Second-ranked Michigan swept top-ranked Denver at Magness Arena, winning 4-1 on Friday and 4-3 on Saturday to stay perfect at 6-0-0. It was the first regular-season meeting between the programs since 1981 and the first since Denver beat the Wolverines in double overtime in last April’s national semifinals. Denver, which raised its championship banner before Friday’s game, is 2-2-0.
Standouts
Jack Ivankovic made 60 saves on 64 shots over the two nights, with Denver outshooting Michigan 64-45 for the weekend. Jayden Perron scored in both games and has nine goals in six games. Michael Hage had two assists Saturday, including on Asher Barnett’s late winner. Malcolm Spence scored twice Friday, and six different Wolverines scored across the series.
What changed
Friday was a three-goal cushion that Denver only dented late. Saturday was tighter: the Pioneers scored first, went 2-for-6 on the power play, and erased a two-goal deficit before Barnett’s goal at 15:07 of the third. Landon DuPont returned from injury Saturday and assisted on Adam Valentini’s power-play goal. Penalties remained a concern; Denver had 12 power plays over the weekend.
What’s next
Michigan hosts No. 6 Western Michigan, also unbeaten, on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena.
Game recaps: Michigan at Denver (Oct. 16) and Michigan at Denver (Oct. 17).
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