Denver hockey (7-4-0, 3-2-0 NCHC) returned to the friendly confines of Magness Arena Friday night and extended their home winning streak to seven with a win against the Miami Redhawks (2-8-1, 1-4-0).
One beneficiary of the victory was DU’s goaltender Magnus Chrona who had 25 saves. Coach David Carle continues to rely on Chrona, allowing him to regain his confidence and return to his freshman-season form. Chrona’s single goal allowed was on a Pioneer faceoff loss and point-blank snipe by the Redhawks. Otherwise, Chrona was rock solid on the night.
Three and a half minutes into the game, Carter Mazur put Denver in the lead, 1-0, when he found paydirt in the first period with assists from Cameron Wright and Massimo Rizzo.
The reigning Rookie of the Week won the puck along the end wall, circled around and found twine. A thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/pbWQCmPiqa
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) November 20, 2021
Five minutes later, the Redhawks countered with a faceoff win and immediately buried the puck at 8:32 of the first period to draw even with the Pioneers. The period ended 1-1.
The Pioneers took over the game in the second period.
Five minutes into the period, Denver scored off a faceoff-generated goal of their own when Massimo Rizzo jumped on a rebound to put Denver up 2-1 with assists from Shai Buium and Mike Benning.
Massimo is getting credit for the tally. Mike Benning and Shai Buium with the helpers. Rizzo now has 7 goals on the year. pic.twitter.com/WZcXR55Plr
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) November 20, 2021
Denver’s third tally, their second in the period, was scored by Carter Savoie. An official review of a potential crease violation was ruled a push so the goal stood. Denver controlled the entire second period with speed and precision as they generated numerous scoring opportunities.
Brett Stapley finished off the visitors at 7:47 of the third period with a doorstep dagger on the powerplay. Stapley camped by the crease and tucked away a pass from Shai Buium to put the game away.
Turn & shoot, Stapes! pic.twitter.com/kv9cD0PfWJ
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) November 20, 2021
A solid effort on both ends of the ice by the Pioneers.
The teams meet again Saturday night at 6:00 pm MT at Magness Arena.
Solid, and at times, dominating puck-possession offensive performance from the Pios, and a good outing from Chrona, too.
When those two things are working together, DU is tough to beat.
I liked DU’s game and effort overall last night. Miami looked overmatched for stretches and didn’t have much of answer. Hoping for the same result tonight.
This Miami program certainly appears to be in state of flux. The team I saw last night has some grinders but that’s about it. None of the top-end talent that program used to have on a regular basis.