Hockey

Denver Tames the Lions 5-0

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University of Denver Hockey (15-4-0, 8-2-0) made it look easy Friday night at Magness Arena, dominating Lindenwood University (4-11-0) while coasting to a 5-0 win. DU scored in every period and goalie Matt Davis earned the shutout. Denver created 34 shots on goal on a number of open-ice opportunities to the Lions 19 shots for the game. This one never felt in doubt.

Denver doubled up the Lions on shots during the first period, 12-6.  DU took their time before finding pay dirt on the powerplay at 12:51 as Kyle Mayhew nailed a slap shot from the top of the key. His goal finally got Denver on the board. The teams skated scoreless for the next seven minutes until the end of the first period. Despite only a one-goal edge, the Pioneers were in full control.

The second period was more of the same as Denver outshot the visitors 12-8 but generated two more goals. Tristan Broz scored even-up at 4:15 to double the lead, 2-0. Denver had numerous clear looks at goaltender Roni Salmenkangas but he held DU at bay until 13 minutes later when Carter King drove the net and found twine, 3-0.

Carter Mazur found open ice and slapped in a goal to keep the party going early in the third period to build a 4-0 lead. Tristan Lemyre capped the easy win at 6:32 with his first collegiate goal and the Pioneers coasted from there.

Not much more to say about this game – it was a clinical win – the Denver speed and skill were just too much for the visitors.

The Pioneers face the Lions again Saturday at Magness Arena at 6:00 pm MT.

7 thoughts on “Denver Tames the Lions 5-0”

  3. My guess is that the team, when scheduling, was at risk of losing 3-4 players to World Juniors – they only lost Behrens. Or, maybe they wanted a bit of a breather inbetween the NCHC meat grinder.

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  4. If I remember correctly, Lindenwood is now Division I in hockey. They went through the same process as Arizona State. Brand new team to D-I, trying to build a brand and a fan base, and attract recruits. They are playing a quality schedule this year for sure–besides DU, they have already played Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Air Force, to name a few. They will play Vermont, UND, and ASU, among others, after the break. Great to see and great to see the sport growing. I wish them well.

    Anyway, nice showing by DU last night over a game but overmatched Lindenwood team. Pios controlled play for the most part, although LU had some nice shifts at times and did generate a few quality scoring chances. Nice to see Davis pitch the shutout.

    Last game before the break is tonight. Hopefully DU gets the W and puts a nice bow on the first half of the season.

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  5. The big reason this game is being played is money. Denver got an extra two games this year because the ice-breaker doesn’t count against your NCAA games played limit. That opened the door for an extra series, and it’s hard to get opponents for this mid December time slot, because of World Junior camps and holiday breaks – only a few games in college hockey this weekend. Enter Lindenwood. For DU, Figure 5,000 seats sold x $30 per seat average cost x 2 game series = $300,000 in ticket revenue alone, plus parking, food, & merchandise revenue. Probably $350,000 total revenue, minus game expenses and opponent guarantees/expenses. Probably about $300K in profit for DU for this two game series. Cha-ching.

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  6. I agree. Why Lindenwood?! We already play Arizona St. There are many, many Division I hockey schools. I suggest DU staff work a bit harder to get a better quality opponent!

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