J.P. Hurlbert. Kyle Chyzowski spoiled Ivankovic’s shutout bid at 16:19 with a power-play goal while Denver had an extra attacker, assisted by Jack Pridham and Clarke Caswell. Spence sealed it with an unassisted empty-netter at 18:21, his fourth goal of the season.
In goal and on special teams
Denver controlled the shot clock after the first period, outshooting Michigan 25-9 over the final 40 minutes and 28-20 overall. Ivankovic held up under the pressure, including through six Denver power plays; the Pioneers converted only once. Michigan went 0-for-2 with the man advantage and took eight penalties.
Tyler Krivtsov made 16 saves for Denver, which played without injured starting goaltender Johnny Hicks. Michigan was again without defenseman Landon DuPont, who is out with an injury, College Hockey News reported.
Coach Brandon Naurato told reporters his team had moved on from last April’s loss and was focused on its own game rather than revenge, per College Hockey News.
What’s next
The teams finish the series Saturday at 6 p.m. Mountain time (8 p.m. Eastern) at Magness Arena, streaming on NCHC.tv.
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